I got to volunteer with the PTO for the Silent Disco at Shale Meadows, and the kids absolutely loved it! It was so fun to watch them let loose, singing, dancing, and just enjoying being silly with their friends. They were so carefree and uninhibited, and it was wonderful to see everyone having such a great time. Even the teachers joined in on the fun!
A few random moments worth capturing! Winnie helped Emerson learn how to use his new Apple Watch, which we got so we can keep track of him while he rides his bike and hangs out with friends. Meanwhile, Emerson and Vinnie continue to love the skatepark.
We also wrapped up another excellent season of Big Brother. Kit kept the chalkboard updated with all the latest happenings, making it fun to follow along with the drama, alliances, and twists throughout the season.
And then there’s Tego, who gave us all a good laugh! At first, we thought he had somehow gotten his cone of shame stuck on his neck and broken it. Turns out, it was the lid from the bathroom trash can!
Kit had a full Homecoming Day! It started with brunch at Piper’s, followed by getting ready at home and enjoying some special time together talking and getting everything ready for the big night.
She headed to Highlands Park in Westerville for pictures before dinner at Giammarco’s Italian Restaurant. Thankfully, Simon was able to make it after a trip to the ER because of hives—not an allergic reaction, thankfully.
After dinner, they swung by Orange Leaf for froyo. Then, they were off to the dance, followed by an after-party at Gavin’s. Then, many of the girls from the friend group came back to our house for a basement sleepover.
Kit says it was the best way to celebrate her final Homecoming—surrounded by friends, family, and so many special moments.
Winnie’s Homecoming was a fun day, even if the dance itself left a little to be desired! On Thursday, she hosted her friends at our house for a fun bouquet-making night, getting everyone ready for the big weekend.
On Saturday, the girls got ready together at Hadley’s house, and I happily took on my role as chauffeur for the evening! They went to Polaris Founders Park for pictures before heading to Carfagna’s Market & Ristorante for dinner. Then they had time for treats at Orange Leaf (just missing Kit's group!).
They arrived at the dance right on schedule. Unfortunately, the dance itself wasn’t the highlight of the night (the DJ wasn’t great). But the girls made the most of it and still had fun being together.
Emerson has been having so much fun in third grade—and he’s still finding plenty of ways to have fun in his free time! As pictured here, he’s been hanging out with Dad in the basement, shopping at Dollar Tree with Vinnie, and spending time with friends at Shale Meadows’ tailgate before the Berlin game.
One moment especially touched me and made me so proud: Emerson came home from school with a page about his hero—God. He has a lot of goodness and faith in his heart.
Cousins’ Camping 2026 was another good time at Huggy Bear Campground—our second time camping there! The Colletts, Swaisgoods, and our family all came together Labor Day weekend.
The kids loved tackling the Wibbit obstacle course in the pond, playing on the jumping pillow, and joining the foam party. Our evenings included sparklers, s’mores around the fire, and listening to live music. Mom and Kit teamed up for Singo Bingo.
We're thankful for family and this summer tradition.
.jpg)
.jpeg)
Berlin’s first home game against Orange was blackout night, and Kit and Winnie dressed the part. We were all there to cheer them on and watch them play hard. We were so happy that Berlin came away with a win!