Paintball

    While Brad was off in Tucson, I figured it was the perfect chance to do something fun (and a little out of the ordinary) with the boys so we went paintballing.

    Our first game was capture the flag, and it was me and the boys versus another family. The second the game started, I took off running and grabbed the flag right away. Totally caught the other team off guard they were still getting into positions and didn’t expect it to happen that fast. After that, though, they were ready. I got hit a few times, and they came back to win the second round. But we weren’t done—we rallied and took the third game, winning best out of three.

    As we were walking off the field, the referee laughed and told me I had “no fear” because I just kept going for the flag no matter how many times I got hit. Honestly… not wrong.

    After a quick break, we headed to another field with a bigger group. This time we split up Carson and Logan on one team, Tanner and me on the other. The objective was to get inside this abandoned structure and tap a PVC pipe to switch it to your team’s color. Sounds simple, except no one really wanted to go inside it was tight, chaotic, and basically made you an easy target.

    Naturally, I kept going in anyway. Every time I tried, Carson seemed to be right there waiting to take me out one shot in particular (to my hand!) I definitely remember came from him. At one point, though, Carson must’ve gotten hit and had to head back to reset, and that was my chance. I made it in and switched the pipe to our team.

    I honestly don’t even remember who won that round, but it didn’t matter it was so much fun. The next day, though? A different story. I was covered in bruises, and a couple of them were pretty gnarly. Totally worth it.

    It ended up being such a fun, different way to spend time with the boys—and one I don’t think any of us will forget anytime soon.

Target shooting to get rid of the last few paintballs

 

Back to school

 The first day of school has officially arrived, and this year feels extra big. We’ve got one in 11th grade, one in 8th grade, and Logan stepping into their last year of elementary school.

How did we get here so fast? Now, one of them drives, two are taller than me, and one is the last link to those sweet, small-kid elementary days.

This year will be a busy blend of high school events, middle school sports, and elementary “lasts.” Carson thinking about college, Tanner deep in the athletics, and Logan with class parties. And me, for whatever reason last minute took on the job of creating the elementary yearbook. The one who was planning on taking it over this year ended up moving, so they asked me a week before school started if I could do it.  Its a bit overwhelming, but this means I’ll be at Logan’s school more often, catching all those last elementary moments — but mostly just to embarrass him like I apparently already did on the first day of school. I’m trying to savor every one of those “lasts” while we still have them.  Although I'm not going to lie, it will be nice to only be at 2 different schools next year.

Here’s to a school year full of growth, laughter, and maybe a little bit of grace for mom as she adjusts to this new season. 🚌✏️

Meet the teacher!  Logan has Ms. LaMore, a teacher that both Tanner and Carson had as their 5th grade english teacher she just wasn't their homeroom teacher.

1st day of school!  Thankful for friends who will take pictures on the bus stop for me as I was at the school taking a bunch for the yearbook.

now here is where I embarrassed Logan.  Getting off the bus and walking to class I gave him (and his friends) a hug and wished them a great first day.  I know I'm so cringe

 Here's to a great year for all my boys!

First Day of School

First Day of School! 📚✏️🍎

And just like that, we’re starting another school year with the three boys still at three different schools—high school, middle school, and elementary. It’s a whole bunch of organized chaos around here!

Meet the teacher!

Ms. Barton 

And Mrs. Hartings

Carson is officially a sophomore! He’s jumping back into orchestra and taking 2 AP (college courses) classes this year. It’s going to be a busy one!

Logan, our elementary guy, is holding down the fort at the school where it all began. He’s not too happy that he has to go back to school.

Tanner is in 7th grade and on the jr high football team! He’s already been waking up early the past couple weeks for early morning football practice (you have to in this summer heat) and he’s also continuing with orchestra as well! But I think he’s most excited to be back with all his friends!

 As for me, I’m excited to have a week to myself before I start back up!

Here’s to a great school year for the boys! 💙🎒🎻

Last day of school!

First year of High school ✔️

And because you know I love a comparison pic: first vs last day of school

First year of Jr High ✔️

And halfway through elementary school ✔️

I can’t believe another school year has come 'n gone and summer is already here! We made it through our first year of high school and middle school! I absolutely can’t believe how fast this year just flew by. And while I’m sad that the end of the school year being over means my kids are growing up that much faster, I’m definitely ready for the summer break to party and play!

To celebrate the last day of school Logan had a pool party with his friends.

The mommas

And unfortunately I was too late in applying Logan’s sunscreen. He’d already been in the pool for a bit when I remembered and this is the result 🤦🏼‍♀️ ugh I feel so bad!!

As a family to celebrate the last day of school and all the hard work the kids have done that year we went out for hibachi!

Congrats boys on a great year! Now to relax and have a fun summer break!

 

2023 school year pics

 My handsome boys!

Freshman-9th grade

6th grade

3rd grade

 

Fall happenings

Fall update on the boys!

Logan went to Cub Scout camp for the day and loved it.

His favorite was the BB guns.

I think practicing at the cabin paid off! 

I spy a couple bullseyes 🎯 

I mean compared to the other boys in his den, he killed it.

We also started fall soccer! Or as Logan calls it, football. Logan hasn’t ever really been interested in soccer, he played when he was really young, but he doesn't remember. In fact the last time he tried to play he went to one practice before the world shut down for Covid, but recently he's been playing "football" at recess with his friends and so has been dying to play with a team.

 Logan got the MVP the very first game! His coach said that during practice Logan told the coach he wasn’t so sure about this soccer thing, but during the game he kept attacking the ball all with a huge smile on his face.

And his team won first place in his age division! Logan was so happy he got an actual trophy! (Here you only get trophies if you win, otherwise you get a participation medal)

And he also moved up in Taekwondo! Logan broke his first big board! And is now a people belt.

I promise I have other kids! Tanner went on a scout campout to Dino Valley. It’s a state park that has Dino footprint fossils in the riverbed. And since Texas is in a drought and the riverbed practically non existent, they got to see lots of footprints! It was pretty cool!

Next up, Fall Orchestra concerts! So handsome in his tux🤵🏼

And it was Tanners first one too! Since its the first years first one, they played a couple simple songs and then also taught 1 person how to play. Tanner taught his friend who came along to support.

So proud!

 Phew fall is a busy time of year, with the start of school and all the things! I wish I could say I hope it’ll slow down soon, but the holidays are right around the corner so we all know that ain’t gonna happen!