July 2022

July was an eventful month.  It started off with a bang - literally, since it was the 4th of July.  Even Rocket got in on the festivities.  We finished off the day at the city's fireworks show, which is always incredible.

Emily got an early birthday present from her grandparents: Jacks.  Remember that game?  We looked up the instructions online and figured out how to play - I had jacks as a child, but never knew the rules or how to play.  Thank you, internet!  Emily loves the game!

Emily and I got all dressed up and did a photo shoot.

Lake day with the Wittenbergs!

Emily's birthday!  She had her friend Charley stay over for a sleepover again this year, and then they went to vacation bible school the morning of her birthday.  For her birthday lunch, she had both her best friends Charley and Jane and their brothers over to celebrate.

The end of July brought Camp War Eagle!  They didn't get to go the past couple of years due to the pandemic.  They were excited to go, and Emily was especially happy that Charley was there at the same time.

June 2022

We did a fun evening run called the Glow Run.  It was a fun party atmosphere and our shirts even glowed in the dark!  It was only a two-mile run, but we all did well, and I was proud of my time and proud of both kids!

The next day, my friend Sara and I rode from Fayetteville to Bentonville.  Steve dropped us off and we rode the approximately 30 miles home.  We did enjoy a break in Rogers, where we stopped at a restaurant we'd both wanted to try.  It took us around 3 1/2 hours to do the ride.

Random selfie:

Bentonville is becoming a bike mecca in the United States, and this month there was a huge bike fest in town.  We watched professional and amateur bikers do tricks, jumps, and even set a new world record.  The weather was EXTREMELY hot, so heading up to Bella Vista to play in the lake was perfect afterwards!

For Christmas, Brendan got a gift certificate for a 30-minute flight at the instruction company where our neighbor Mike works.  We requested that Mike be the one to take him up, and Emily and I were also allowed to come.  Mike gave him a great experience with a mini lesson.  He showed Brendan how to do the pre-flight check and work the controls.  He even let Brendan fly the plane for a little bit.  I have never ridden in a small craft and neither had Emily.  It was exciting and we were so glad we got to go along for the ride!

May 2022

 Our friends got a new trampoline, and we went over to help set it up.  Then, the kids got to try it out.  What fun!

For Mother's Day, I went for a long bike ride and this awesome kid kept me company.  What a fun way to spend my day!

Random cute picture of Rocket:

Emily had another choir concert, and she got to have a speaking part.  Great job, Emily!  Afterwards, she introduced me to her best friends, Hana and Natalie.

Random cute picture of Brendan and Rocket:

Emily has been in a 6 week mountain biking program for girls called Little Bellas.  She was reluctand at first, but once she started going, she had a blast and didn't want it to end!  

Brendan's little fish, Rowan, didn't survive very long.  We don't know if he was just old or why he seemed so lethargic all the time.  Brendan got a new fish, a Bumblebee Betta, and named him Bubbles

May brings with it my birthday.  Darn it, another year older.  But the sweetness and cake make it a little more worth it!

The next day, the kids and I volunteered to hand out packets for Compassion International at a For King and Country Concert.  I was excited about it, because I believe Compassion does great work and I love the band.  We had a number of people sign up to sponsor a child.  For King and Country did not disappoint.  The concert was amazing and both kids loved it.  It was a great first concert experience for them!

Schools have finally opened up more and Emily's middle school had an awards ceremony.  She received a special award from her choir teacher.  Way to go, Emily!

At the end of the month, Emily and I participated in the Gold Rush Run, which is an annual fundraiser for Bentonville Public Schools.  Emily did great; I didn't do so well, walking about the last 3/4 mile.