Love Notes: June 2024

Dearest Boys,

This post probably could've been broken up into about a dozen different posts as I go heavy on the picture taking at the end of the school year. There are just so many activities happening all.at.the.same.time!

We had to squeeze in a trip to a bluebonnet patch. Y'all have been such good sports over the years but I think this tradition is fading.

And then I grabbed another social media picture thanks to Young Life. A tournament of some kind with Gavin, Braxton, Eric, and you.

Colt, you played on Downing's soccer team for what was probably your very last soccer game ever.

I happily attended Kate's spring show for Marquettes!

And then happily supported Kinley in her role as the wicked witch.

And, just like that, you were 16. Your birthday was on a Sunday this year so the license had to wait until the next day. And that's a story I hope you pass on to your children as it was nuts!!

The Vaughns treated you to birthday brunch after church.

And we stuck with hibachi for dinner.

Someone was smart to grab a picture of us one last time - as this would be the last time the 3 of us would work together. ::sad face::

Marcus held their soccer banquet and Jax you were awarded Most Improved Player!

Downing had a decent showing in attendance at LISD's Award Banquet.

If anyone is looking for a picture of me and Brandie for any reason, use this one. I love it!!!

Our group visited the photo booth.

The end of the school year meant it was time for flour babies!

You earned the right to a more realistic baby a few days later.

Your got real snazzy for your final middle school performance.

Marcus is about to have the biggest group of incoming freshman percussionists ever - 15 students! Yet, you and Max are the only two coming from Downing.

Downing hosted an 8th grade dance.

They also took the 8th graders on a special field trip to a water park. Can you find yourself?

Lastly, was graduation. We kept it low-key but took a selfie afterwards just for funsies.

Being at school with you was my favorite part of my 20 years of teaching!

As middle school wrapped up, so did baseball. Like forever. Gulp. You decided to end this sport so you could focus on football and band in high school.

More proof of just how much you've grown!

I hope the fun baseball memories stay with me a long time!!!

As soon as summer kicked off, Shelley hosted her retirement party.

And then it was time for Pine Cove Week 1! Jax, you went with Rhett, Ryan, and Gavin.

We kept the Dairy Queen tradition alive.

Y'all were assigned this cabin together.

I spent all week stalking the app for pictures of you. Here is some of what I found:

Spoiler Alert: It turns out, this was your last time at Pine Cove and we didn't even know it. You made different plans for the following summer.

Camryn celebrated your return home and that cake lasted about 1 day!

Colt, you had music camp. Band members attend school all week from 9AM-9PM with only an hour break for lunch and a two hour break for dinner. You learn both your marching music and your percussion music this week. You were assigned the play "the rack" and it was neat because you played a few different things. This was our first chance to hear you!

We then heard the whole band play together and it got me SO EXCITED for marching season!!!!

To celebrate a week of hard work, we went to the movies together. It was OUR theater the whole time!!

I also had a girls night as summer break is our best time together!

Jax, you mastered relaxing as you geared up for your next adventure.

And then we cashed in your birthday gift from Grandpa and Grandma - soccer tickets! We got to see Chile take on Peru at Copa America. What an awesome birthday treat!!!