The final push!

 This is our last week of school and we are in the final push for all the things! Tonight is Eden's class performance.  Tomorrow is Eden's field day, Thursday is the class party, and Friday is Eden's promotion and all class celebration.  We are packed!  I am in those last days of having the days to structure them how I would like so here was a recent little local adventure:  I headed to Old Town Orange to go to a favorite Antique/Vintage shop:

I also had my annual girl exam before I was all set to have the kids home.  This was NOT a fun adventure but I am so grateful for the care that I receive each and every time!

I have also had my last times of waiting for my girl in our pick up line for elementary school.  It sounds silly, but I will miss these moments of waiting in anticipation to hear all about her day...

Also in the midst of all the things we are dong, tell me you have a middle school boy without telling me you have a middle school boy:

We are holding all the things close this week as we close out a chapter, while desiring to be present in all of it!

Girls and Boys weekend

 On Friday, May 26, Eden had her class trip to Wild Rivers and Ryder had his end of the year awards ceremony:

Ryder was recognized for leadership, enthusiasm and leadership in Physical Education.

We weren't surprised... 

Eden loved making memories with her little besties!

Not photoed:  Ryder and two of his best buddies went to see the new Super Mario movie with girls from their school.  It was their first co-ed event off campus and it felt big ad monumental.  No one is girlfriend/boyfriend, but it felt big all the same. It must be documented and here is where I will mention it.❤︎ 

After those festivities, Ryder and Kit headed up to Lake Arrowhead with our Biola Crew for a Father/Son weekend as part of a rites of passage for the dads with boys that are in their teens and coming of age.  It was a sacred time.  The dads have plans out until the boys are 18.  I am so thankful for this community.

While they were gone, Eden and I capitalized on a girls time alone complete with sushi at our favorite spot, Thrifty's ice cream, and a trip to Daiso and Good Will for some thrifting.

It was all so sweet and memories were made and our hearts are all so thankful for the people in our lives and they family that we get to share it with!

Memorial Day 2023

Today, we take time to remember those that have lost their lives while serving our country.  Memorial Day began as a way to honor those who died in the Civil War and has become a day to honor all American veterans who gave their lives in sacrifice to our nation. We are forever grateful and humbled by the sacrifice...

I think back to 2005 when we went back to Tennessee when we went to Stones River National Cemetery...

Incredibly sobering thinking of the representation of SO MANY lives lost for our freedom... We are humbled and forever grateful!

Sabbatical

 Yesterday was Kit's last day in the office before he heads into 2 1/2 months of a sabbatical. Our lead pastor Glenn has been so incredibly gracious to give us this time away.  I absolutely love our church and we are excited to head back in August feeling refreshed and ready to hit the ground running!

I am so excited for what this time will mean for our family, and especially for my Kit...❤︎

Finishing strong

 Last weekend, Eden finished all of her soccer games, practices, and training...

I can't tell you how beautiful my girl is, while simultaneously being ridiculously tough!

All things are ramping up for her brother and she is very excited for a break to have other adventures!

Teamwork made the dinner work...

 We had a twist on one of our favorite dinners by turning lettuce wraps into bowls by swapping the lettuce for rice.  It's the perfect family meal for us because it's all hands on deck, helping with prep and chopping.

We make them with turkey and with all the toppings, I can already tell that these will be a favorite this summer!

Mother/Daughter Tea 2023

 This last Sunday, we were able to attend our friend Brooke's mother/daughter tea.  It was such a lovely day!

She pays attention to all the details!  My pictures NEVER do it justice!

It is such a sweet memory to make with my girl!

It makes me think of the first time that we went to the tea together in May 2012!

Oh my goodness, time flies!  Thank you so much Brookie for another incredible time and memory!  We love you!