Pre-K Grad, On to the Big K

Landon finished PreSchool in May. He graduated from Kid University at our church. He absolutely loved going to KU and all of his teachers made our experience so special over the last four years. The friendships he's made every Tuesday and Thursday, I pray, last a lifetime.

Landon is now a big Kindergartner. He had a fun first week, which included only a few minor lessons in listening carefully and following all directions. I asked Landon after I picked him up on the first day of school how his first day was. He replied, "Good, I didn't even have to go to the principals office!" I guess we made a slight impression by showing him the office and stating that we better not get a call that he is in the principal's office. He ate chicken nuggets in the cafeteria one day. Landon thirves on the extra responsibilities of "being a big kid." He was so excited to start Kindergarten making it so much easier on mom and dad. Brandon did decide to lead a family prayer for Landon just before we headed to school on the first day, during which both mom and dad left teary eyed--it was so sweet though. His life is already such an amazing "God Glorified" story that I sit on the edge of my chair "patiently" waiting to see what God does next in our family.

We have had two weddings and many trips to the pool, a few bike races and triahlons, in between PreK graduation and the first day of Kindergarten. Both my sister (July) and Brandon's sister (June) got married this summer. Brandon raced in his second half Ironman in Lubbock as well as a sprint tri here and Landon finished his first triathlon, too. We are so proud of him. I added these things to this post because while I wanted to share pictures and every detail of of each event, I want to go forward with posting rather than back to our incredibly busy summer.

Vacation Time!

You can tell by my blog that we have been busy--in the last two weeks, I finshed two posts that I started in December (yes, Kyle, this has been more than slightly ignored). It may not slow down either. We have done everything from a trip to Florida for Brandon's first half Ironman distance triathlon and family vacation, 2 weddings, and now shopping for school. I love being busy, but this summer has been a bit too much. I have neglected so many things because of this busy summer--my house, the laundry, my friends, my house, just to mention a few. Yes, I did mean to mention "my house" twice; it is so overwhelming that I do not want to do any of it. I know I am not the only one who feels it has come and gone way too fast!

These are pictures from our vacation to Florida with my family. Brandon and I went a few days early and he raced in his first Half Ironman Distance triathlon in Panama City Beach. The weather was weird, the waves were dangerous--so dangerous they considered cancelling the swim, then the clouds broke and the heat and humidity beat down. I am so impressed by all the triathletes, somewhat jealous I suppose. I can not believe the amount of time and hardwork that Brandon has put into training and competing. He has come a long way this year and I can only imagine what next year will bring. Great job this season, Brandon, the kids and I are your biggest fans!

We spent the week following the tri relaxing with family on the beach in Destin, FL--no better vacation spot! This year was cooler than most years that we have been there. We have been going with my aunt and uncle and her two kids for about 20 years, every few summers. Now, we are all finally married (Shawna and Zane, finally!) and have our own kids. It makes for a big party and the kids had a blast playing with Counsins Kate and Addison. We missed Coast Guard Cousin Joey, Tia and Emma this year! The best part about a vacation together--I love making memories with my kids!