Andrew thinks he's funny

Sometimes Andrew takes my phone and then this happens...

Renaissance Festival

Aaron had been dreaming about taking us to the Maryland Renaissance Festival since he went as a teenager.  Well, it finally happened folks!  We came, we stared at all the people dressed up, we investigated all the craftsmanship for sale, we watched the brilliant juggler, we dipped our hands in wax, we shared a giant turkey leg, we watched the joust, we bought little wooden swords, we feared for the man on the 'Wheel of Death', we rode the elephant, we clapped for the rock dancer, we slammed the hammer bell, we sweat, we laughed, and we had a great time.  We'll probably go back:)

 

 

An Early Beginning

School came fast this summer...3 weeks faster!  But at least Porter will be able to take his finals before Christmas instead of 2 weeks after he gets back.  Sporting his new glasses for Junior year (Mom is in denial).

My Andrew and Jane are together this year!  (Can't believe that either!)

And the little boys get quite a break.  The elementary bus has been coming at the same time in the morning for 10 years, but this year it is 25 min later!  It's like Saturday every morning for them (well, kind of).

Our neighbor, Madelyn found a turtle by the bus stop the first week-definitely a good omen! Happy school year!

An Early End

Summer, you were so short!  8 instead of 11 weeks-better be worth it!  A couple fun adventures before 'the end' arrived:  a rollerblading/scootering trip through DC-very awesome!  I highly recommend it, in any city actually-a truly fun way to explore and great exercise.

A day trip to Sandbridge, Virginia Beach, with lots of families from the ward.  An amazing and large conch shell found Andrew in the waves-good luck for sure.  A perfect ending to summer:)

Tennessee Road Trip

We were happy to squeeze in a quick trip to see cousins before school started in August.  They had a hover board which became quite popular with everyone.  

Aunt Stacy kept us busy with wall ball and swimming at the rec center, a temple trip for the big kids, lots of video gaming, a walk through downtown Nashville, and a lake day!  Phew, it was awesome!

We found Elvis Presley's country music star for Dad.  Below is the 'batman' building.

This replica of the Parthenon is to actual size and resides here to honor their education system.

This pond was home to a very sleek, creepy, black, green eyed duck that only emerged for seconds at a time while swimming all over.  I think it really wants to be a fish...a spooky one.

No one ever means to sink into the mud-pit they are filling in behind Spencer's house, but it always happens!!  So gross and yet so entertaining.

The night before we left, Avery did a bunch of braids in my hair.  This trip was so relaxing and fun and just what we needed before hitting the books again.  There's nothing like cousin time:) Thank you Tennessee Smyths!