Longest Blog Ever...

Well, it feels like it anyways...

The truth is, I've been overwhelmed with a busy summer schedule and blogging has buried itself at the end of my 'to do' list...

So, here we have a few weeks of catching up through pictures:

 We were incredibly blessed to spend a week in the Outer Banks earlier this month.  Elation filled our minivan...

 Even Titus got to go...

 My sister, Amanda, and her two little ones joined us for a couple days...

Payton

 and Jude 

(who refuses to smile for my camera!)

 Cousin fun...

 Crabs.

Are you kidding me?!.  Delicious 

 and entertaining!

 My parents came down from northern Virginia for a couple nights too.

 Blessing.

 Stil, refusing to smile.

 Dad picking the remaining crabmeat out for us to enjoy later...

 I did not turn my computer on the entire week.  I'm not even sure why I packed it.  I'd mentioned to a few friends about how I was going to get some work done.  Never happened.  And, I needed it.  I decided to take my phone camera down to the beach the last afternoon we were there.  So here are a few shots...

 Figuring out the skim board...

 Breaking for some rays...

 We had incredible weather and awesome waves for boogie boarding all week!

 It was one of the best weeks at the beach that I can remember.  God is gracious to us.  

 Grateful.

 Glorious.

 We returned home to a belated birthday card.

 Excitement.

 Then, my baby sister, Jessica, and her husband, Rick, dropped down from Upstate New York for a couple nights.  Such a treat!

 When they hit the road north, it was time for doctor's visits.  Physicals, two by two...

 Aunt Jessica brought a bag of giveaways.  Her shirts fit my girls perfectly.  They were super excited.

 And then the dentist...

 He was less excited, ha...

 I broke away one morning for coffee with a friend.  What a treat!

 Cute clothes arrived in the mailbox from Mamaw!

 

Another daddy daughter date... priceless.

 Could you wake up to anything sweeter than a card from one of your children?!.

 Another "two by two" appointment...

Getting ready for school.

These two were entertaining... to say the least! 

 Helping with chores...

The "look"... I'm always wondering, "And what can I help you with?"  Ha.

 Fall baseball has begun.  Joshua is excited to continue learning the game.

 We had friends down from Pittsburgh one weekend.  Wonderful time of fellowship and late night discussions.  Grateful for this family!

 We enjoyed a Durham Bulls game last Sunday evening with some friends (about 38 of us total) from IDC.  Perfect weather and great fellowship.

 Angela braided Monica's hair, and then Trudee's, and then Audrey Claires... precious... and not too shabby either?!.

 Classes began last Monday on the campus of SEBTS.  I have the honor of co-teaching a Women's Evangelism class with Dr. Reid.  It is a small class with some amazing women in it.  I'm humbled to be a part, feel like the student myself and left refreshed from our first day.  

 This seems strange to say, but I'm looking forward to school starting for our kids (this coming Monday!) so our life can settle down a little?!.  Ha.  The summer was not quite like I'd imagined (in a good way).  I thought we'd have more time to do some things.  However, it seemed quite busier than our regular semesters.  Oh well.  God continues to give us the grace we need for each day. I'm thankful for each day He gives and the gift of my best friend and partner...

 I'm thankful for this crew who continue to challenge me, drive me crazy, humble me, lead me to tears, and bring me great joy...they are a gift of God's amazing grace.  This was us about to pull out of our driveway for a shopping journey.  I will just say that it is not the most exciting thing in my life to go to SAMS Club and school supply shopping with five kiddos in tow.  Ha ha ha...  Despite a few moments of wanting to cry, "Ahh!", they were a great help.  :-)

 While we ran our necessary errands, Tony was awarded (I'm not sure if that is the correct way to describe it... dubbed maybe?) the title of Johnny Hunt Chair of Biblical Preaching at SEBTS.  An honor.

 Sad we missed the presentation.  Humbling honor.  Joshua say the above picture and proclaimed, "Yay! Papa won a gold medal!"  The Ethiopian Olypians made an impression earlier this summer.  He now wants to be a fast runner. :)

 Jana and Angela opened an early, and incredibly practical birthday present from mamaw and papaw.  So excited!

 Table talk with papa...

 We girls snuck out for a couple hours with visit with friends...

 Then came home to this entertainer.  I mean, there is never a dull moment. :)

 We survived Meet the Teacher night at the Elementary School just in time to race to baseball practice...

 A lovely night... Autumn is on the horizon... my favorite...

 Friday was Middle School walk through...  James is excited...

and nervous...

 When we got home, I crashed out in a nap...  I'd initially mentioned the possibility of running to our community pool... but ran out of time... the remedy?  Sprinkler in the backyard!

 Titus in this picture below sums up about how I feel right now: