A Recap of August 2022

August is a bittersweet month.  It means that summer is coming to an end, but it is also filled heartwarming celebrations, new beginnings and connections to family and friends we haven't seen all summer.  This August proved to be filled with all of those things and more.  This August we also had crazy monsoon weather which created some unexpected challenges.  But, despite those challenges, we still had amazing memories that will be forever etched in our hearts.

Cousin Time with Mina

The month started with a splash as we enjoyed some much-awaited cousin time with Mina. The kids were able to spend some time with their cousin.  They swam, shopped with Grandma, enjoyed a movie night, and a fun sleepover.  I am so glad the kids created lasting memories with their cousin that will be cherished for years to come.

Crazy Monsoon Weather

Nature's whims were in full display as a crazy monsoon weather brought unexpected twists to our routine. A landslide muddied our beloved pool, turning it into an unexpected adventure. Josh and our neighbor, Richard, turned into heroes as they spent an entire day draining and power-washing the pool. The silver lining? The pool visitors that followed – tiny frogs hopped into our backyard, creating a magical atmosphere for the kids.

Back to School Adventures

August marked the return to school for our beloved Aiden and Madilyn. Aiden stepped into 6th grade at Lookout Mountain Elementary School, while Madilyn ventured into 7th grade at Mountain Sky Junior High. It was the first time in forever that they attended separate schools, but we knew they were ready to tackle new challenges and forge their own paths.

Aiden's 12th Birthday Bash

Our hearts swelled with pride as Aiden celebrated his 12th birthday this August. We continued our annual tradition of starting the day with donuts for breakfast by stopping at LaMar's Donuts on our way to school. Watching Aiden grow into the incredible young person he is becoming fills us with joy and excitement for his future. He will be a teenager before we know it.

Cracking the Code: Escape Room Victory

The kids have been pestering us for a while to visit an escape room. So, we finally indulged them an visited The Inferno Escape Room in Tempe. We selected the "Candy Shoppe" challenge. The exhilarating teamwork and problem-solving led us to victory along with some hints provided by our moderator. Our family bond was strengthened as we navigated through puzzles and codes to emerge victorious. It was a fun afternoon end of summer activity.

Jenn's Adventure: NAHU Region 7 Leadership Conference

In a whirlwind of learning and growth, Jenn embarked on a trip to Boise, Idaho, for the NAHU Region 7 Leadership Conference. The conference was an inspiring opportunity to delve into leadership within NAHU and connect with fellow leaders from the region. Annette from Forte Consulting led us through a captivating assessment that helped us uncover our personality traits, sparking insightful conversations and self-discovery.