Elliot's 8th birthday

Traditional birthday donuts.

National Honor Society

Jacob's NHS induction ceremony.

Jacob's confirmation

Jacob's confirmation.

Extended getaway (Portland, ME)

It's been so long since we've traveled without the kids. Sure, we've made quick weekend getaways without them but it's been over nine years since we last booked a flight together sans kids. 

Why so long? Elliot. 

It's always been really hard to leave her. She's fine during the day but when it's bedtime and we're not there (e.g. sleepover at her cousin's place) she might miss us and get sad.

August birthdays

August is a popular month to be born.

First day of school on his birthday

Happy birthday Tyson, time to start your first day of school.

Birthday day trip (Austin, TX)

For my birthday, we made a quick trip to Austin to do what I do best... eat.

College visit (College Station, TX)

San was gracious to host both of our families and give us a glimpse of college life at Texas A&M.

Elliot rides a bike!

Belt promotion

Elliot received her first belt promotion!

Teen driver

It's official. We finally have a teen driver in the family. 😬

SeaWorld and DoSeum (San Antonio, TX)

Lately, my goal has been to give Elliot the same experiences the boys had when they were younger and one of those experiences was SeaWorld (and The DoSeum). It's been seven years since my last visit, when I took the three boys and it's been thirteen years since Lynn last went, when we only had two kids. So it's "been a minute" for all of us.

On this trip, the big boys declined since they had other obligations (and had already been twice) so it was just the four of us.

July 4th weekend (Waco, TX)

'Merica!

Mom's 70th birthday (Horseshoe Bay, TX)

Celebrating my mom's 70th birthday.

Father's Day weekend

Celebrating Father's Day without the kids.