Sliding into summer

Yay! Summer is FINALLY here.  The Sowas got there practically kicking and screaming - it's been a wonderful, fulfilling, challenging, disappointing, and exhausting school year...

I ended the year taking some wonderful kiddos to Atlanta for DECA Nationals.  I was like a proud mama and I'll miss this year's seniors incredibly.

MacZ, Will, and Taylor

I was also lucky to meet up with my SMU friend, Meredith, while in Atlanta...and I got to meet her darling blessing of a boy, Henry!!!!

Upon returning, Emma Rose and I took Caroline out to celebrate her 8th birthday.  They had a blast painting giraffes and enjoying Shirley Temples at Canvas 'n' Cocktails!

As the school year ended, the kids had lots of celebration days.  Emma Rose and her friends got together and decided to all dress as Rapunzel for "Fairy Tale Day" at school.

Unfortunately, she tripped on her dress at recess and I had to pick her up after a nasty fall that ended in whip-lash and a cut-open chin.  I took her to ice cream out of mom-guilt...

I was so proud of the kids at the end of the school year.  Both transitioned so well at their new school this year. Porter received the "Platinum" award for receiving a 4.0!!!! Emma Rose received the character award for "Commitment," for sticking to everything she begins with fervor and excellence.  And, ironically, both won the "John Smith" award for being leaders in new territory.

Both kids ended their soccer season amazingly!  Throughout the season, Emma Rose was a star.  She was the leading goal-scoring player on the team, AND the leading defender.  She is aggressive, strong, and she has mad endurance.

Porter's season ended in a fun tournament where his team took first place!  Go Real United!  I'm so proud of both of the kids and so enjoy watching them play.

With school and the soccer season over, we headed up to Granby to officially celebrate summer.

Since then, we are committed to filling our days with adventure, kindness, and each other.

Today we headed to watch some of my dear friends/students ride their horses and we met their adorable new puppy, Paisley.  Porter and Emma Rose were in "low-key" heaven.

Emma Rose, Porter, Sarah, and Toad

Paisley & Porter

Velvet, Megan, and Emma Rose

Emma Rose, Megan, Paisley, and Sydney

Finally, Corey has been working like crazy to see our Christian Brothers shop open.  June 25, kicking and screaming, but with joy (and hope!) in our hearts, Here. We. Come!!!