Why are you passing so quickly, 2018?
I have totally flaked on 2018. We've had a ton going on and maybe that's why we've seemingly disappeared from the blog world and buried ourselves in the craziness of life! It's hard to say. When I catch my breath, I'll try to figure it out!
Welcome, 2018!
We made it until midnight. Promptly at 12:01am, we passed out and slept all night.
Savage Cabbage
This guy participated in his 2nd pine wood derby in January. Much was learned from last year's introduction to the race. This year...a cabbage. And not just any cabbage! SAVAGE CABBAGE! Myth Busters was a bit popular with our boys, hence a car displaying Adam Savage.
Samuel is 6!
For the kids' birthdays, I let them choose a cake, complete with decorations. After last year's request for Scooby Doo, you'd think I would've learned. This year...an ice cream cake with a football on top. Done. His smile took over his entire face! And the cake filled his entire mouth. Still can't believe this little one is 6 years old! It makes me proud and sad at the same time. Samuel is so sensitive. He loves making things out of pretty much anything he can get his hands on. And he is super cuddly. We celebrated with a special dinner a few week later. The Magic Time Machine was a hit! Ariel from the Little Mermaid was our server, but a certain pirate really stole Samuel's attention!
It's a Peaceful Place
The beach is always a welcome getaway! We spent a week basking in the sun with family + sunscreen. We had a room full of exhausted cousins and they had a blast together! We enjoyed a date night to celebrate our very first date, which was 20 years ago! Whoa! The time away was a blessing. We truly enjoyed the crashing waves and cool breeze.
Birthdays Galore
Stella turned 7 on June 30th. S-E-V-E-N! Our sweet and sassy girl is old enough to watch Star Wars (our family rule). I'm doubtful she cares too much about seeing it, but the age is a big mile stone celebrated in our house! Stella has changed so much from the naive 4 year old we welcomed to our family almost 3 years ago. She has blossomed and taken in so many experiences. Stella has been reading and practicing her handwriting. She's gaining more confidence in family. Coloring and drawing are a daily occurrence! May this year be a wonderful year of continued growth and bonding for our family!
We started out our summer break with a week in Arkansas to spend time with my parents and help with doctor's appointments. As it turns out, we've had a few more trips to Arkansas, as well. My parents are aging and health has its challenges. I'm thankful to be able to step up and help where they allow. We have some big decisions to make in their care and some challenges will arise. Ultimately, I echo to myself what I have been telling Stella (as she learns what a forever family truly means)...
1) Family is forever.
2) We help each other.
3) Everyone has an important role.
4) Sometimes taking care of someone who is sick/needs us means that we have to wait patiently for things that we want.
Summer isn't over yet!
There's more fun to be had! Our expectations - MY expectations - were much different from the reality of the past few weeks. God had different plans and I'm slowly learning to grab ahold of the good He has for us. We are making memories and finding teachable moments (for my kids AND myself) along the way.
