Phone Pic

The littlest one doesn't know how drastically his days are about to change.

He is going to miss his big bros!

This is his "say cheese" face ;)
He got the hair net from a Costco worker behind the food counter. (an unused one ;)
We got lots of looks. He is such a nut.
Happy Friday! Yea for a long weekend.

Yeager Dog

If only it weren't blurry. So cute!

My sister's dog (at my parents house).
We all got together last weekend for dinner.

Post Vacation Blues

I would love to say we are having an incredible last week of summer vacation. Truth be told it has been pretty rotten. It seems we (the four of us at home during the day) have forgotten how to BE here. The beach and friends spoiled us rotten. We MISS our friends!
We are all getting on each others nerves. My brain is already thinking fall schedule and I am not enjoying them or our time together. Arrgh...
School stuff is ready. We have a few last minute plans for the long weekend. Then we jump in feet first with TWO in school. Mixed emotions about that ;)

On a happier note, a fun memory of our summer c/o Owen.

If you are interested...
I've added more pictures (from Courtney) into the beach posts. Just wanted to keep everything in their proper places. There is a group shot of the adults and a hilarious one of Levi and Ryan!
Thanks Courtney for taking the time to send them to me.

Traditions

Our trip wouldn't be complete without s'mores. Thanks Cary!

Despite a LOUD house I did manage some peace and quiet to myself in the mornings. I also had some great conversations with the ladies. The moms managed to sneak a way one rainy afternoon to a cute town nearby for some shopping and cocktails. Some of the dads played golf one afternoon. All the kids had room time or movie time for at least 2 hours each day. They loved the extra t.v. time and we loved the quiet break. The amount of groceries consumed was incredible. Meals were crazy and most nights the adults ate dinner at 8 when the kids were in their beds. Pretty sure 8 isn't going to cut it for long ;)
It's amazing how much has changed in the last 7 years and how much has stayed the same. So so blessed!

Cheri, Ali, Leah, Peyton and Courtney

  The spouses in order directly behind their wives ;)
Tim, EJ, Cary, Brian and Pat

Beach Time

It rained a lot, but we tried to stay positive and enjoy as much sand and pool time as possible. This was our first year in an oceanfront home. At least one parent mentioned being thankful for oceanfront every single day. It was a huge blessing. Especially with a rainy week b/c we could run in and out as much as needed.

 Plenty of football and sports on the beach. So thankful for the dads.

 Ryan LOVED Caleb and Cora the Granger's 10 month old twins.
I was right there with him getting some baby time too.

 Almost all the kids. One was afraid to get so close to the ocean.

 We had dinner on the beach one night

 I know...

Sawyer, Mason and Lincoln

Relay races after dinner with the dark clouds looming.

And they are off...Well at least all but one ;) Gotta work on his start time!
Mason under the water showing off his new self taught moves.

 

Buddies

These TWO are so stinking cute together. Oh my heart.

 Levi and Ryan at age 2

Kind of reminded of TWO others we know ;)

Photo taken in 2007 at age 3

 Still best buds and would hate if we used the word "cute" in reference to them ;)

Seriously?!?

Sunday Morning

Each summer we have the amazing privilege to vacation with 4 other families. Our kids are like cousins. Our WHOLE family loves everyone and we each have a blast. This is the 7th year. Our group is busting at the seams with kids. The picture below doesn't even include all of them. There are 18 and counting ;) 4 were not in this picture.



Our first morning included a very special event. 4 of the Cassada family members were baptized. It was a wonderful way to start our vacation and something we will remember forever. I consider it such a joy and honor to be a part of it. I will let her blog tell the story.

Beach. Good for the Soul.

We just shared an incredible week with great friends in Emerald Isle, NC. Lots of photos to come. But first, pics of my family. Oh, how I love them! 

Call me crazy, but I see a hole in this photo just perfect for my sweet sugarplum.

Praying she is with us next beach trip.

 

We took pictures the very first morning. They were a little more necessary this year b/c they will be sent in our Dossier to China in the next few months :) The home study was being written up while we were gone. SO exciting!!! We have been evacuated early TWO years in a row, so I was NOT taking any changes ;) It was a good thing too, because it rained A LOT all week. We had enough spells of sun and dry weather that kept us from going totally crazy in a house with 18 kids. Yep, that's right. 

The Boys

It has been difficult to keep everyone happy this summer. The age difference between Owen and Ryan is like night and day. But they do have their sweet brother moments ;)

Mom's Helper

For several nights in a row, Ryan took it upon himself to set the table.

Looks like someone is ready for a chore of their very own ;)

Excited

Can you tell he was excited his backpack arrived?

He is so excited for school. I am so thankful HE is excited. 

I am going to MISS him like CRAZY!

Friends Visit

Before the reunion, Michelle stayed overnight and got to spend time with my family and some old friends. After the Barn weekend, Becca stayed for two days to visit. The boys enjoyed having both of them. It was so great to catch up. Thanks for coming girls!

This is the only picture I took during both visits. Sad :(

Barn House Reunion

(left to right) Kathy, Kate, Michelle, me, Becca, Mary and Courtney

It was awesome!
We had such an amazing time.
I am so very thankful for each of their friendships.
I do not see them or talk to them enough.
I am so blessed to have a group like this.
The break from my kiddos was much needed ;)
Thanks for hosting, Courtney!!

Putt Putt

We played a round of Putt Putt this past weekend.

Ryan thought it was his duty to collect everyone's ball. Even when they still needed to hit it. Oops!

Sticks and balls are his thing ;)

 

The owner gave the kids free Popsicles after the game. So nice!

Daddy's Helpers

First, there were 3...

then there were 2...

This sweet little helper lasted until the bitter end :)