Grace's Lemon Tree

 About a year ago Grace bought a lemon tree at Lowe's. It wasn't very big, and if truth be known, we weren't even sure it would survive much less produce any fruit, so it's safe to say we were super surprised when it had grown a small green fruit by the time we were packing for the cruise. We left it in the care of friends of ours from church while we were away in November for fear that our house might be too chilly for it while we were away. When we got back we looked up how long it would take for the fruit to be mature and we learned that it's about a ten month process (who knew?!)! Yesterday, before Dave left for work he informed Grace that it may be time to pick the lemon (which never did turn yellow we'd like to add) as it was feeling "kinda soft". Grace plucked the lemon (lime?) from it's home, cut it in half and we were all in awe that it actually was a lemon (or maybe it's really a lime?!)! Whatever it is, it's extremely tart! We were also pleasantly surprised to discover not one but two more flowers have bloomed! 

 When she bought this plant it might have been no taller than twelve inches. 

On the inside it's yellow, 

but on the outside it's more like a lime green. 

We are super curious to see if both flowers turn into fruit, and if they too are green on the outside but yellow on the inside! xo

Happy Not-Back-To-School Day!

 The kids in town went back-to-school today so that means we're celebrating Not-Back-To-School Day with some ice cram! The trampoline park was originally on the agenda, but with day two of dance team auditions tonight we put that one on hold for another day so as to not risk one of them twisting an ankle or breaking a leg or something like that happening. 

 Watching how ice cream is made totally counts as science, right?! 

A fresh batch of chocolate hazelnut goes into the tubs.

And just like that the summer has come to an end! Regardless of how your family learns, be it at home or at school, we wish you a most wonderful of Not-Back-to-School and Back-to-School weeks! May this year be full of many incredible adventures, teachable moments and memories to last a lifetime! xo 

Pictures From Pilgrim Lodge

On the eve before the kids in town head back-to-school, I realized that I never shared the pictures the camp photographer at Pilgrim Lodge took. So, without further adieu, here are some pictures from camp! 

Shaving Cream Wiffle Ball. 

She looks so much older here. 

Everyone who was part of "Planting Seeds". 

Pastor Will (in the pink). 

What's cam without s'mores?!

Emma's cabin. 

Grace's cabin. 

The Big Dipper and the Little Dipper. 

A little bit of yoga on costume night. 

Evening vespers. 

Grace's Family Group hangs out on the boardwalk. 

We love getting to see glimpses into their week at Pilgrim Lodge!
Wishing everyone a lovely final night of summer vacation and a good school (or lesson) year this year! xo 

This Morning In Boston

 

Nothing like a visit to the Public Garden on a beautiful Monday morning to kick off the final week of August! xo 

A Splendid Sunday

Today we met up with some dear friends who we don't see nearly often enough. The last time we were all together was three years ago. Thankfully, this blog, email and letters between us mamas and our sweet girls has kept us in touch in between then and now. Today, we got to meet Patricia's husband and her oldest daughter too. We walked around, the girls (attempted to) skip stones, and of course, the water pump is always a huge attraction! While the girls went on the boat ride, Patricia, Russ and I had the chance to sit and chat, and it was as if the three of us had known each other for decades. There truly is something so very magical about connecting with kindred spirits, though I must admit it made me wish even more than I already do that our two families lived closer. It would be such a gift to be able to get together much more regularly and to have our girls be part of the daily or weekly rhythm of our days. It is my sincere wish that these three remain friends for the rest of their lives (and that our two families do as well). Thank you, sweet friends, for spending the day with us. We are looking forward to our next visit already! xo 

A Wonderful Gift

 Fun mail arrived for the girls today! Their friend Alice wrote a beautiful story in which Grace and Emma not only talk to a fairy but become fairies. Needless to say, they were over the moon to receive such a gift! 

Not only did she write the entire thing but she illustrated it too! 

Thank you, Alice, for this wonderful gift! We all absolutely loved your story and are so glad that you sent a copy our way! Oh, and we completely agree that if Gretchen could talk it would indeed be with a British accent! xo 

Last Friday

 

Last week the girls attended Greatest Showman Camp at Born to Fly Productions! There they fell in love with the hoop, pushed themselves to do things they otherwise would have never tried (like haning upside down) and ended the week with a professional photo shoot. These pictures are just a few of our favorites that were taken that day! xo