School's Out- Now What?

 We did not waste any time shipping all three kids off to Camp Glisson to start the summer. It was the only summer that all three could attend the same week before Tuttle moves up to the upper high school session.

I love that Maggie and Gwen want to go together each year. They are such sweet cousins.

Jacob was a little apprehensive to return to Camp Glisson this year. He was disappointed last year during mini camp, but I am convinced rain all week really put a damper on his fun. As soon as I picked him up this year, he asked if he could return for additional week. He did not want to leave! All three Thorne kids are now Camp Glisson committed!

The kids do not get to have all the fun....

 Jay and I enjoyed dinner with cousins at our favorite Downtown Roswell spot. We celebrated an engagement and a pregnancy announcement!

We also kicked off summer with the Foxhoff Summer Kickoff. Melissa and Kevin know how to throw a party. The live music, food, and company are always the perfect way to start the season- not to mention their picturesque backyard!

We celebrated Father's Day with breakfast at Waffle House, swimming, and a steak dinner. 

One of the most unexpected part of June was sneaking away for a Girls' Weekend with Jackie and two of her college friends in Knoxville. Jackie and I typically go years between visits despite the fact that we talk on the phone several times a week. With seven kids between us, there is never free time! It was such a blessing to recharge with these girls!

Our next destination was our annual lake trip to Richard B. Russell State Park. Jay has to sit out this year since he just started a new job, but the kids and I made the most of the week even though we missed Daddy!

Tuttle worked hard to complete a boating certification course, so he would take the fishing boat out on his own. He spent the week taking all the kids on rides.

I depended heavily on Chip and Travis to take my kids out on the pontoon boat for tubing. I was still working remotely, and without Jay there, we did not have a representative from our family that could actually drive the boat. All three Thorne kids spent hours being tossed and flipped around the lake!

The lake always guarantees that we feel relaxed and recharged. We appreciate all the time and effort that Gram and Grumps always put into this memorable week. 

While summer is already flying by, we still have a lot more fun to come!

Wrapping Up ALL The Things

 May was full of all the ceremonies, parties, awards, and performances.

We never need an excuse to celebrate Grandaddy, but turning 82 is a good reason if we need one!

Tuttle's 14th birthday party was postponed from April because the boys are all involved in sports, but we squeezed in a low-key party in May with some of his best guys.

Maggie's team opted for a party instead of a state meet gift. Lennox hosted at her beautiful home in Buckhead, and we organized a private hibachi chef for dinner. These girls constantly work so hard and deserve to be recognized for their commitment.

The moms (and dads!) also deserve to be recognized for their driving services to practices and meets as well as their open checkbooks! :)

Maggie's banquet wrapped up the year in Level 7! She is eager to train with a new group/new coaches and more advanced skills.

Field Day is always one of Jacob's favorite days of the year. He even qualified to represent his class in the relay race!

All these May events were not just for the Thorne kids. Holland and Piper stole the show on stage for their dance recitals!

Jacob took home ALL the awards at his "Donut Grow-Up" ceremony. He was recognized for all top marks on his report cards, excelling at math and reading, representing his class on Field Day, and being the "Critical Thinker" for Ms. Wilson's Class.

Well, we made it! Goodbye 3rd, 6th, and 8th grade! Hello, SUMMER!

Please ignore the fact that we have a HIGH SCHOOL student now.....

April Antics

 Aunt Peach and I got a wild hair and ventured to the tattoo shop for matching finger art. I think I am feeling my march toward 40 in September and trying to knock out some craziness. :)

The boys enjoyed cheering on the Dawgs at the G-Day Game. 

Jay and I celebrated the Masters on the back porch. I had a pool at work that initially I was winning (solely based on how good looking the golfers were in my bracket), but I quickly dropped to last place. The mimosas and chicken salad made me feel better with the loss. 

Tuttle turned FOURTEEN. We celebrated him with a dinner at home and scheduled his party for May when activities and sports calmed down.

Maggie and her team traveled to Gulf Shores, Alabama for Regionals. This was one of Maggie's main goals of the season especially since the meets had not gone as planned. I always love traveling with the moms, and we actually had time to relax.

It was a tough meet for Maggie which was difficult for her because she wanted to end the season with higher scores. We had a long beach walk to discuss expectations for Level 8, and both learned a lot about each other's view of this roller coaster sport. 

I am so proud of Maggie for her determination and resilience. Roswell Gymnastics is a special place with the most supportive coaches and teammates. Maggie is ready to make some mental changes and tackle new skills. The girls immediately begin training for Level 8- no rest for these powerhouses.

Easter and Spring Break

 We celebrated Easter at Roswell United Methodist Church this year. I had to restrain myself from venturing back to PRUMC because their Easter services are unmatched, but we had a beautiful morning closer to home.

Gram and Grumps hosted another successful Easter lunch and egg hunt.

The next day we left for SPRING BREAK! We planned our vacation differently this time. For the first time in EIGHT years we did not head down to Orlando for a magical week at Disney. Jay and I changed things up and booked a condo in 30A for our crew + two friends.

The week was full of beach and pool time, golf cart rides, yummy food and drinks, competitive putt putt golf, and memories with friends. While Tuttle had Bryce, and Maggie spent the week with Riley, the Mitchell Family and the McCormack Family were there, too, so Jacob had a crew of boys to be with and we had the parents!

The beach waved double red flags the whole trip, but the kids did not seem to mind very much. The water was still pretty cold!

Jay remained the reigning champion, but Bryce almost dethroned him!

Parents Night Out was so much fun until Maggie called to report her injuries from a bicycle accident in front of our condo. :(

Lucy was included in the trip, too. She did not make it to the beach, but she loved walking around The Big Chill. She always proved to be the most popular member of our family!

Overall the trip was an absolute success and one of my favorite vacations to date! It was relaxing, the kids were pretty self sufficient, we LOVED our condo and its proximity to entertainment, and it was relatively affordable! I know we will be returning!