This was our first week settling in to just four people in the house. Aiden and Amanda started school, Avery was in a wedding and we spent the weekend with lots of family. Lots of goodness (and grace for the things that aren't).
August 26
After a weekend in PA getting Amanda moved into school, Shaun was back on the golf course early on a beautiful late-summer morning. He almost always checks in to let me know he's thinking of me.
People are surprised to learn that Amanda's school is unplugged. An excerpt from Summit's website:
We are constantly bombarded by messages from social media, the news, other people, sometimes even our own hearts, telling us who we should be, what we are worth, and how we should think.
In the midst of this, God desires to speak truth. Setting aside smartphones, social media and the pressure of romantic relationships turns down the internal noise and creates space for you to focus on things that matter most.
The students turn in their phones while they are on campus, so we are "old-school" in the ways we communicate with Amanda. We can email her, which she has access to on the library computers, she can call us from the shared landline on her dorm floor and we can snail mail letters.
As a result, I won't get many check-ins from her over the semester. BUT, for the first two days, while they had orientation, they had their phones. These are her two roommates.
August 27
Another from Amanda. These girls were visiting their cousin, one of Amanda's roommates and hanging out on Amanda's bunk. I remember them from move-in day as they were there checking things out and Amanda offered them some treats from Kelly's famous Candy Salad. It made them fast friends. :)
She says the sunsets are incredible. Look at that wide open space!
From IG
August 28
Here we are, ready to begin 10th grade! Aiden said, Mom, I'm the only one now. Crazy.
He had a scrimmage right after school and started and played most of the JV game. He earned the spot of swing player, so we'll see what that ends up meaning over the course of a season. As you can see, all is well with his collarbone. :)
August 29
Its tradition for many, many years now. Sunset dinner on the water with the truest of friends.
August 30
This is the time of year that we get weather no one can complain about.
August 31
Avery was up bright and early, getting ready to be a bridesmaid in her boyfriend's brother's wedding. She did her own makeup and then met Jack's mother and sister at the salon to get her hair done.
I was doing some baking and final touches on the house. It brings me great joy to prepare to host a gathering.
Avery and Jack's sister Aubrey, both bridesmaids.
Avery and Jack, who was best man. She is both stunning and grown up!
LobsterFest weekend kicked off at Amy's house and it began with Lainie walking in and surprising most. Her mom was soo happy to see her, since she's been away in Ohio for several weeks doing her first year of college.
It was a perfect evening to sit on the back deck and catch up. Kids played, babies were held, toddlers entertained, yummy food eaten, fantasy draft pick order decided.
September 1
LobsterFest! Hard for us to believe, we've been doing this for 20 years. Now we have college students and adults living away, and we're adding boyfriends, fiances, new babies.
We husked corn and did dishes and built pretty bouquets and played games and threw balls and laughed and shared news, both happy and hard, and ate really yummy food. And, to commemorate this anniversary, we made new we are family shirts.
It really is a special tradition that I'm so grateful for!
We were missing Amanda and Johnny, but we had the added delight of these two 😃
I was very touched that Amanda's boyfriend stopped by even though she wasn't there. He even likes lobster! We have a different family photo for nearly all of the 20 years but very rarely has it been more boys than girls.
(no babies were harmed)
That big grin on Shaun's face? He's talking to Amanda on the phone. 😍
Family league draft.
September 2
To finish out the weekend, Monday was Labor Day and we spent the afternoon at Nathan's. There is room for the kids to run and plenty of shade or warmth for Nana as needed. Very grateful for family!
Aiden spent most of the holiday at separate morning and afternoon practices.
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