Weekend AWAY!

Ben and I escaped to Hilton Head Island to celebrate a friend's birthday/anniversary!

the beach in Hilton Head

Lainey stayed with her good friend Gabby...the girls went to a 16th birthday party with a Cops and Robbers theme. I'm choosing my battles on a lot of things these days. :)

Walker stayed with our good friends the Clarys. He's basically their third child.

While there, he caught this massive 8-pound snakehead fish (they are an invasive species...it should be killed). These fish have TEETH. Gross.

Walker and Chase, behind Chase's house

Gracie celebrated her third birthday at daycare. She looks so unimpressed with that hat.

She also got featured on their Instagram account... :)

AND she came home with artwork! I'm so proud. 

just a dog in the bushes - hunting for something :)

Lainey: "Flying" :)

A girl is out due to an injury, so Lainey is taking a turn "flying" for cheer. She is nervous as heck but seems to be doing okay with it!

Up and smiling!

She feels way more comfortable on the ground! :) Ha!

Tournament in Melbourne, FL and (More) Fishing

Congratulations, Parkland Pokers! Second place!

We recently discovered that we have a new (small) alligator in the water behind our house.

Walker, fishing with the alligator (he spotted it).

(Same photo with the alligator circled.)

We are SUPER close to our gate/fence and Walker knows just what to do if he sees it approaching; not to worry. It's a tiny little thing, but dangerous nonetheless.

Gracie. Emerging from a hedge. She loves to hunt.

Girls' Trip to Texas

Every September, we get together with my college friends! It's always worth it (the travel, the stress, the planning) and it's always fun; I love being around these women! We went to San Antonio this year and I experienced a new part of the city; I was so impressed with its charm. 

College friends: Mary Frances, Anne, Kari, Melissa, Kate, Nicole, and Kourtny

Anne, Kourtny, Melissa, Mary Frances, Kari, Kate, me, Kate, Nicole

our selfie 

at Camp Hot Wells in San Antonio

such a cool experience

Lainey and Walker stayed home with Bud and Yiyia. While I was gone, Ben left for Colorado for his annual hunting trip with my dad and brother. 

Lainey's little buddy Sadie was at the game.

Lainey loves this girl!

:)

Cheer, Fishing, Nature

our cheerleader, after her second game

seeing old dance friends from our studio in Boca

Tally, Lainey, Victoria

(Tally and Victoria cheer for Pinecrest, whom Calvary played on Friday night.)

Gracie and I saw what we *think* is a red-tailed hawk.

Walker caught a huge fish. 4 pounds! Biggest catch yet.

And, I tried to turn on "squirrel tv" for Gracie- it held her attention for approximately 5 seconds. :)

The rest of August...

Lainey in the driver's seat...me praying. :)

Lainey with friends (she's on the far left)

And again. She's the third one from the left.

Lainey's first Varsity football game at home

Walker and his peacock bass that he caught (and released)

 (He didn't attend the football game.)

more cheering (I'll have to get better photos)

Lainey, second row, second from left

Off to a great start; she's loving cheering for her school!