these two...

the source of most of my headaches...

and the source of most of my joy...

seriously love them.

pool days {the fun}

well, it's finally come to an end.   

2 rounds of swim lessons for Hunter and lots of summer sun at the pool.

swim lessons were in the morning and we would hang out, eat lunch, and let the kids run around until they reached total meltdown...

then home for afternoon naps.

it was awesome.

here is a little recap of our pool fun in pictures...

we are all going to miss it.

not quite ready for it to be over.

playing nice

sometimes we zip up the netting on the trampoline and force the kids to "play nice" while we work on the yard.

sometimes it works.

sometimes it doesn't.

tonight it worked.

chasing, giggles, and lots of fun.

cute little rascals.

rub-a-dub-dub

 two brothers in the tub.

soaking it up

Hot summer days.

Cool Colorado nights.

Trying to soak it up.

soccer camp

Hunter participated in a soccer camp and the last one was today.   

Our sweet (and very talented) friend, Mandy, put together an awesome camp for the kids that included soccer skills, a memory verse, a weekly value (patience, teamwork, courage, confidence), and a Bible story that went along with the value they were learning that week. 

Our first day was pretty typical for our little H man...

tears. 

begging me not to leave.

telling me he didn't want to do it.

slight frustration from his mother.

notice the only sad child in the photo below?

I'll admit, after the first day I was ready to give up and try it again next year.

It's a fine line we always walk with Hunter...

being sensitive and understanding of his very tender heart...

but also knowing when to push him a little and break him out of his comfort zone.

Thankfully, Mandy was so sweet and encouraging and wanted us to give it another shot.  We decided it would be best to come early, get him settled, have me leave, and bribe encourage Hunter to do his very best and at least try things once.

It was a success!!

Hunter learned so much and was excited to go after that.  He participated, didn't cry (too much), and took home many important lessons.

He practiced his kicks during the week, re-told the Bible stories they read, and memorized his verse like a champ.

We all learned some important lessons about not quitting and trying our best.  

I'm pretty proud of the little stinker.  

Even if it did take a little bribery along the way.

And just for grins...

Thank you so much, Mandy.  

You have such a heart for our children and teaching them about the Lord...

while also improving their soccer skills!

What a blessing you are.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

 just like you are working for God."

Colossians 3:23

morgan {senior pictures}

This could be one of my favorite Senior photo shoots to date.  

Morgan and her mom, Michelle, came all the way from Kansas so that I could do her shoot!

She is beautiful.  

Seriously.

Inside and out.  

They are headed back to Kansas today and I promised to give a quick sneak peek...

Enjoy!

Such a fun shoot.  Thanks for coming, ladies!

Lots more to come!