August, in a nut shell

August was a busy month for us!  We had pretty mild temps for August, so the older kids had enjoyable weeks outside for both of their camps.  We got to experience a brand new hike with friends down to the Potomac, a playdate at local fountains, American Ninja Warrior style training and lots more fun summer memories.

Since Sienna was 9 this year, and after LOTS of begging, we allowed her to spend an extra week with my mom, grandmother, and nephew in SC.  She got lots of quality time with them and was spoiled rotten.  :)  We missed her SO much, but it was nice to have just the boys for a week and really see them bond and play well together.

American Ninja Warrior is a favorite show in our house.  We DVR it and watch it many times over.  Then, the kids try to recreate the moves....which, can get a little dangerous.  Lol.  I have to admit, I kinda love it because it reminds me of my gymnastics past and how I never stopped flipping or being upside down while I was young.

 

 

I also decided to spoil the boys with a trip to Rebounderz - a local trampoline gym that basically breaks the bank for 30 minutes of bouncing.  Definitely not something we do often, but it was super fun and they were so happy!

 

 

The boys also got creative with their stuffed animals and fort making. 

Goldfish in the fort!

 



The Saturday before Sienna came home, the boys and I hiked a trail at Balls Bluff in Leesburg.  The trail went down to the Potomac and then instead of going back the way we came, we decided to keep hiking.  Well, we hiked for a good hour because we got a bit turned around!  The boys were probably better troopers than me - haha. 

 

Walking stick - check.

 

These two found these logs and asked for a picture.  Great photo op.

Brothers Longendyke.

 

We celebrate a sweet friend's 30th and her 10 year anniversary to her hubby all in one night.  Was a fabulous time, but definitely SO tired for my 12 hour shift the next day.  ;)

 

 

When Sienna finally returned (yayy!), we got some quality mother-daughter time because the boys happened to be in camp the same week!  Noah headed off to kindergarten bootcamp (ha!) and Hudson to a baseball camp (of course...). After the initial meltdown by Noah at Monday drop off, he grew to love the bootcamp and it was such a great review of all his preschool schools and sight words.  Hudson cannot get enough of baseball, so naturally this camp was right up his alley.  The instructors were current and ex high school baseball players and they definitely kept it fun with relays, games and learning the whip/nae nae.  :) 

I basically have no great pics of either boys at their camps, so this will have to do...

 

 

Yep, the only picture I have of Noah at camp is him goofing off at the playground afterwards.  :)

 

 

The following week, Sienna began her first week ever of Girl Scout Camp.  I had no idea that you could go to Girl Scout Camp even if you aren't an active member in a troop.  This was one of the best weeks of her life!  I'm so thankful for the experience she had, the confidence and skills she gained and the friends she made!  She's a stronger gal than I - as it was outside all day (830-330), in the woods, and with no normal bathrooms.  I kept saying, "better you than me Sienna!"  ;)

The sweet leaders uploaded pictures on Shutterfly throughout the week so here is a tiny look at her week. 

 

 

Archery.

BIFFY - Bathroom in the forest for you.  I died.  :)

First Aid.  Sienna learned how to use an epi-pen and the new Auvi-Q injectables. 

Happy, but very tired girl at the end of the week!

 

Rounding out the last bit of August was a very special night at a "Love Crushes Cancer" event in Leesburg, two BEAUTIFUL hikes down to the Potomac.  One with our sweet friends and another with Daddy on the weekend.  A trip to our local splash pad with some more friends and a birthday celebration for dear friend, Missy!  :) 

 

 

Hudson decided to draw all over his nice $30 Under Armour backpack last year.  So this year he got a $5 dollar Five-Below O's backpack.  

 

Squeezing in just a few more snuggles before we are back to the grind in 3 days...ack!  Really looking forward to routines and solid bed-times again. :)  This is my first of two years where all 3 will be together in the same school!  I'm so excited for them to begin this year.