I always feel like the end of June is the half-way mark to summer being over. Technically, I know that isn't true, but for some reason my brain thinks about it that way. The month of June was a great mix of busy and relaxing for us. We were able to accomplish some things and spend some time playing. Here is what we were up to during the month of June.
The first week of June was busy with preparations for our annual VBS, which was the second week of June. We went to the church building nearly every day the week before VBS, so I let Bri have a hand at driving us some. Despite the look on my face, she did great!
She did officially get her driving permit toward the end of the month. She was just a little excited, haha.
Daddy has taken her driving several times, and I'm afraid he's a bit more dramatic about riding with a student driver than I am!
Lisa and Chloe came down to help us with VBS and were also able to attend our monthly youth devo. I think it's safe to say Chloe and Bri were happy to be together!
Bren and Kyle at the youth devo
Chloe, Bri, and Kyrie . . . these three get along great!
While Chloe was in town, she and Bri went to lunch and ran several errands for us. She also spent the night with us a few times! When Chloe and Bri were driving away the first time, it made me think of how they used to ride around in our little blue truck. Time is such a thief!
Of course, I had to dig up a photo of them in the blue truck and put it next to the recent one of them driving away. These photos are ten years apart!ðŸ˜
I am participating in the Claremore Civic Band again this year, so my Tuesday evenings have been reserved for practice. Somehow, I think I love it more each year.
Chelley and Ed
Lisa and Chloe were not only in town for the week of VBS, but for the week following VBS, as well. Chloe participated in a jazz camp the week following VBS, and I invited her to play with the Civic Band, too. She went to practice with me and participated in the concert that week. In the photo below, you can see me on the trombone and Chloe on the sax (in black) sitting next to her Oologah band director, Mr. Smith.
There's just something really special about making music together!
Along with the visitor's we knew we were going to have, we had an unexpected visitor for about four days in June. My friend called me one Saturday afternoon and asked me to come get her daughter for a few days due to some issues they were having with their other children. While the circumstances weren't something we hope ever happen again, we LOVED having Ms. L for a few days! She was so fun, articulate, funny, and just such a joy!
Ms. L was with us during Father's Day, so she joined us for church and lunch afterwards at Grampy and G-Jo's house.
Brooke and L
She loved our library of books, so we did quite a bit of reading. Brooke loved having the reading duties!
Ms. L also really enjoyed playing Barbies with Brecklyn, bowling on the Wii with Bren, and snuggling Bri in her bed. She slept in Brianna's room and decided they were besties 💓.
Because of her home situation, we haven't been around L much in the past few years. I think the last time she had seen us was almost a year ago. She did SO well with us considering how little we see each other. We tried our best to balance downtime with fun activities, so one day we went to the splash pad. She had a blast!
Of course, one perk of the splash pad is that she was good and tired that afternoon and took a solid nap. We had a bed set up for her in Bri's room, so after she would fall asleep we would transfer her to her bed where she slept like a champ.
We had a new experience this month when some friends invited us to join them at the Pawnee Bathhouse. This is a swimming hole complete with a sandy beach slide, diving board, and platform. My kids have never really swam in natural water before (except for the ocean), but they had a really fun time. Initially, Brecklyn wanted nothing to do with it (because fish, haha), but she very quickly got over that!
Brenson
Brecklyn, Brooke, and Bri
At the end of May, Kendall texted me saying she was planning to come into town to spend the day with Amy, Angie, and {hopefully} me. I quickly cleared my schedule so I could hang out with everyone, and I'm so thankful I did! The day did not turn out at all like we had planned, but man it did my heart good to be with them. I can't even express how grateful I am for these friendships!
I'm not sure if I've mentioned it already or not, but the kids are all participating in the summer running program with the Falcons again this year. As part of the program, Coach Renee takes all the high school runners to a state park each year. Last year, we went to Gloss Mountain State Park, and this year we went to Natural Falls State Park. Coach asked me to be a driver and a chaperone, and I was happy to do both!
Our first time at Natural Falls State Park!
The whole crew!
We did a good bit of hiking and just really enjoyed our time exploring and being in nature.
The heat and humidity were no joke, but it was worth it.
Love Gavon!
Due to a very rainy May and June, the falls were flowing nicely.
Love these times with my oldest girl!
As always, I am so grateful for a good month of hard work, relaxation, and fun!
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