Week 24--Father's Day

Monday, June 10th

Rocco was so pleased to empty his backpack and be done with school, but he also struggled to simply discard 9 months worth a whole lotta time and effort.  He knew it was not necessary to keep, but he also respected its inherent value.  He struggled as to what to do with it.

Tuesday, June 11th

By the next day, he'd made his choice.

Wednesday, June 12th

I was tickled to be at Gianna's 8th grade promotion.

Maddy set up a sweet little porch spot to extend their living area to the outdoors.  It was a beautiful night to sit outside and visit Miss E.

We caught a beautiful sunset (and got into a big fight <eyeroll>) on our little date at Market Grille.

Thursday, June 13th

Trevor has 3 jobs this summer- lifeguarding, pizza delivery, and babysitting.  This was the first day with his two very sweet kids.  He did a great job keeping them busy all day.  As a bonus, Renna spent quite a bit of the day with the girl and Rocco with the boy.

Maddy and E came over.  We marveled how much Trevor's girl looks like Ezra might look in 5 years!

Friday, June 14th

Lisa texted this treasure from 20 years ago stating, "This is a WHOLE scene."

Saturday, June 15th

Last day walking onto Vets soccer fields for a long time!  We've spent a considerable amount of time here over the years!

They have certainly sat through their share of soccer games!

One last walk-off, side by side.

Sunday, June 16th

Father's Day

Our day started at the first service.  Crossroads has been using personal testimonies as their bumper videos and we were surprised to see a familiar face!!  Colombo and I were seated with Rocco and Trevor and we just wept through the whole thing.  My God is faithful!  You can watch here.  (I have no idea why the youtube upload is poor quality...the original was high def and perfect...sorry)

The plan for the day was to chill outside / by the pool until the big kids came for dinner.  It was a beautiful day.  Quality time together, laid back, all about family.  Trevor and Rocco put the new hockey net together.

As an amazing bonus, Maddy and Mason spent the night.  They put Ezra down so they wouldn't have to leave early for her bedtime.  A very serious, sweaty game of basketball ensued.

The girls went out for ice cream.

Then more swimming.

Such a special family day and the kids did a beautiful job honoring their Dad with cards and letters.

Week 23--all.the.celebrating.

Monday, June 3rd

Levi requested a boat day with cousins, so Garth and Tannie generously opened their house, drove the boat for hours, and fed us.  It was a beautiful day!  At one point Garth took 'the adults' for a slow cruise and it was literally all the 18+ crew.  We only got one call from the kids asking, "How much longer?  We're hungry!"

Tuesday, June 4th

We had Harlem the whole day because he had an ear infection and couldn't be at school.  They're sitting here watching nothing on the baby monitor!

We attended Rocco's Tennis banquet.  It was short and sweet and to the point.

He walked out with Rookie of the Year.

Coach Healey and Coach Butter.

Wednesday, June 5th

Maddy, Mason, and Ezra spent the week in Cali visiting old spots, old studios, old friends.  It was fun to catch little glimpses through the pictures she sent.

Thursday, June 6th

This year's Manchester Travel team- this was very low-key.  One player had never even played before.  As kids disperse to the elite club teams, it's hard for towns to pull teams together for the older kids.

Friday, June 7th

Last day of finals, last day as a Freshman, last day of school for Rocco!  I had to hit him with tradition, but after being in on it for several older siblings, he was anticipating it!  Here's the video!

I dropped him at the house and then zipped out to Lisa's to meet up with her and Aunt Bonnie and Melody,  here from New York, to help pull off Amanda's graduation party!  It was important to Lisa that we sit for lunch and have some good conversation before we hit the to-do list.  Could not have done it without them!  What a capable crew!

Renna was promoted from 6th grade into youth group!  What used to be a big celebration followed by a 6th grade sleepover and all the fanfare, was reduced to next-to-no fanfare.  Nevertheless, Renna is QUITE pleased to have FINALLY joined the ranks and get in on the Friday night fun she has heard about her entire life.  It's great timing for her and I pray she finds solid leaders and friends to lean on for the next 6 years.  She loves the Bible she was given.  Oh...and we are kidless on Fridays- first time in 25 years!

Colombo and I decided to surprise Juliet and try out the new restaurant that she's been at for the last month or so.  Fun, little sports pub and turns out we know the owners!

Saturday, June 8th

The third "oh-sixer"... done!  Amanda Hope graduated on a a gorgeous morning and then it was time to party!

These milestones for the Cours are always precious and emotional.  They are moments that are extra sweet because more than once, we weren't sure Lisa would be here for them.  But she has has fought valiantly to realize these days.  She is filled with gratitude and each one is a gift, not a given.

I'll post some more party pix once I see them hit Lisa's blog.  

The three consecutive weekends of grad parties felt like a bit of a marathon, but it was unique to this year and so special to celebrate with everyone!  So thankful for our people who show up time after time, who support, who jump in to help, who love us well.

Sunday, June 9th

Church, finance office, and yet another graduation party!  The kids stayed as it was Trevor's friend.  I just popped in for an hour to say hello and drop a card for Joise, who I've known her entire life and has been part of the gang that is often here at our house.

And now....drum roll, please!  Little Miss Ezra went to Disneyland in Anaheim and her mom sent the most ridiculously cute picture.  

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