We performed all of the requisite first day of school activities... pics on the front porch, pics by our apple tree (which we planted when our oldest started kindergarten, and is just producing apples for the first time!), pics at the school, etc. All went well, and I quickly moved on to our next big production.
The day after school started was our 16th wedding anniversary. We've always wanted to renew our wedding vows, and since the number 16 is so special to us (we were married on Aug. 16th - see former post about my crazy number obsessions here), we decided this was the year. We rented a nice sized tent, tables, chairs, linens, etc. and invited about 80 of our close friends and family to our vow renewal. Two good friends smoked meats for us, we borrowed lots of crock pots for baked beans and "crack" potatoes, another great friend made yummy cake balls, I made a load of cream cheese mints, and we ordered an almond flavored cake (I highly recommend this... all cake should be almond flavored, in my opinion). Our pastor and friend lead the very short service in our sunny back yard and sang my favorite Brandon Heath song, "Love Never Fails," along with cello and guitar accompaniment by two other friends (see video below). Once everyone had moved their chairs from the yard to our garage and tent, Ross & I shared brief little tidbits about all of our guests. We had an amazing time and the weather could not have been more perfect.
Here are a couple more pics from that incredible night. :)
Once that party was over, we moved on to planning our oldest's 10th birthday party. Last year was the first time we let him invite friends over for his birthday (yes, we're mean like that). Starting in kindergarten, we allow our children to invite one friend to go out to eat with us somewhere. This year, we decided to let them have a party somewhere when they turn ten. So, we had our first big celebration away from home with friends. Incredible Pizza was the place of choice, and we took five of his friends from school and church. He was allowed to have one of them to spend the night (also a first), and it went better than expected. A good time was had by all, the boys got about 6 hours of sleep, and we celebrated with extended family a couple of days later. Last weekend, he spent his birthday money and gift cards a two big Lego sets and is happy as a lark.
In the meantime, our youngest started preschool, which was much less challenging than I thought it would be. He's loving it. Sunday School is not his favorite thing, on the other hand, but with a little bribery, he goes. Speaking of Sunday School, I have taken a part-time job at our church as one of the Sunday School co-superintendents. It's a great fit with my skills and it's very flexible, which is awesome.
I'll still be blogging when things come to mind. We have another big tradition coming up, and I'll be sharing more on that next time! Happy fall to you all!
*For those new to my blog, check out the beginnings of ABC Summers here.*
