Miss Jamie's Wedding

Our precious Miss Jamie is a Mrs. now!  Jamie has watched our kiddos since Owen was a brand new babe, and we all adore her!  She has become one of my dear friends and it has been fun to watch her life over the last 5 years.  She is such a beautiful young lady -inside and out!  We are so grateful that the Lord led her to Brian.  They seem to be the perfect match, and we couldn't be happier for them!

Jamie & Brian were so kind to ask our children to be a part of their bridal party.  They asked for Clayton and Drew to be Junior Ushers and for Owen to be a Ring Bearer.  Such an honor!  They were stoked to be a part of their special day!

"I DONUT know what I would do without you!"

This girl knows the way to our boys' hearts!  ;)  Brian is a policeman, so there were lots of donut references throughout the wedding - so funny!  They had engagement portraits done with him in his uniform and her wearing the donut shirt that she has on in this picture.  Love their humor!

 Such a gorgeous bride!  Her bridesmaids all looked amazing as well!

 Leah & I with the bride!

 How cute is this crew?!?!

 Dapper dudes in their suspenders and bowties  :)

 Miss Jamie and some of the many children who love her

 Clayton manned the guest book

 Drew asked people to highlight their favorite verse and sign the couple's family Bible.

 You may kiss your bride!

 The ring bearers held this sign that Jamie had made when they walked back down the aisle.  There were lots of snickers.  ;)

Congratulations, Jamie & Brian!  We love you and pray many blessings over your marriage!

School Supply Shopping

Today we went school supply shopping!  Nothing like the smell of a new box of Crayons to get you into the Back to School spirit...  ;)

Our Kindergartner was all about snagging some new markers.  This boy loves to draw!

We still have over a month left of sweet Summer - thank goodness!  It was fun to get the ball rolling on the new school year, but we sure aren't anxious for the Summer to end.  We are planning to enjoy every minute!

Critter Camp 2016

The boys attended Critter Camp again this year.  It is one of their favorite weeks of the year, for sure!  They love getting to interact with the animals and learn about their habitats, diet, etc.  This year was super special, because all three Carpenter kids got to attend!  The camp is technically for kids who have complete Kinder thru 6th.  However, the gentleman who runs the camp said that Owen could come since he had older siblings in attendance.  Owie was over the moon excited!

Clayton with a tarantula

 They had a baby chinchilla this year - so adorable!

 Drew got super brave this year and held the scorpion without a glove.  Oi vey!  And I thought he was my cautious kiddo...

 He must have been hanging out with this guy too much...

 Owen loved the rats - ick!

 He realllllly wanted to take home Snickers the bunny rabbit.  ;)

 Clayton is a fan of the ferrets.

 Goldie the Crested Gecko

 O and a hamster

 Isn't this sleeping hedgehog adorable!

 He woke up.  :)

 "Banana" the Corn Snake - Drew's fav

 This guy was Zeus the boa constrictor.  He was a long snake!

 That would be a boa constrictor around my child's neck.  No big deal...  Sheesh!

 At the end of the week, the kids get to choose a critter to come home with them for the long weekend.  They only allow one critter per household, so it is tricky to agree on one.  We have let the kids rotate on who has the final say.  This year, Clayton got to pick the animal.  He chose "Resident Evil" the Boa Constrictor.  That's right, we had a boa constrictor living in our home for 4 days.  Am I the coolest mom ever, or what???  If only my kids thought that....

I never imagined driving with a boa constrictor in my backseat.  But, wonders never cease!

 The boys' friends came over to take a gander at the boa.  These two jokers decided to take a silly picture.  Ha!

 While the big boys were at baseball camp, Owen and I dropped of Resy (nickname) at the Junior High.  I must say, I wasn't super sad to see him go.  ;)

I am so thankful for this fun learning opportunity that my boys get to experience!  I know that Critter Camp memories will definitely stick out when they reflect on their childhood.  I'm so thankful for the teachers that make this possible!