September Fresh Starts....

Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool. I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight. Ohhhh, back to school. Back to school. Back to school. Well, here goes nothing. -Billy Madison

How is it even possible that these kids are back in school and ALL three of them are going each day!  Griffin started 3rd Grade, Millie started 2nd Grade and Leighton started the beginner's class (same place Griffin started back in 2015) at Heritage.  Wow!!! What started as a preschool for G has turned into our family and our home for the past 6 years...we are so thankful for our little HCA bubble.

Amazing...just amazing!  Last year, due to Covid, parents were not allowed in Chapel...but this year, we can (at least for now) worship with our kids each Tuesday!  What a blessing.

Seeing these chair filled lifted my spirits (and still do today) being so thankful for the ability to be in person today!

And then it was LJ's 1st day!!!

True LJ spirit here!!! Harness that amazing zest LOVE.

Doughnuts with Mommy & Daddy before school...I mean, pulling out all the stops!

A little trip to the bathroom before class...mainly to make sure she knew where it was, test it out and wash up.  She had only been potty trained for a few weeks when school started, so I was still double and triple checking that she wouldn't have an accident.

And that's a WRAP....looks like the back to school schedule took a toll on these kiddos.

What is the first week of school without a long weekend adventure to wrap up summer with our besties.

The side by side ferry adventure...LUMMI or bust. This trip marks Meyer/Bell Adventure #11 and did not disappoint...but time with this family never does.

Good morning from the beach...

Enjoying beach time...lunch time...friend time...and just being thankful time!

It's amazing to see the smiles when we have no plans and so much exploring to do.

This picture was originally taken Lummi 2015 and this was the new and improved!!!

Cornhole for days....

The referees...

What is a weekend at the beach without an amazing crab boil?!?!

These kids are growing up before our eyes...but no matter the time between visits, the friendships are so strong!!! :)

Ahhh...until next time with the Bell family, where in the WORLD (or Washington) will we go next?!?

Last night family time...

and s'mores! Lots and lots of s'mores!!!

When Millie is at cheer...we sometimes have to find SWEET ways to occupy our time.

We've moved from the front yard...to the back as the Patio 2021/22 project really started taking shape.

First time CHEERING at a game.

Another adventure while we wait for Millie at cheer...we had opportunities on Monday and Wednesday most of September for walks with these two!

Rainy Days...The storm won’t last forever...at least that’s what my heart tells me. It feels heavy at times and that I can’t get through the mud, but there will be an after. There will be Grace.

Friday night Taco Truck pickup with this love!

And then we had a DATE NIGHT....it's not often, and probably will be very limited here soon, but we were so thankful for Grammy & Papa taking the kids for movie night while Rich and I got to have a little time alone...such a blessing.

Another fun CHEER event...the pancake breakfast fundraiser.

Millie with her Big Sis, Naomi (left) and with her teacher, Makenna and Baby Riley (right).

This girl has really blossomed with cheer...her heart and passion are so BIG and it's fun to see something she loves so much!!!
 

It's the most amazing thing to see your baby growing up before your eyes...I knew she would love preschool, but she loves it more than I could have ever imagined.

Lunch time at the Cottage with our PLUS one...this time to celebrate Nya-nya's (Daddy) Birthday!

And then a little cake with the kiddos to celebrate at home...it's funny how much the small and simple celebrations mean so much.  It took us stopping and pausing to listen that this was just the way it was always supposed to be.

It may be a rollercoaster, but I can’t imagine anyone else who I’d want to be sitting beside me on this ride called LIFE. Happy birthday to my bestie, my baby(ies) daddy, my partner, my button pusher, my dream builder, my rock. I love you more today than yesterday!!!

First HCA pride day of the year...and this year, we have a new EAGLE leaving the nest. 

I hope they always snuggle me before bed...this time, while sometimes sooooo frustrating, its what I look back on and cherish the most.

Garden 2021 is a wrap...final harvest was the watermelons!!!

Special outing with Grammy and Papa to go see Avea cheer!

My helper...8am serving the nursery at church.  What a blessing to serve with him by my side and show him what an amazing opportunity it is to serve others.

Surprise...Millie got to lead the Christian pledge at Chapel and I just happened to be there.

And that's a wrap September...we are settling into a new groove as a family.  Back to school, back to church, cheer, play dates, home projects, evening walks, weekend adventures and the beginning of fall! Reminding myself that it’s my choice to be an open book, but knowing that judgment comes with that...so keeping my bubble small, my heart open and my faith in the Lord strong!