August

August was a full, fun month for us with lots of family and friend connections! 

We didn't go on a proper vacation this summer, but we did enjoy a few shorter trips close by.  Our last get away was a couple nights in Luray.  A family hike is always my favorite.

Callie is a dear friend to both Ryan and I from our days at OBU.  She and her family now live in Zambia, so it was a rare treat to get to see her as they made a stop in DC on their way back home.  The visit was also timed with the arrival of a special book: another dear friend from OBU published a beautiful book about their family's travels around the world - check it out here!  

KayeK came for a visit!  It'd been too long since she'd stayed with us and we were grateful to have her around for a few days.  

No, I did not edit this photo in any way =)  As big as he is, Rooke still cherishes his Kaye K

Mom and I attended an evening concert at the US Capitol.  The Army band performed a fantastic program, the weather was perfect, and Mom was the perfect person to appreciate the music with me!

An afternoon at the movies to celebrate our friend's birthday and to laugh out loud at the most recent Freaky Friday flick - it was funnier than we thought it would be =)

More fun birthday shenanigans with Bridgette's friends

Gretchen got to spend a couple nights at a lake house with friends!  She got to ride jet skis and go tubing

Jessie and I got to spend a few days together - what a gift!  Incredible weather, non-stop talking, yummy food, hiking and kayaking and walking . . . such an encouragement for me.

As if my heart wasn't bursting already from time with special friends, Kenan and her two oldest girls came to stay with us for a couple nights.  Kenan and I met our freshman year at OBU and have stayed close ever since.  Having her in our home with her two girls was wonderful and even more fun to see our four girls enjoy getting to know each other.  

We did a full day in DC, including a visit to the old post office clock tower (a first for us), and we were the first visitors that day to step in to the rotunda at the National Archives - a pretty cool experience!

Uncle Steve hooked us up with his trolley tour - the best!!

Our last night, we did a Trader Joe's run, brought home a bunch of fun snacks, and stayed up late talking about all the things and giggling about boys =)

July

This photo technically isn't from July, but I came across it in July =)

Rooke's school schedules community service hours during the school day for the Junior and Senior students.  Rooke helped at a local garden and thoroughly enjoyed it.  The food grown is distributed to local food banks and shelters to help with food insecurity in the area.

We had a great time celebrating the Fourth of July this year!  The girls and I took a picnic to the dress rehearsal of the PBS production, A Capitol Fourth.  Going on the 3rd is actually fantastic: you get all the same performers with WAY less traffic and crowds and lines and security.  It was a beautiful night to be outside!

Heading towards security and entrance with NO lines!  This space would be packed with people on the actual 4th.

One of the performers for the concert was Lauren Daigle, an artist we enjoy!  During her final song, the girls ran to the front to stand near the stage.  On her way off stage, Lauren walked by the girls and was so kind to briefly interact with them.  Bridgette asked for a quick photo all together!!  

Getting ready for time with friends on the actual 4th.  Gretchen and I made our traditional American flag poke cake.

Silly friends and the festive desserts for our hangout

After dinner and hanging out, the adults spontaneously decided to jet down to the Hill to see the fireworks.  Our view wasn't awesome, but we laughed and still had a great time together.   

Fun selfies I find on my phone!

Rooke is still playing in tournaments!  Three more this month: two were back-to-back at the same facility.  Ryan and I tag-teamed for those two tournaments.

With so many consecutive days, I spent some time in the local laundromat!

These fun friends were awesome helpers for our church's VBS!  It's always a blast to help lead VBS and I love that the girls are growing up with the opportunity to serve and lead in this way.  

Saturday morning breakfast.  Still my favorite family meal.

Rooke's final basketball tournament!  We made it a family trip.  He'll play again in the school season, Lord willing, but this was the final tournament for his club team and we had a great time watching games and exploring Atlantic City a little bit.

The girls and I made it to the beach between games!

Making the most of our pool on a hot summer day

 

June

 

After-dinner walks rarely include our tallest family member, so it feels like a treat when he's around and able to join us

Bridgette loved getting together with some of her friends from Unitas - much fun was had, including decorating cupcakes =)

For the past five summers, we've been fortunate to connect with a friend who is able to purchase farm fresh blueberries in bulk - they are delicious . . . and HUGE!

Happy Father's Day to Ryan, the fearless leader of our Bunch of Paynes

Instead of sending the kids to various summer camps this year, we asked grandparents if they would host "Oklahoma Camp" =)  The kids flew together to spend a full week with the many wonderful family living in Oklahoma.  They started in Norman with the Martin side, then spent the rest of the week with the Paynes.  What a gift it is to have extended family willing to host our kids, love on them, and create special memories with them.

Bridgette offered a hilarious summary of what it would be like for the kids to travel together:

"Rooke looks like he's in charge so people won't mess with us.  Gretchen is responsible, organized, and actually in charge so we'll be fine.  I'm willing to talk to anyone, so I'll get help if we need it."

Getting ready to board . . . this photo cracks me up, as it captures the reality of my kids:

Rooke - please stop taking photos.  This isn't a big deal.  I've got the boarding passes on my phone.  

Bridgette - extroverted, sporty, uninhibited in her excitement for the trip

Gretchen - happy, chill, put together, amused by her sister until it looks like things might get embarrassing and then drama ensues

Proof of life on the receiving end

Taking a campus tour of our alma mater, OBU - maybe one of our kids will go there?!

Drive-in movie!

Rooke got to join Big Daddy and "the boys" for lunch

Meanwhile, Ryan and I went on a long hike in Shenandoah National Park, only to get caught in an actual thunderstorm - ah!  We got soaked, ran a couple miles for a good workout, and were safe to laugh together afterwards.

Fun times with the Paynes at the OK Aquarium.  Rooke also got to play disc golf with Uncle Sean

The red heads came home together, while Bridgette got to stay a bit longer to enjoy a special "13-year-old trip" with KK, Big D, and Maisy

 I made Rooke and Gretchen help me finish the puzzle I'd started so we could clear off the kitchen table

Back to Norman for a few more days . . .

Sunday at First Baptist Church in Norman with Nana

Making tote bags

Learning how to make KK's special homemade noodles

KK planned a special tea lunch for these dear women to spend time with Bridgette and Maisy and encourage them as they move into official teenage years

There was quite a bit of drama in Bridgette getting home.  Moral of the story: don't fly as an unaccompanied minor with American Airlines and make sure Aunt Sara is around to bail you out at 6am!

She's home!