Tubing Adventure!

We are more into the routine of school and the girls seem to be loving it.  We are more aware with each week how much the girls grow into young ladies.   Maggie almost 7 is no longer little to me.  Her expressions are changing, her communication is more mature and her questions are more specific.   She can understand the big things more and respond with what she knows.   In all that she makes us laugh!   Gracie is 10 wrapping up elementary school and I blink as if she was just in my arms requiring me for everything!  She is proactive in her studies turning in things early, doing well studying independently. She is learning how to navigate friendships and at times forgive friends who are finding their way just as she is and we are learning this is especially part of raising girls.     Most nights I sit back in awe of the girls and all the life they have to life.  All nights I pray over them for protection, there hearts remain pure, they have wisdom in their understanding and decisions, and above all they embrace that God made them uniquely who they are and has a very special purpose!

This girl has our hearts!  

Maggie and her puppy love!

a little Martial Arts 

Studying in Mommy and Daddy's bed!   

Maggie feels like big girl having homework (that will wear off but she does love it)

a little reading! 

The week is hard on B Dog 

Working from home some days has its advantages!   

We decided to go on a tubing adventure to Ellijay GA this weekend with some friends.  It was an adventure.  Someone once said tubing was "the most relaxing day of his life".... that was not the case for us this weekend but it was a memory for sure!   The waters had some class 2 rapids and 3 of the 4 adults and one child fell out.   One tub was defaulting and we left it behind putting two girls in one.   We likely would never go back there but would defiantly try tubing again somewhere else.   We would not trade the company or laughs for anything.   The Smith's are like family and we enjoyed the day together.  It is always more about the company and relationships than the circumstances.

Ready for the adventure with lots of spunk! 

my Bug! 

Maggie and Keaton! 

Anderson and Gracie 

The kids are ready! 

Martin and Smith families 

Maggie is ready to load 

I do not know if this is the end of the trip or beginning as her look was the same.  The middle was a blast!   She was not a fan of the bugs and was tired and hungry by the end! 

Happy girl feathered to Mommy! 

My hubby enjoying the ride!  He is one handsome man! 

A few times we were able to float together. 

This one was chill while Daddy worked hard to get us facing the right way. 

I love that we have family friends who love our girls so well!

Nicole you are such a dear friend to me! 

It almost looks like we would go again! 

Summer Wrap Up Movie Night!

This past Saturday we wrapped up Summer with a family movie night on the lawn.   Jimmy worked so hard to have it all perfect and it was great!  

Snacks are ready! 

Screen is up and the nights weather was perfect.  

Almost time to sit back and let the movie roll 

This woman!  I share so many hours of laughter, deep discussion, decisions, and friendship with her!  Derrica and I worked together at Suntrust for years before we both had kids.   She is so special to me and while we do not catch up often when we do it brightens my day!   

We also enjoyed a little longer with my parents before they headed back to Ohio.  We are counting down to seeing them at the beach for fall break!    It is always bitter sweet knowing we are where we are called to be but the reality that is far from our families.    We make the most of every moment!

A typical picture with these two silly girls!  

I am not sure we have a picture ever of my mom just me and Gracie.    The oldest daughter and oldest granddaughter.   

Sweet Silas snuggles!   We love having this little man in our lives! 

The girls first full week of school was great!   Both girls have gotten good nights of sleep and woken up well.  Gracie wakes up to her alarm and Maggie is working hard to get herself dressed timely without help.   As I look at the year I see our daughters who are confident in who they are, growing into sweet young ladies, and understand more each day their value is in Jesus.  

Sunday pic 

Sunday pic (her favorite dress currently and her hair "half way up")

Gracie was sporting this on Monday for Gjysh and KK! 

Trying out martial arts!  The girls were not too thrilled but we will try it a few more weeks.  

Life is better with a Bella! 

Morning snuggles! 

Sleepy girl! 

Happy 40th to this man!  I love you honey and am so blessed to walk through life with you and all that includes!   You are my balance, you make our house a home, and provide leadership for decisions!  

We took the girls to our favorite date night Italian restaurant, Boccocia.   It was close to school and we thought that would make for a fun night!   It was memorable! 

Maggie often just likes buttered noodles.  They hands down have the best! 

These silly girls.  This was Gracie's meal after she had eaten what she wanted!  it was huge!! 

Make a wish my love! 

 This weekend we hosted a Sip 'n See for the Thurman's who adopted Joseph immediately after birth. It has been such a few special weeks to hear their story and see their joy in parenthood.  They are rocking it!   I wish I had pictures of them and the shower, but the table was cute!   Kristen, Sofia, and Bekah threw it with me and we had fun planning and loving on Zach, Carmen and Joseph.

Silas came to the sip n see and Gracie enjoyed smudges while Ellie and Maggie played. 

Saturday afternoon homework and snuggles in bed!  This is my kind of Saturday.  This girl is doing great at 5th grade and has made the adjustment to the iPad well.   She is teaching us all a few things! 

Keaton, Anderson and Maggie waiting for dinner!  These kids were in daycare together.  The girls asked when the boys and their parents would spend the night proceeded by "they are like family... our cousins!".  They are like family!