Ages & Stages

Another summer round trip, another round of August birthdays, another first day of school...we have been busy bees. :) The kids and I traveled to my parents' house for a quick visit to celebrate my Grandma's 90th birthday. Derek stayed behind to work and put up a backsplash in the kitchen. He tells me it was lots of work, and I believe him. But to me--it magically appeared while I was gone. :) Thank you sweetie. It looks fabulous!

A glimpse of my new backsplash while I hold my birthday breakfast: a latte and blueberry twist donut!

Driving over 1200 miles with my children was uneventful, and that is just the way I like it. No car trouble, no health issues, no safety problems. We felt protected and provided for on the road, thanks to many prayers said on our behalf. This is the third summer I have done this, and while I prefer to have Derek join us for these trips, I am thankful for the memories the kids and I have made on our adventures.

Grandma wore a crown that says, "Birthday Queen." Yes, Braylen photo bombed my picture!

Braylen turned 14 while we were on vacation. I think this is his first birthday away from home. My dad took him to an auto museum and shopping for the entire day. No, he did not buy him a car! :) He did let him pick out some new clothes, a belt, and a bike speedometer. Most of all, he spent all day making memories with Braylen. I can't thank him enough for that. Mom and I took Kaleb and Aaron to a park on the Fox River. Of course the boys loved throwing rocks and logs into the water. And unlike the river near our house, this river was full of rushing water. We also walked to a 9/11 memorial where we saw a beam from one of the twin towers on display. Kaleb and Aaron were not born when 9/11 happened, but they get the significance of it. This memorial is near the former site of our fire station's water fights every summer. Remember those, Eric? I can still hear the barrel bouncing around the court as the firemen sprayed it with their hoses.

Walking to the river

A fun park

Kaleb and Aaron posing for me.

Such a pretty down town park

I love my mom!

At the 9/11 memorial

For his birthday supper, Braylen thought Giordano's pizza sounded good. Awesome choice! We ate our pizza while watching "Return of the Jedi." Angel food cake and vanilla cupcakes completed our birthday celebration, along with a pile of presents of course! We chatted with my brother and nephew on Skype while Braylen opened his gifts. Braylen received a new camera lens from his aunt and uncle and grandparents, which took him by surprise. He LOVES his new lens and has had fun taking pictures all over the place. When Braylen told me his choice of birthday cake, he called it a fruit cake. If he only knew how different angel food cake is from fruit cake, he would not make that mistake again! :) I think this was a special birthday for Braylen. He will always remember he turned 14 at his Grammy and Grampy's house.

Braylen's pile of presents

Kaleb bought him an underwater camera. Try explaining a disposable FILM camera to kids these days. It's nearly impossible to describe.

Derek sent along a note for Braylen, promising an upcoming camping/fishing trip.

Me and my fellas

Skype session!

14 candles

14 years old. 8th grade. My boy is growing up. Kaleb's first day of 6th grade was Wednesday. Aaron is a big 3rd grader this year. I feel like I'm holding on to their elementary years by my fingertips and it's about to slip out from my grasp. It already feels different just having one child at Meadowlark. Strangely enough, I feel okay with that. Our boys are moving through the ages and stages of life like they should be. And I have been given a peace that passes understanding as I walk through these stages with them. Thank you, Lord, for my growing boys.

First day of school: August 15th, 2013