Memorial Day

We had the chance to get away for the weekend. So fun to spend a little time with the family.

We drove out to Massanutten.

We spent one day driving around...exploring and found ourselves in the Shenandoah River.  Troy had a good laugh over what "city" people we all are. I have to say...as Mikayla waded into the river with her purse.

Troy took some time to teach the kids to skip rocks. Doesn't Josh look like he's working hard at it?

We drove go karts.

We went tubing. I had to laugh when one of the women in line asked how the kept the snow cold. (Seriously?)

Oh my word it was hot. Katie thought so too.

And even mined for gems. Everyone needs to use a sluice at least once in their life, right?

It was a great weekend.

Beyond Blessed

Couldn't resist a little more of my niece. She's a doll.

And my cute nephew Steven.

And my gorgeous niece Lita.

Fresh Blessings

I am in love with my new niece.

Isn't she adorable?

Go, Go, Go

It has been a crazy busy weekend. The older kids are in the middle of SOLs and of course, that was when the school scheduled the 8th grade dance as well as the Showcase Music Festival in Williamsburg. 

The middle school orchestra competed against schools from all over the region. They came in 2nd! 

Mikayla played the violin and also recently learned to play the bass -- I continue to be impressed with her! 

After the competition, the kids spend the day at Busch Gardens.

Love these crazy kids. (Sami, Mikayla, Ashley, Chelsea, Andrew and Kevin)

And how could I not post about Adam and his pretty headband? lol!

Milestones

Not only did Mikayla get her braces off today, she also went to her first school dance.

She looked so beautiful.

She met up with Sami to take photos:

And then we headed to Nathan's to take photos with a bunch of her friends:

Morgan, Riley, Mikayla and Sami

Mikayla and Cameron

EJ and Mikayla

Emily, Matt, and Mikayla. Oh Matt Gray. He was funny. He needed to have someone else in the photo so it wouldn't feel like a "date" photo. Love this age.

Chelsea, Riley, Emily , Mikayla, Morgan and Sami

KayLeigh and Mikayla

I love these kids!  

They had so much. This has been a great year!