August

August was definitely a doozy. Started out with a dear running full force like it was playing tackle football, in broad daylight, right into the side of Adam’s, not even two week old, brand new truck. He, the dogs, Ellis, Shep, and the Stolarski twins were headed to the lake early while I stayed back to take Brooks to his last basketball game. Needless to say, Adam had a truck full of frazzled kids and two very scared dogs.

I wasn’t there, but I’m pretty sure Adam let a few choice words slip after previewing the damage, and maybe even shed a little tear.

Poor deer didn’t stand a chance.

After a rough start, the weekend ended up being a lot of fun, thankfully! Ellis even taught Oreo how to play Mexican Train!

We had a full house with the Stolarski’s and Lowry’s joining us for the weekend!

Pretty girls, Grace and Ellis!

Big boys, Brooks and Hunter!

Little boys, Connor, Shep, Easton, and Colton!

Lowry’s, Jen and Jeremy

Stolarski’s, Nancy and Joe

Me and the hunky boat captain!

We were busy having so much fun that these were the only pics I took!

Ellis had her 2nd full IVIG treatment before school started and she did amazing! Fluids didn’t work the second day and she had a very delayed reaction, 24 hours after her last treatment, but the reactions have gotten less severe and we’re more prepared with nausea and pain meds!

Ellis’ sweet nurse has a daughter going into 6th grade at the same middle school Ellis will be going into, so she brought her over to meet Ellis and her friends. Her name is Maci, and she’s such a sweet girl!

Brooks got invited to go to Slick City again with a bunch of 8th graders!

Brooks’ basketball team finally pulled out a “W” at their last game and Brooks actually scored the winning points!

They didn’t go undefeated and win the championship like his old team, but Brooks got lots of playing time and definitely improved his skills!

He got to play with some of his good buddies too…Nolan, Henry, and Nolan!

Shep balled out and his team did awesome once again!

Love that he’s on a team with all kids from his school!

Meet the teacher for our big 4th grader! All 3 kids have had Ms. Parker! Can’t believe I only have one left in elementary school.

All 3 kids have had Mrs. Cottone now too!

Last and final hoorah of the summer to the lake! Girls and dogs in one car and the boys in another!

Mexican Train is a favorite for everyone!

Girls immediately pushed the bunk beds together so they could sleep closer to each other, lol

Brooks had a buddy there too! We let all the kids invite just friends for the first time ever, and it was surprisingly easy! Unfortunately, none of Shep’s friends could make it, but we still had 6 kids!

Sunset picture time!

Evening fishing at the marina!

This was Henry’s first time fishing ever!

Henry’s first time playing Mexican train too, and he won!

Boat time!

Shep is a little spider monkey!

Brooks’ attempt to climb up the front of the boat like Shep did was cracking me up…

King of the tube!

Silly girls were playing salon in the kitchen sink!

Girls play salon while boys play sports!

Morning boat ride before we head home! Yes, Adam and I are crazy taking on all of these kids, lol!

Shep is definitely part spider monkey!

Summer is officially over and we had a Big milestone over here! Taught Ellis how to shave her legs before going into middle school!

Brooks’ first day of 7th grade at Cockrill Middle School!

Ellis’ first day of 6th grade at Cockrill Middle School!

Shep’s first day of 4th grade at Wilmeth Elementary School

Gosh I love these faces so much and pray all 3 have the best year!

Ellis insisted on riding the bus her first day!

Brooks likes to ride the bus too!

Shep gets to sit at a table with his best buddy, Ben, and this sweet girl named Julie that he’s known since preschool!

While the kids are away, the mommas will play!

Ellis gets to ride the bus with her good friend Camryn!

The bus stop is so far away from our house, so I have to drop them off and pick them up, but it’s still soooooo much easier than having to bring them all the way to school!

Our traditional first day of school cookie cake!

All 3 said their first day was a success!

First weekend after school started we went to Houston to celebrate Papa Joe’s birthday at the Astros game!

79 years young and looking good!

Handsome boys!

Of course everyone got some new Astros gear!

Annual sign!

We made the Jumbotron again!

Happy 79th b-day Papa Joe!

Love him!

Even with popcorn kernels all over his face!

Let’s Go Astros!

Daddy’s Girl for sure!

Silly boys!

Best parents in the world! And side note…nosebleeds make for the best pictures!

Memaw and her girls!

It’s crazy with our crew, but so much fun!

I seriously love him and his energy!

Astros win!!!!

💙🧡

Most of the gangs all here!

This big boy turned 5 years old and he sure loves his sissy!

Of course we had to celebrate him with treats!

I love when Oreo lays like this, lol

This kid right here, he works harder than anyone I know! He’s so disciplined and responsible and makes me so proud! He decided he wanted to try out for the cross country team, and he trained all on his own so he’d be ready!

And he made it!

So glad he gets to do it with his two best buddies too!

Brunch with my favorite Wilmeth Mamas!

Ellis and I were in the living room after school and hear running water. I thought maybe someone flushed the toilet upstairs and we were hearing it through the pipes. I ran upstairs to investigate and see water all over the floor in the boys bathroom. I realize the toilet was overstuffed and overflowing, so I quickly unclog it. Thank goodness it had stopped running. I start putting towels down and think we’re good, but then I hear Ellis yelling for me downstairs. I run back down to see water gushing out of the ceiling into the living room. Welp I guess it was way worse than I thought.

Fortunately, we have friends that own a water damage restoration company that were able to come over the next day and start the damage control. Unfortunately, we had to live with this tent contraption thingy with fans blowing 24/7 for two whole weeks.

Thankfully, we were able to escape to the lake for the Labor Day weekend! Can’t take these two goofballs anywhere, lol

Adam’s family was supposed to join us up at the lake, but Grandma and Aunt Lesley came down with Covid. We missed them for sure, but this was the first time in a reeeaaallllly long time just our family went to the lake!

Wipe out!

Love how well these two get along!

Of course Ellis was not happy she had no friends to entertain her, but she came around and ended up having so much fun with her brothers too!

Beautiful rainbow in our backyard….

….and stunningly gorgeous sunset in the front!

Parked myself on the hammock and got some good quality relaxation in!

Backflip king!

Oreo was living his best life!

Finally got to hang with Tracy and Matt for a bit! The kids had a ball jumping off their dock! Such a fun weekend and great way to close out our doozy of an August!