Extra Family Time

We got some extra family time in with a visit from my parents, another visit from my sisters and Thanksgiving with the Corrigans! Special memories with the people we love. 

Coming of Age

Kyle prepared a very special father-son outing for Max, as he turned 14 over the summer and we have done some type of "coming of age" celebration for all our kids around this age. For each of them it looks a little different, and I like that. Kyle solicited letters of wisdom from many of the men in Max's life, and planned an overnight backpacking trip to Indian Heaven (one of his favorites as a young person). Unfortunately, they both got sick right before this trip, Kyle was doing a little better, but Max really hit his low the night they left. They had to change their plans, and instead did a day hike (probably also very hard while sick), but still were able to salvage some of their plans together. Kyle gave Max some special gifts, and the bundle of letters for him to have as he moves closer to adulthood. What an amazing young man Max is, and we are so proud of him! Kyle did such a great job putting so much intention into this time. Each person that wrote a letter did the same, in their own words expressing their beliefs on manhood and embracing all you are meant to be. Our prayers for Max is that that love and care will carry many years into the future.

Back to School

It's back to school time! This really is a milestone year, because Marin is a SENIOR in high school. Wowzers. I am having all the feelings. Every article that's ever been written about "how moms will feel when their firstborn becomes a senior in high school" is describing me to a tee. No amount of prepping and awareness could prevent me from going through the stages. I cannot stop progress lol. Kyle helped Marin paint her senior parking spot, and both girls have a rigorous lineup of classes. The boys are busy with school and sports, so we are balancing four kids, three schools, four drivers, two cars and six Corrigans who are savoring our last year with us all living under the same roof. I want these kids to chase their dreams, try new things, put themselves out there. You got this, kids!

End of summer fun

We ended the summer with the kids doing lots of dog sitting, baby sitting, plant sitting and house sitting. We mixed in some fun, visiting Bullwinkle's, the zoo, our first ever (!!) Hillsboro Hops baseball game, a mini-UCU reunion for me, a Corrigan family reunion for all of us, a family Escape Room, a date with my youngest to IHOP (for some reason IHOP has been a burning desire of his for awhile LOL, what can I say, he is a sucker for good marketing), Winnie's 5th birthday, an evening swim at the neighbor's pool, trying out the Costco recliners (why must recliners be so generally unattractive, I ask you... So much bubbly, poofy, fluffy material all up in my eyeballs... many of our family members are gunning for recliners when we replace our sectional... I am holding out!!)

Happy Sweet 16 to Madeline

Our Maddie turned sweet 16 this summer! She celebrated in style at home with the family and enjoyed all her faves: Starbucks, Honeycomb birthday cereal, a charcuterie board, a cheesecake, and a freshly issued DRIVER'S LICENSE!

She is such a wonderful person, full of heart through and through. She loves big, and isn't afraid to share her feelings. I love that about her. Our family shared affirmations around the table, and in special cards written from her siblings -  that might be the best thing she gets every year (love those words of affirmation!). We love our girl, and celebrate who she is now, who she will grow to be (and... I might have looked at some old baby pictures, because she was insanely cute). We love you Maddie girl!