Summer fun winding down

What an amazing summer I have had.  I started the summer months with only 3 children and will end the summer with memories of an amazing journey to China to bring home our 4th child as well as a bittersweet memory of my oldest moving to college.

After getting home and recovering from jet lag we have enjoyed each others company, had fun hanging by the pool as well as going to do those fun summer things, such as a visit to the children's museum, tennis lessons, lunch at our favorite spots in town, etc.

Tennis Lessons for Lizzy

Maddie, Mia & Halle at the Museum fingerpainting

This is the first and only time in my life I have ever been off from work for an extended period of time during the summer.  I have enjoyed being home with all of the kids and am quite sad that this time is coming to an end.  However, when I look back at my journey over the first half of this year and my journey to Mia I know that GOD's timing was absolutely perfect!.  It was perfect that I was able to enjoy my son's graduation - all the events, parties and absorb every moment.  It was perfect timing that Lizzy got to go to camp during 1st term and be part of the amazing senior camper program at Camp Champions with all of her camp friends - she had an amazing time!  His timing was perfect that Maddie got some down time and was able to spend some one on one time with Mom and Dad while Christopher and Lizzy were at camp and then got to enjoy the entire summer without having to go to daycare.  It was perfect timing as I look ahead to having the time off to move Christopher to college, be there for my girls after school and of course - BASKETBALL - be able to attend most of Christopher's basketball games.  And sadly, GOD's timing is perfect as I have the time to take our dearest Pressley (our family dog) to the Oncology department at LSU for cancer treatments in hopes to prolong her life as much as possible.

Maddie learned to dive this summer (and has been truly inspired by the Summer Olympics).  Lizzy learned to play tennis. Christopher learned (and is learning) to take care of things by himself.  AND Mia learned to walk.  Check out the video below

Summer is ending and the familiar routine of school is back.  Maddie started Pre-K 4 today and was so excited to go to "big" school.  She tells me on the way to school "You know Mom, my legs are getting longer - because I'm getting bigger".  And bigger she is getting - Growing up too fast!  Lizzy will return to school on Wednesday.  Christopher and I make the journey to Springhill College for move in day on Friday - that will be the toughest thing for me I have had to do all year!  Keith does remind me that anytime I feel like I want to visit him on the weekend or have dinner with him - we can always fly over and do so.  (That makes me feel a little better).  That leaves Mia and Me all day home to snuggle!!!!

Maddie's First day of Pre-K 4