Wrapping up Summer 2015

It never fails that our summers always fly by. This one was no different. We had to pack in a lot of fun in August to fit it all in before school started. Errands, dentist appointments, trips for special summer treats, parents day out fun, special outings with friends, you name it!

Whippin' our way to the end of summer, ha!



A back-to-school Baskin Robbins treat.

End of summer dental appointments.

Connor mustache you a question.

Kaitlynn, too. These were treats from the dentist :-)

Parents day out at our favorite gymnastics place!

More sweet treats.

Here Dad, let me help with your back!

Connor's favorite: a trip to CiCi's Pizza for lunch.

Kaitlynn's choice: Rainforest Café. This was actually a long overdue treat from her great end-of-year report card in June!

My kiddos and me on one of our last summer outings.

They were being silly on a trip to the mall.

A long overdue reunion with Kaitlynn's great friend Sofia from pre-K!

This was at Sofia's birthday party. Sweet friends!

On another outing with church, Kaitlynn enjoyed JumpStreet.

One of the kids' favorite times during the end of the summer was when we took them out to do some shopping. But this was no ordinary day of shopping. This was the first time that their MEAN Mom allowed them to spend their personal money that they had been saving from last Christmas and this year's birthdays.

Our kids are blessed with awesome grandparents who send them money for their special occasions throughout the year. And so many times throughout the year, the kids will beg to use their money on silly things like candy or cheap toys. It would be so easy to let them blow their money right away. After all, as Jeff always reminds me, it's THEIR money.

It might be their money, but I believe it's my job as their parent to help them learn how to make wise choices with that money. So I never let them spend it right away, and I ask that they are thoughtful with their decision on what to buy.

After discussing and planning for a special shopping trip all summer, we finally made it to the mall before school started so they could spend part of their money. Connor chose a video game and Kaitlynn bought several items at her favorite store. They must have inherited their Mom's love of spending; these were happy kiddos!

Kaitlynn discovered her new favorite store, Justice. Happy girl!

Connor's purchase, a new video game called Splatoon.

Each year at the end of the summer, we always make a special trip to get the back-to-school clothes, shoes, and haircuts. Poor Kaitlynn's hair had been in a bad state for quite a while, so I knew it was time for a big cut. I took her to the stylist and told her to cut off the dead ends. I guess her hair was worse than I thought, because boy did she chop off her hair! Oh, but it was so cute!!

She looks so GROWN UP!!

A new haircut always means more sass! LOVE!

Back to school shopping with these goofballs!

And JUST LIKE THAT, summer was over!