Summer evenings

We are clinging to the last bit of summer here!  It was so warm yesterday that we let the girls jump in the sprinkler again! Then while I was coming home from walking the dogs, I spotted a hot air balloon flying above our house!  What a great way to spend these last few evenings of summer!

Hiking

We took the girls hiking the other day so that I could check out a spot that I would like to use for the girls' fall photos.  They had so much fun hiking around and I just loved the beautiful trees.  I can't wait to get back there to get some real photos of the girls in their fall outfits.

Here are two cute snap shots of them exploring the woods.  Later that afternoon we took a long family bike ride to a rails to trails about 30 minutes outside of our area.  Jim and I went there years ago to bike ride.  It was so fun taking our girl there now.

camp fun

I have so much to say and write about our time at camp this summer. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe the time that we had!  BEST SUMMER EVER! Really, it was.

Just a few photos.  More to share soon.

 We had a chance to celebrate Sydney's birthday with our friends.  She loved it!

 My mountain man grew a beard during his two week extended vacation at camp.  Then, upon his return to civilization, shaved it all off.  I pretty much wanted to cry (hehehe).  We had three full weeks together at camp!  Lots of Daddy time.

 Sydney spent so much time reading this summer.  Everytime I turned around, she had a book in her hand.  I loved it!

 This puppy of ours pretty much amazed me with her behavior at camp.  She adjusted to camp life so quickly, enjoyed our daily hikes and trips to the beach.  She also would wander off and hike with our camp neighbors.  I am so happy that we have her.  Old dog Izzy did well this year too.  I was worried that her aging bones would be too much for her, but she hiked and ran when she could and rested when she had to.

 We had very little rain at the lake this year (unlike last year) so it was kind of fun to walk in the rain and look for creatures!

We had a whole week of Nana and Pap Pap and Daddy time!  So amazing having my parents up there.  Dad and Jim had lots of fun fishing and my mom and I had so much fun hanging out with the girls at the beach.  

So very proud of them

Words can't express how proud I am of these two girls of mine! Sydney's excitement for her first day school was indescribable! Her joy and excitement rubbed off on Sawyer!

My heart is a hugely excited (for them) and a little sad (for me).  I'll miss the chaos of the days at home with them but will learn to appreciate recapturing some Jody time during the day. I will have tons of time to focus on them in the evenings and weekends!

 A little bit of bus stop kissing!  Sawyer was not too happy with my camera and requests for cuddles at the bus stop!

A little before school hair brushing.  As Sydney was brushing Sawyer's hair, she was giving her all kind of tips and information about their school.  She assured her little sister that a little bit of nervousness was normal.  Heart exploded as I sat and watched them during this exchange!