A Day of Firsts and Lasts

You need to know that the day that Kamryn was born I never thought about this.  I didn't realize that I had perfectly timed for Jackson to start High School and Kamryn to start Kindergarten on the same day.  But it happened.  August 7th our first born went to Buford High School only minutes before we escorted our youngest baby into an Elementary School for the last time. Seriously?  That is a little too much emotion for me.  Generally speaking, the first day of school has been a happy time for me; we have always been excited for the new year and for new adventures.  But this year was definitely bittersweet.  They all are off to a great start and are loving school, enjoying being back with their old friends and busy making new ones.  And I come home to a quiet house.  A very quiet house.  

And that's all I have to say about that.

Making a House a Home

Certainly the most significant thing we did this year was build and move into "the lakehouse."  It was so much fun to watch it grow from the ground up and to anticipate what the final product would be like.  It has finally come together, all the boxes have been unpacked and all the pictures hung.  We are so happy to be settled in and can't wait to share it with our friends and family.  So, whether you come for a swim in the lake, a cup of coffee on the porch or to shoot pool in the basement-come.  We can't always promise quiet, but we've got a bed for you to sleep in and a chair on the dock with your name on it.  The only thing left to do is make memories.

"Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."

Malachi 3:11

We give it all back to You, Jesus in praise and thanksgiving.

Here we are with Norb and Jackie Ficther.  Norb was more than our builder; he was our friend, advisor, and budget master through this whole process.  He made this experience a great adventure and we are so thankful for all his hard work!

Geof picked out all of the appliances, I never even saw them until they were installed.  I think he is trying to give me a hint...he loves to spend time in the kitchen???;)

My mom unpacked my whole kitchen and organized the pantry.  Whew!

Papa helping us hang some hooks.

Becky and Charlotte unpacked all my china.

Our moving crew

As much fun as the house is, our favorite things to do are still outside.

The Man Cave

The Geneva Door

Kate's loft

Kami's cafe

Mommy's room...tread lightly:)

We conclude this strangely rainy summer with...

Jackson's 15th Birthday!

On the last day of our summer vacation we celebrated Jackson turning another year older.  This year Jackson grew 4 inches and 3 and 1/2 shoes sizes. The next year promises high school and his learner's  permit, but for the sake of our budget-hopefully fewer shoe sizes. I wonder what else?  Well, I won't ask that question.  We will just wait and see what exciting things God has planned for our oldest son, all the while trusting Him to continue to grow Jackson into the man He has envisioned. We are privileged and grateful to be his parents and continue to pray that he will not only be blessed, but also be a blessing to others.  The only question I can't help but ask is this: Where did our baby boy go?

Happy Birthday Jackson!  We love you so much.

I'm crazy...but not that crazy

"Please mom!  I promise I'll take care it.  You will never have to do ANYTHING.  Isn't he the cutest?"

Let me think about that for 2 seconds...no.  No.  And you can stop asking if we can get one of the neighbor's puppies because I can make promises too...no. 

Can you believe how mean I am?  I know!!

Cousins on the Lake

One thing is for certain:  this summer was filled with swimming on the lake and lots of cousin time.  We celebrated Grandad's 60th birthday at his cabin on Lake Gaston and then headed back to Lake Lanier where we had two weeks with Ella, Caroline and Thomas.  Amy and Kevin went to Africa on a mission trip to serve orphans while we ran our own little home for abandoned children in Georgia.  It was tons of fun and all the kids were AWESOME the whole time.  I am so impressed by how well they all got along, behaved, and persevered.  Way to go Heywoods!

Thomas was so excited to be Joshua's Private 1st Class!

Smallest frog ever

The Hulk played a lot of Just Dance.

Fun family football.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas is fun and birthdays, OK-but nothing compares to the love my family has for the annual Voorhees "Beach Week" in Duck, NC. Alongside Geof's mother and sibling and every relative that comes with them we play in the sand, swim in the ocean and party like rock stars all over the town for  7 days.  This year proved to be extra special as we celebrated Jay's retirement from the Army after 26 successful years. We had a great time and are already making plans for next year.

The 3 best beach buddies ever!  Kacie, Carly and Kami played non-stop the whole week.

#TotsAdorab

Some rain drove the game in but couldn't chase the fun out. Cornhole in the garage is just as entertaining as on the beach.

If Avery ever goes missing, I'm checking Kate and Reilly's closets first.

#Prec

Kathryn is 7 months older and 7 inches shorter than Reilly, but it doesn't keep them from being attached at the hip all week.

Happy 4th!  The annual parade always promises lots of candy and even more sweat.

Trouble

Double Trouble

I scream, You scream...

We all scream for Uncle Evan! 

(you made it brother, cheers;))