August continued our summer with fun in the sun, prepping for back to school, and finishing our home improvement projects.
The first week kicked off with Camp Haven for the girls and Thad. This day camp came to our church again this year. The camp provides everything except lunch. The kids thoroughly enjoyed rock climbing, go karts, laser tag, RC cars, arts and crafts, drama and song time, and water slides. The girls are already talking about going again next year!
While the rest of the kids were at Camp Have, Elijah was at Ninja Camp. Our local chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, brought in two Ninja Warriors and several of their training tools. Eli tried his hand at the Salmon Ladder, rope climbing, wall jumping, and many others tests of his strength and endurance. He also had a great time!
That first weekend was very special. We hosted a mini-family reunion with Nana's siblings. Leigh Ann hadn't seen her Uncle Dave in 23 years and she hadn't seen her Aunt Kay or Aunt Jill in 16 years. It was also a special treat to meet her Uncle's wife, Bobbie. Meredith and several of her kiddos also came over the for the day. It was such a precious time to catch up, laugh at family memories, and cry a few tears of joy over the sweet reunion. Let's not wait another decade or more to do it again!
As summer came to a close we squeezed in a few last minute fun days. One day we headed to the Jones Center for ice skating and swimming. One day we headed to a local splash pad to cool off. We also tried out a local snow cone place, had fun at our end of summer swim team party, went roller skating with our Grace Academy family and played with friends as much as possible.
The middle of the month saw Jeff heading back to school. This starts his 11th year at Southside and his 13th year of teaching in Fort Smith. He is already into his second week with students and getting into the groove. This year he is teaching all AP Chemistry and Pre-AP Chemistry classes. He is looking forward to a great year!
This month also brought great sorrow. Two friends passed away. They left behind their bodies of corruption and pain and entered the arms of our Savior. Paul has been a family friend for many years. His almost daily trials of pain and suffering from a chronic illness is over and for that we rejoice. Our friend, Aaron, was diagnosed with an aggressive, inoperable, brain tumor in late July. He left his broken body less than a month later. His death has been harder to come to grips with. He left behind a wife and 4 kids ranging in age from nine to fifteen. We are thankful that Aaron is no longer suffering and is running free in heaven but are really grieving hard for his family and friends.
Eden also experienced trauma this month. She ended up having a tube put in her right ear after months of fluid that just wouldn't drain. She had been speaking loudly for months because she couldn't hear out of that ear. She was a trooper but coming out of anesthesia was rough. We are praying this takes care of the issue and that her ears are good to go!
This month saw a huge change in our homeschool situation. Leigh Ann is schooling all three girls and has changed up their curriculum. It has been a few weeks now and they are starting to get into a routine. This month they also started at Grace Academy for two part days a week. They are looking forward to art class, gym, and making new friends. Eden started first grade, Anna started second grade, Marie started third grade.
The boys started back with their virtual school this month. It is hard to believe that Elijah is starting his freshman year of high school and Thad is starting seventh grade. Both are looking forward to the ability to do school in pajamas and on the schedule they set for themselves.
This month we also began piano (a first for Eden, Marie, and Anna), started with fall swim team (short course), and are gearing up for Bible Study Fellowship. Mom already had a conference with her BSF leaders and is excited for the start of a brand new study.
In finishing up our home improvement projects, we added a new window to the den. That room has always been rather dark and dreary. The new window has changed the whole feel of the room. It seems so much happier now!
I hope that as your summer comes to an end you can look back and be thankful for new memories, God's provision, and an excitement for what comes next!
