Maine

Jon planned a get away for us last week. We went and stayed at a little cabin in Ogunquit, Maine. We were right on Perkins Cove. On the way up we stopped and shopped and went to a movie. Once we checked in to the cabin, we went for a walk along the coast and enjoyed dinner at the Oarweed, right on the water. Ava stayed with the Gretos and Emet stayed with the Millers...BIG thanks to our friends for keeping the kids. We took Owen with us. It was a great little get away and I'm so thankful for my husband who is thoughtful and sweet...he planned everything. I love you honey!!!

Our cabin is tucked away in the woods

Maine Coast

I love him!!!

My sweet little man!

Love my boys!

Dinner at the Oarweed

Isn't his face sweet?

View from our cabin

Preschool and Sports

We started preschool with some friends a couple of weeks ago. Emet, Matthew, Trip and Parker are doing preschool and the mommies are taking turns teaching. I taught the first day and only Emet and Matthew could make it. Since then they have had two more days of preschool and Emet is loving it!
Emet and Matthew are also taking a sports class at the YMCA. They rotate and practice a new sport each week. They are having a blast and doing really well. It's so much fun to watch the boys in their element. They both LOVE sports!

Ready for preschool

Emet and Matthew

Soccer Day

Basketball Day

Jon was there on football day!

Ava is in Kindergarten!!!

Ava has started Kindergarten. My baby girl is off to school, and I must say, LOVING every minute. While I miss her during the day, it is comforting and reassuring to know that she loves where she is going, what she is doing and her teacher. It thrills me to see her excitement about school and learning. I can't wait to see how she grows and learns as a student this year. We did capture memories from her preview day and her first real day of Kindergarten.
I think the start of school and transition has been much harder on me than her. I enjoy having her home and treasure every minute with her. I miss her now that she is gone during the day, but am thankful that she is enjoying her school experience. I think it is good for all of us to be in this phase. It has been fun taking her and picking her up each day. It is a great time for me to meet other parents and connect with what is going on at her school. I'm thankful for a school that we have heard so many good things about and a teacher that Ava seems to love. It is going to be a great year!
Look at our big girl!!!

Preview Day

So grown up

Everything ready before her first day

EXCITED!!

Here we go

In front of Brooks School

She can't wait to go in!

I love my girl!

I will be okay, I will be okay, I will be okay...

Silly faces

Walking In
Picking Ava up from the first day

Isn't she adorable? I'm so proud of my big Kindergarten girl!

Sitting Up and 7 Months...

I am a little late and realize Owen is almost 8 months old at this point, but I found these pictures and remembered I hadn't posted them. Here he is at 7 months old and sitting up on his own. He doesn't really like to sit up, he prefers playing on his back or belly...but he has on occasion sit up for us. We love this little boy!

Loop, Swoop and Pull

Cross

Loop, Swoop

and pull!!!

Ava can tie a shoe!!!

Labor Day Fun

We enjoyed spending Labor Day together as a family. We started our day off with a trip south of the city to hike a small mountain. There was a mini zoo there, so we checked out the animals before our hike. The kids had a great time exploring as we hiked. After our hike we went down to Wrentham to the outlets. As I was walking around, I spotted someone who I thought was the kid, Snap Boogie, from America's Got Talent. I actually stopped to ask him. It was, him! He is from Boston and got sent home last week. He is a street dancer, so naturally I loved watching him. As little Emet LOVES to dance, it is fun to watch these guys perform. He was great and I wished he would have stayed in the competition a little longer. But, he was very friendly and even took a picture with Ava. Emet got shy on me and wouldn't get in the picture.
After shopping we headed out to dinner to use a coupon we had for buy one entree get one free.
Overall our day was great. The best part, just being together as a family! I'm so thankful for my husband and our precious kiddos!

Before our hike

Checking out the mushrooms

Love this!

Are they cute or what?

Love him...

and her!!!

Snap Boogie and Ava

Time in South Carolina

Our time in South Carolina was jam packed. We saw family and friends and enjoyed every minute of our time there. We certainly made our rounds. The kids and I spent one night with Jeremy, Liz and the kids in Clemson. We went to my friend Tracey's the next night and then made our way to Allyson and Kevin's for First Baptist North Spartanburg's Global Impact Conference weekend. It was great spending time with friends and family and the conference was great too. We went to visit Jon's grandparents the day after the conference. So, our time was full...but so good! I'm thankful to have had this time to visit, but coming home and getting settled did feel good after two weeks of traveling!

Ava and Bryn

On a walk with all of our kiddos in Clemson...fun times!

We went to the park with Tracey and Bailey. It was great
to have time with Tracey, Asheton and Bailey. I love Tracey dearly
so having a night at her house was fun. We got to catch up and it was fun
to watch our kids together. We don't get this time often, so I treasure it
when we do. Tracey and I got close during our time at Seminary together.
I am thankful for her and her friendship. She is such a dear,
true friend and I love her so much!

Bailey is such a cutie pie!

FBNS brought Jon and I in for their Global Impact Conference. It was a great opportunity to share what the Lord has been doing here in Boston and with RHC. We have enjoyed this conference for two years now and are thankful for FBNS and their partnership.

Pat, me and Scarlet at the women's brunch during GIC weekend

Tracey came to the brunch as well.

Just because I think this picture is cuteAmy and Ava
Amy came up with her family when FBNS did a mission trip over spring break. Amy and Ava hit it off their first night in town when we went to dinner. They became instant friends. When Amy heard Ava was coming for GIC she wanted her to come for a sleepover. On Saturday night Ava went and spent the night with the Prices. Thanks to them for having her. She loved it!!!

Superman (x2)
Emet loves Kolson and enjoyed tagging along behind him all weekend!

Jon and I shared with the youth. This is a random shot of our home group night when we shared our story and what is going on in our lives up here as church planters.

Papa and Owen

Nana, Owen and Emet

Papa and Mama Simmons with the kids

Visiting with Mama Chasteen

Owen and Kevin cheering for Allyson's Bulldogs at their volleyball game.

Ava and Kelsey

Spencer and Owen
It was fun to see these guys together. They are only 12 days apart and I love that they will grow up with a cousin so close in age. Liz and I went a little camera happy taking their pictures in their matching outfits (thanks to Allyson for the outfits), but this is one of my faves!

Bryn, Spencer, Emet, Owen, Ava, Carson and Lydia

Kaleb and Emet

I don't have a picture from this trip, but my sweet friend Carrie and I got some time together this trip as well. We spent an afternoon/evening with them. The kids had fun playing and swimming that afternoon. But Carrie and I were able to sneak away for a frozen yogurt date one night. We went to Tutti Frutti and spent about 2 hours catching up, just us girls. Carrie and I just met in March when FBNS was here for the mission trip. But through that week and many phone calls and text messages since, we have built a great friendship. I loved getting to have time with her and hearing what the Lord is doing in her life. I'm encouraged by her faithfulness to the Lord, her husband and her kids. She is an amazing woman and I am blessed to call her my friend!
(This was from the week of Spring Break)