Yes, I still live here, and No, I'm not home for long. :)

"You still live here?" "Are you done traveling for awhile?" Haha. Those are the top two questions I've been asked since we returned home Friday. For those that follow me on Facebook/Instagram, you know that we've just been gone for a couple weeks on vacations. We started out in the Black Hills with family and ended up in Denver with some of my childhood besties for a little reunion. It's been a satisfying few weeks. A good reprieve from the hustle and bustle of busy family life. But it's been really good to be home. 

You know, being a teacher is a different cat. Especially when it comes to vacations. We do a few weekend getaways during the school year, but there isn't a lot of wiggle room for trips unless I want to take days unpaid (I wouldn't recommend it). So once ball is over, we tend to pack in the adventures until it's back to the grind. Honestly, while it is definitely busy, it makes me appreciate my home and this town that much more when I return. It's a good balance for us, and it works out for our lifestyle in this season of life we are in. I couldn't imagine doing the traveling we've done this year if our kids were still little. Back then, get togethers consisted of going to one couple's house and letting the kids play in the basement while we played cards and had a few drinks. Now, I'm lucky if my kids are around when we get together at someone's house. ;) 

As I was visiting my grandma today, we chatted about how life just flies. One minute, your toddlers are hanging from your leg, and the next, you are sending them to high school and teaching them how to drive. This stage of life is by far my favorite. I love their independence (and ours), but I also love watching them turn into little adults with opinions and passions of their own. It's satisfying to me to watch them take the things we've taught them and apply them to life. It's also scary. Very scary. I know that kids make mistakes, and I'm trying to prepare myself for how to handle those as they come too. Nevertheless, we are enjoying the ride. 

I sent Jae to Power Connection this morning for a week, and tomorrow I'll send Sawyer to Inspiration Hills for a few days. And in a few weeks, football and volleyball will start, and we will be gearing up for a new school year. It's all happening so quickly! 

Here has been our summer in pictures thus far:

Jaedyn Freshman (technically 8th grade) Softball 

Carter- 6th grade Little Warrior baseball

Strawberry picking 2018

Trying to fit in our monthly Christmas dates is proving to be harder than we thought :/- June Luverne Drive In Date

Family picture at Mt. Rushmore

Hiking afternoon

Lots of card games on vacation

Dad and I at Custer State Park

Dan's favorite part was the UTV

Mt. Rushmore

The kids with dad

In Deadwood at the Adams Museum- They play the part well. :)

Jenny Gulch at Lake Pactola

Sawyer cliff diving

Gaining a little courage from Uncle Colin- This picture is the sweetest

My entirely too brave for her own good daughter. Had to jump just right.......

He did it!!! So so proud of him!

Wildlife loop at Custer State Park

Buffalo

Bear Country was a favorite for sure!

Next up- Denver to with these ladies! First item on the docket- Biking to the taco bar!

Bronco stadium tour 

In his element

Beautiful views from our hike in Breckenridge

The first of many breaks on this hike. Oof

This picture doesn't do justice the beauty of making it to the top, but it was worth losing my breath for 2 days. ;)

Real life photography at it's finest. Probably making dad jokes or something....

I can't put into words the meaning of this beautiful almost 30 year friendship. I love these women and their hearts. Feeling very blessed to be able to foster this relationship into our adult hood.

We have a little country to us---maybe only 2%, but it's there.

Annual boating day and celebrating one of the finest- Melissa Marie. Your birth is definitely a blessing to me. :)

Spending a couple weeks at home now. Then heading to RFKC for a week, and an Ozark trip at the end of summer to launch us into the school year. I will be ready for a schedule when I need to have one, but for now, I'm enjoying all the adventures! Happy Tuesday friends!! Enjoy this sunshine without the humidity!!