first day.

Today is the first day of the 2017-2018 school year for Brooks and Ann Bennett. As ready as I was for school to start back up, I still cried like a baby after I dropped them off in their classes. My heart couldn't take the sweet kiss on the lips from Ann Bennett or seeing Brooks timidly make his way to his chair after hanging up his bag. I think the shy little girl in me can totally relate to what they are feeling and that makes me so much more emotional. That, and entrusting them to someone else. But, I know they are in good hands and that they are going to have an amazing year.

Ann Bennett is in Mrs. Alison and Mrs. Caroline's class (3s). They were Brooks' teachers last year and we adore them. Brooks is in Mrs. April and Mrs. Stacey's class (4s). His best buds from last year are in his class again, so I have no doubt he is going to have the best time. 

Covenant Day School has the sweetest, Jesus-filled program. I am most excited about their little hearts being poured into. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you, Brooks and AB. This year is going to be great!

our summer in squares.

This summer flew by between the anticipation and the arrival of Number Three. But, goodness, it has been so sweet and the sun has shined bright on us.

Here is a little recap in of our summer in squares:

elsa party.

Yesterday morning we celebrated our girl Frozen style. For eight months, Ann Bennett has pressed on about wanting an "Elsa party." She requested a "jumpy house," candy, and a cake. What Sissy wants, Sissy gets.

We dined on candy, carrots (Olaf's noses) and chicken salad and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches shaped like castles and snowflakes. 

The entertainment was a HUGE Frozen bounce house, complete with an obstacle course and slide. It was a hit (Annie B cried when they deflated it and took it away). Our friends got to take home candy in bags that were tagged "Thanks for chilling with me," tiaras, wands, and snowflake bracelets. 

I cannot believe our girl is THREE.

You are so easy to celebrate, Princess! 

On a side note, she is already requesting a race car party for her fourth birthday...

camp's first beach trip.

Our family was really craving some beach time before school starts back up. With Camp arriving mid-June, we really didn't have much fun in the sun at the pool, lake, or beach except for our trip to see my parents for the 4th of July. So, we researched a few places, but ended up heading back to the Acton's since it wasn't being rented. You can imagine how excited Brooks and Ann Bennett were being familiar with the house and beach, and how relieved John and I were to not have to adapt to somewhere new with a new baby.

We headed down Saturday afternoon following John's Iron Tribe competition, Battle of the Tribes (which his team placed first in). Between feedings and potty breaks, we didn't get down there until dinner time, so stopped at The Bay for dinner on our way in. We made it to the house, unpacked, and got everyone bathed and situated. All of our heads hit the pillow shortly thereafter.

On Sunday, we spent the morning at the beach and afternoon at the pool. We did the same routine on Monday and Tuesday. The kids really enjoyed swimming in the ocean this trip and both swam in the pool without any floaties. We were so proud! We dined in every night except for Monday night, when we ate George's in Alys Beach, our favorite!

We pulled out Wednesday morning to head back to the Ham with sad spirits, as we weren't ready to for reality. Camp did so well the entire trip mainly camping out with me in the shade. He is such a happy, go-with-the-flow baby. I think he loves the beach just as much as his brother and sister! It's a good thing, because it definitely holds a special place in all of our hearts. We are hoping to go back in October. I know it is going to be a different ballgame with a wiggly 4 month old, but we can't wait!