All Good Things Must Come to an End

It's upon us; the last weekend of summer.  On one hand I'm very excited to start a new chapter in Wade's school career.  On the other hand, I'm surely going to miss our lazy, carefree days.  But it will do us all good to get back into a routine.  School starts at 7:40 this year!  Yes, you read that correctly.  The kiddos can be dropped off as early as 7:10, and they go back to their classrooms at 7:20.  Thank goodness the school is just around the corner.

We had a wonderful summer, and I took a much needed break from reality:-)  Wade had his g-button surgery on June 19, and about a week later, we were headed to VA for three weeks.  We celebrated July 4 with the family.  My mom even arranged to fly my brother in from FL as a surprise to everyone. It's been a few years since all of the siblings, spouses and nieces/nephews have been together at one time.  It was a much needed--but way too short--reunion with everyone.

Wade and his new cousin Rowan

Siblings, spouses, and kids

During that week, Curtis was also interviewed by 3E Love for our family to be "3E Lovers of the Month".  We all took the opportunity to put on our 3E Love tee shirts and pose for a family picture!  You can find the interview here if you missed it.

While in VA, we took a trip to Water Country, USA in Williamsburg.  Wade had a blast!  I wish I had pictures of him going down the waterslide all.by.himself!!!  He loved it!

This is NOT Wade, but it is the slide he went down alone. 

Malibu Falls--Wade sat in my lap and laughed the whole time!

Big Daddy Falls--Again, not our family, but Wade loved laughing while his Aunt Jordan screamed in fear!

As a result of that exhausting adventure, I decided that if I didn't want that to be Wade's last trip to the water park, this mama needs to get herself in shape!  It takes a lot of energy and stamina to carry Wade up flights of stairs to go down water slides all day.  As soon as we got back to TX from VA, I came up with a plan, and I'm proud to say I've stuck to it.  More info on that later!

Curtis was only able to stay in VA for a week.  After he left, Wade and I went up to Northern VA to see one of my dearest friends.  We ate at a wonderful restaurant in Old Town Alexandria and spent the evening visiting some shops and the waterfront.  It was great girl time...with Wade in tow of course!

My dad also took us out on his boat, and Wade was able to watch him catch a fish!

On the boat

Nonnie, Wade, and Grandpa

Once back home in TX, we've spent the rest of the summer swimming, relaxing, and hanging with friends.  We also battled the heat a few times and headed to the zoo for some morning outings.  All in all, it was a very successful summer.

While we were in VA, I was able to spend some time with my grandmother.  She had been in the hospital and a nursing home for a few weeks for blood clots, but was able to come back home while I was still visiting.  I am so thankful for the time we got to spend with her because only about three weeks after I got back to TX, she passed away.  I hopped a plane and took another unexpected trip back to VA by myself for a few days.  Although the circumstances were not desirable, I had such a nice time visiting and spending time with family whom I hadn't seen in such a long time.  Grandma is certainly going to be missed, but she leaves behind a large and beautiful family.

Our family--minus Curtis and Wade

All the grandkids

Everyone together--minus a few that couldn't make it.

So, that's our summer in a nutshell! It's now back to reality!