September - Vacation and The Long-Awaited Routine

Via Vacation was a bit different this year. Instead of our Lake Anna house we have gone to for about a decade we made our way to the beach. Lake Anna had an outbreak of bacteria in the water, sending many people to the hospital, resulting in the lake being shut down. Even though it opened up shortly before vacation we played it safe and found another place to go. It was great to be together, of course, and the beach is also so relaxing to walk, sit, play or just watch as the waves roll in.

 The rest of the month was spent getting into a welcomed rhythm of routine and life.

The student worship team began this semester

Jude worked hard and got all the necessary gear to begin ice skating lessons and open stick and puck.

Jude and Josh also began a small group called First Tribe with a group of preteens/young teens and dads as they walk through this next stage of life together. I love the bond they are creating during their monthly meetings. 

Sports, Sports, Sports

 We spent our late summer on through to the fall watching Cai excel on the field, both for soccer and cross country. 

He had a new soccer coach this year which we sure didn't mind. Over 80 boys tried out so we were super excited that he made the JV team. He started most games and played in every game. He even scored 2 goals! We are so proud of his perseverance and hard work.

The cross country coach approached Cai and asked if he'd come run for their team as well. He had already cleared it with the soccer coach, and as long as it didn't interfere with the soccer season he was free to join practices and meets with he cross country team. He found a community he loved and another sport he is really good at! He began the season PRing nearly every early meet. By the end of the season his time made hime eligible for regionals and he came in second on his team! His PR for the 5K is 20.0006 min.

When Poppee came in a few weeks ago he started showing Cai some wrestling moves and is trying to talk him into trying out for that team...we shall see, ha!

The Little Visitors

 Josh's sister and husband reached out to us to see if we could host their 4 littles for a week and of course we said yes! It was such a full week of activity! The boys literally didn't stop the entire week. I'm just gonna photo dump the week because I feel that adequately describes the vibe from the whole week.

The boys (Cai) created some elaborate game that occupied their time. Don't ask me how to play, just enjoy the pictures of them having a blast!

August - Saying Goodbye To Summer

 

We celebrated Cai's 15th birthday. Birthday tradition gets them a breakfast with dad wherever they choose and often Krispy Kreme is the one.

This also meant Cai was able to get his permit. We now have our official 

4th teenage driver in the colony house.

Alethia is starting to get practice in pumping gas.

Our beloved Fluffy died in August. Our 9 year old chicken! We even saw the culprit! It was a hawk. He actually took out a couple of chickens before we were able to fully close in the ladies. But since we covered them up they have stayed safe and sound.

Rainy had a gig down in Myrtle Beach and took Zeke with her to grab some footage. 

I love that they love spending time together.

Jude, forever creating in the kitchen.

Zeke has really surprised us with his dedication to learning guitar. He now plays on the student worship team and practices for hours to perfect his parts. We love this creative outlet for him.

The kids finally started school the last week of August. 

Cai headed back to Rolesville High and took Alethia with him this year!

Jude is home in 7th and Zeke is home finishing up his senior year.

The Rest Of July

 After our Colorado trip our summer did NOT slow down. Cai had a singular day at home before heading off to soccer camp with his school. The girls asked me to tag along with them to see Sam Hunt. It is so fun to watch the girls get so into their concerts, lol.

Zeke jumped on a mission trip to Brazil, and boy did those Brazilian girls like him and his cousins!

And Jude finally got his birthday outing with friends. He chose to go ice skating, since he is all into ice hockey right now. It was so cute. He had the whole day planned out with outdoor games and snacks and everything. He is turning into quite the host.

Speaking of hockey. It is an extremely expensive sport and there are a LOT of steps to even get to the team part. So Jude went and surveyed a couple of the nearby neighborhoods, created a flyer to hire himself out for any odd jobs that people may need him for, to raise money for this deep love he has acquired to play hockey. He got a couple of call backs from a couple widows that just need some young bones and strong muscles and he is working his way into the hockey scene.