The Best is Yet to Be!: August Happenings

August was busy! School started up again and with it came all of the preparations for a new year. I was excited to once again be teaching 2nd grade (and Middle School Spanish), but there was much to do to get ready. In the midst of it all, my sister came to visit with the kids. It was so wonderful to have them all here overnight, knowing that it is a huge ordeal for my sister to pack everyone up and head here to see me (thanks for the quality time, Jules!). We spend time at the park where we played, took the signature "I am 2 1/2 and sitting in front of Cedar Creek" picture (Ava's turn), ate ice cream at my favorite local joint, swam at the water park pool that is only 4 blocks from my house, and Julie and I even managed to get a Scrabble game in during nap time. Whoo Hoo! We also took in my friend Steve's water ski show, which was amazing! The mounts they do while skiing seem impossible to me on dry land-yikes! Overall, their visit was so much fun!

Parker was checking out the park

The lovely Cedar Creek Park

Ava and Cooper on the super fun, though slightly scary slide

Julie, Parker, and me
(photo compliments of Logan-not bad!)

Logan's lovely silly face

The 3 goons on some climb-y contraption

Ava's Cedar Creek Picture- See past photos of Logan- here and Cooper- here

The kiddos and I in front of the creek

A yummy ice cream stop after the park

Steve's water ski show-not even the most impressive mount

I also experienced my favorite weekend of the whole summer in August. If you know me well, you know that being near, in, around, or under water makes me happy, ecstatic, calm, at peace, fulfilled, really-anything good! My dear friend Courtney invited me up to her family's cabin for a weekend. It was GLORIOUS! We swam, went on a delightful boat ride from Shawano Lake to the Wolf River and back, and I even got to use their jet skis! So much fun! I tried both models out and had a blast cruising around the lake at speeds up to 50 mph (very fast for me!). The whole weekend was relaxing and Courtney's family was incredibly gracious and hospitable. I even got a few games of King's Corners in with Courtney's cousin, Trevor (an adorable little 8 year old!).

Courtney and me on the boat ride

A view to wake up to!

When I returned from the weekend, I jumped right into my neighborhood's first annual block party. It went over really well! Three other ladies and I planned it and it was truly a success. We had about 65 people attend (more than the 55 who RSVP'd) and everyone chatted, got to know each other, played yard games, and many stayed into the night for the bonfire. I am so grateful for the gift of diverse neighbors who make life so much richer!

The end of August brought with it Cooper's 4th birthday (really on September 1st) and Parker's baptism. My sister was gracious enough to lump them into the same weekend to save driving time. For Cooper's birthday, I took him to Build a Bear to pick out an animal of choice and an outfit. He had so much fun and would have stayed forever at the "grooming station" if I had not finally pulled him away. Since his obsession of late has been TOY STORY, he immediately saw the Buzz Lightyear costume and that was it-he was destined to have a Puppy Buzz Lightyear. Cooper also got to spend the night at my house and we had a great time playing at the park, enjoying marshmallows over my bonfire pit, and hanging out.

Stuffing the dog

Grooming the dog

Loving the dog

The next day, I took Cooper back home where we celebrated his birthday, which was 100% Toy Story. I have never seen so many Toy Story items in my whole life! Every single gift he received had something to do with Toy Story and Cooper was delighted! He especially loved his Buzz Lightyear wings-I don't think he took them off all day, except when he had to for bed.

Big Birthday Boy!

Cooper, Julie, and his enormous wings

Look at the amazing "Andy's bed" cake that Julie made-she is so creative!

Cooper and me on his Happy day! (with Puppy Lightyear too!)

The following day (Sunday) was Parker's baptism and it was a huge blessing to watch him be washed in the cleansing water of the Holy Spirit. God Bless you Parker!