1st day

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

-Romans 12:2

2nd grade going on 8th grade . . . 

KINDERGARTEN!

What did I do before these 2 came along?!?

Stanley Court girls . . . all 4 of them . . . 7th, 4th, 2nd, K . . . can you tell which one has makeup on??

Kirsten's first ride to school on the bus sandwiched between big sister Jenny and friend Elizabeth

and to sum up what I am feeling right now . . . words from a dear friend . . . 

"may you receive all of the PEACE, WISDOM and STRENGTH for each day - one day at a time."

here we go . . .

summer 2012

Ahhh....summer.....based on the date and title of my last entry, it has been a great one.

Certainly there were times when I wanted to leave my children in the donations room of DITTO, when the heat made us want to stay inside all day, long days at school finding creative things for the girls to do while I set up my new classroom, and feeling like Helga the housecleaner.

BUT....I certainly would not trade any of those days.

SO....bear with the plethora of pictures covering a multitude of events and happenings in the lives of the Braunius' (and some others) this summer.  Just a sampling.

Let's start from the beginning . . . of summer that is . . . .

dance recital 2012
another year, Jenny's 4th year, Kirsten's 1st year . . . who would've thought that I love this dance stuff?!

Kirsten's 5th Birthday
5 going on 15 . . . so different than when Jenny turned 5 . . . watch out Mrs. Johnston, all I have to say!!

we are blessed to have neighbors that are also friends . . . our backyard cupcakes and outings on Kirsten's summer birthday have been a tradition since they were babies

Kanani!!  Kirsten talked about American Girl doll Kanani since Christmas!  Thanks to Zoe Gram, who pre-planned and got her before she was retired!  Phew!

Kirsten Ruth and Grandma Ruth share the same birthday

friends
so thankful for our friends . . . that's all there is to say . . .

habitat for humanity
the girls and I did a Kids Kamp for Habitat in August.  they got an opportunity to see firsthand what Habitat does and learn how they can help make a difference.

beach bums

many BML blessings
sunsets, kayaking, swimming, biking, baby Audrey, hiking, fishing, tubing, boating . . .

Audrey's 1st hike up Coney Mt.

"special treats"
where do I start?

pooltime
LOTS of hours clocked this hot summer in the backyard oasis with family and friends . . . swimming . . . entertaining . . . swimming . . . entertaining . . . swimming . . . schoolwork . . .

toothfairy
Kirsten's first visit from the toothfairy . . . a story in itself, of course . . . only Kirsten loses her tooth at the hair salon and has every customer and hairstylist looking for it as she fights off tears . . . Miss Nicole found it!  Yeah!!

So, there it is . . . all wrapped up.  We're exhausted!  But we can't wait to do it all again next summer!