Wrapping Up August

 Kayla moved to college a week before my birthday, and the sweet girl insisted on meeting us for dinner. I wasn't about to turn down an opportunity to see her, so we had dinner in Dawsonville and enjoyed dessert at a local park by the lake. 

Macy, the one who isn't a big hugger, gave her sister a "free hug" coupon. She's missed her sister.

Pigs and Peaches is always a fun event the girls enjoy clogging at, but it sure was hot!

Personally I'd prefer the strawberry lemonade on a hot day, but the waffle was good too.

School is back in full swing. The girls have there preferred working spot, and we starting to settle back into routine.  

Visits from this girl are special. Even the dog tolerates the extra attention well.

It's a joy to have all of my babies back together even if it's just for a short time.

Last Clogging Practice

This season is full of emotions.  Kayla and her friends that just graduated wanted to compete at Nationals at the beginning of September, but they were all away at school. They returned for their final mandatory practice week, and the parents were invited to be their hype squad. 

 It was fun and emotional watching them run through their routines for the last time together in this studio.  This team, directors, and owners of the studio have been so good for our family.

First Day of School 2023

Here's to a new year.  Brooke will be in 8th grade wrapping up middle school, and Macy will be entering 11th grade.

Driving herself to school. It took a little convincing that she didn't need to ride with me, but I'm sure she'll enjoy the freedom quickly.

Beginning a New Chapter

 The day we had talked about for so long had arrived.  Kayla officially moved into her TMU dorm. 

This little one doesn't like it when there is a flurry of activity at home.  She's super sensitive to suitcases and loading the car.

We're so excited for these two as they embark on this college adventure.  It was so hard to leave her, but knowing she had been building this friendship with Charis all summer made it a little easier to leave her. 

Kayla tried her first beef stick. She wasn't a fan much to her dad's disappointment.

I love a good tradition.  At TMU the freshmen walk through the gates as freshmen symbolizing their entry into this next journey of their lives.  As seniors they walk out of these gates.

After dinner on campus, it was time for the parent's good-bye. There was a sweet time of prayer at the cross, and then we said our good-byes. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, but knowing she was where she was supposed to be brought comfort.  

Kicking off August

 It's always amazing how quickly summer goes by and we start to prepare for a new school year.  We still try to get in some of those summer activities before routine starts back. 

We've also spent the summer getting Kayla feeling better as she heads to college.  That's a story for another day, but it has been a learning experience, and she's starting to feel better after months of not feeling well.

Fun times at the arcade with dad while mom headed back to work.

Trying out some sour candy.  Not sure how much they ended up eating.

Kayla passed off her soccer bag to Macy as she hangs up her coaching career.  Brooke decided it warranted a ceremony.

A new soccer season has begun which means a new team of 1st and 2nd graders for Macy.

August held a little normalcy and a lot a new experiences for our family. We're always so grateful for our time together.

Family Fun

 Treasuring this time together.

One last hurrah before all of these college girls head off.