Celebrations... however small...

For some reason, I see summer as freedom, but also quite limiting due to the heat and summer school. This year, I was wrong about summer school and well, we all know it's hot. Summer school is flying by and making me question why I don't teach high school. I have an outstanding group of kids this year who are fun, but also get their work done. It make the days fly by and sometimes my stomach hurts from laughing so hard. We appreciate the extra money that summer school brings in and this year, we're enjoying the experience.

Jonathan is preparing a new patio in our yard. I already enjoy eating my breakfast outside, but this will make it super wonderful... and Kobe won't drag in wood chips all the time. We are looking forward to heading up north for a long visit with the family and Kobe is excited to be outside without dying of heat stroke. We're used to getting up early to make the most of the break in heat and taking turns running out all of Kobe's energy. Now that we both have bikes, it is a lot easier.

We are both proud of ourselves and each other. We're both at our lowest weight since we've been together. We are healthy, happy, and have lots of energy. We've lost a combined total of 49 pounds which we will never see again. We love going to the gym and working up a good sweat. I am loving cooking out of my cookbook that my friend Sarah gifted me. Healthier versions of our favorite recipes like macaroni and cheese. We'll have to put out some money to get new clothes, but cannot wait to show off our 'new' selves to the family in MN.

Speaking of family in MN, Ava has made her appearance in the world and Abby is coming soon from India. We cannot wait to spoil both of these little girls when we get there. Nothing like expanding the family to include two more beautiful gifts from God. Stretch will be here in October or so and he is doing well. Our life is blessed with healthy babies!

Heather has moved into her new home which is less than a mile away from us. I like having my sister close and can't wait for football season. Jonathan and I fully intend to ride our bikes to her house as to not worry about how we are getting home. It's fun to stop by quickly, or not so quickly.

This weekend, Jonathan's aunt and uncle are in town, so we get to hang out with them and visit. Relaxing weekend hanging with family sounds great to me!

Life's small pleasures really add up when you write them down.