A is for An Awesome August!

August was a fabulous month!  There was so much fun to be had.  It was hard to see it go.  

I had a conference in Vancouver, WA - which is in close proximity to one of my bestest friends.  We haven't seen each other in almost 4 years.  When work told me I needed to make the trip, I was thrilled.  Aris, Chris, and I were roommates at one time, so we really have a great time together.  A trip by myself - what a special treat!

I was also able to reconnect with an old friend from college.  Eric and I go way back, but haven't seen each other in years.  I found out a couple of years ago that he lived in Salem, OR too.  I told him I would let him know if I ever made a trip his way.  To add to the randomness, we ran into each other at the airport Friday night actually.  I was waiting for Aris and Chris to pick me up and poof!  He appeared from somewhere and I was blown away. 

I have a high school friend who lives in Portland, OR and was able to meet up with him too.  We last saw each other at a high school friend's wedding in 2009.  He is a hoot!  So much fun catching up.  

Aris and I were able to get in a lot of QT. She came up and stayed with me at my hotel, so every night we went on a little adventure.  Our last night there we hit up a McMenniman's on the river.  A fabulous happy hour!  I couldn't think of a better way to end such a great trip!

When I returned home, the Martinez clan had arrived.  10 days + 5 boys = an insanely good time.  They had so much fun together!  It was crazy at best, but one of those summers that you just can't forget.  

Casey and I decided we wanted to take all the boys on a beach trip.  Just Aunt Melissa and Uncle Casey.  It was fun.  I think I was most impressed by our ability to get all 7 of us out of the house by 10:30 AM with full beach gear in tow.  

What a great shot - wish Taylor was in it too.

This is definitely going up in the new house.  Love this shot!

Ian and Ethan with their tough guy faces. 

Uncle Casey helping the wee ones with their squirt guns.  

 

When we got home from the beach, it was time to celebrate Taylor's 10th birthday.  His mama did a great job on the cookie cake.  Yum!

Making a wish while Milo sizes up his piece of the pie.

Milo aka The Chip Bandit

Taylor's actual birthday was August 22nd.  That afternoon we all went on a pontoon ride for a couple of hours.  The Martinez boys had never been on a pontoon boat before.  It was a gorgeous day.  Man I love living here!

The birthday boy takes charge.

Then Ian got a lesson...

and Milo too.  

Christopher and Ethan did too, but I couldn't get a picture of them.  Sneaky devils!

 

Mimi and Milo

It was right after this shot that we lost power on the boat.  Um, at first we thought it was a fluke.  But after 5 minutes it started to seem like an issue.  And by 10 minutes, we were needing to formulate a game plan.  We called the rental place and within minutes we had someone there to help us.  Everyone was calm, cool, and collected about it.  I am sure the snacks helped:)

I also had the next day off, so we headed north to the dairy farm.  Megan and Sean took the older kids through the corn maze.  I stayed back with the little ones.  We got to play on tractors...

and eat ice cream!  The perfect mid-morning snack if you ask me.  

The next day the Martinez family rolled out.  The silence was a bit eery, but everyone was happy to settle back into a routine.  But not without a few last minute summer hurrahs.  

Ian and I went shopping at the Bargain Corner one day.  He loved checking out all the vintage stuff.  If I had $225 to blow, I totally would have bought this old phone booth.  Ian thought it was pretty rad too. 

One last summer swim with the Goettelman girls.  I love this photo!  It will be fun to show to them in 15 years.  Ha!

My skater dude.

We got the pleasure of another boating experience before summer comes to an end.  Our friends, Joe and Josiah, bought a boat.  Summer has been busy for all of us, so it was the first time we were able to connect.  Not bad. We were honored to take their maiden voyage with them.  The boys thought the launch was the best part!

We were all thankful to have Casey chauffeur us around Clark Lake.  

Such a happy kid...

turned sleepy bear!

The time then came for backpacks, school supplies, new shoes, and a haircut.  Summer is over and school is in session.  I can't believe my little man started kindergarten this year.  He was so excited!  We read The Night Before Kindergarten and talked about all the wonderful things he was going to do, see, and learn at school.  I am sure he was afraid, but he walked in with true confidence.  Proud Mama right here! 

September 3 was the first day for everyone in the district.  However, the kindergarten kids had a 15 minute meet n' greet to drop off their supplies, meet their teacher, and see their classroom.  He was most excited about meeting his teacher, Ms. Carstens.  I snapped a photo before we left because it was also Daddy's first day at work (which is also a school), so he was not able to be there.  I asked Ian to put his game face on and this is what I got.  Pretty nice I would say.  

September 4th was his first full day of kindergarten.  He picked out his shirt himself, is sportin' his new shoes, and loving his TMNT backpack and lunch box.  I shed a tear or two at the bus stop as he drove away, but mostly I was excited for him.  For all his future successes and failures, for all the moments that will make him into a wonderful young man.  No matter what, I am always proud to be his mama and I just know...he is destined for great things.  I love you, Ian.