Walking Tacos & Dancing Kids

 

I was able to slip away from work to join Emerson at the Y day camp cookout. They have a communal meal once a week, and today’s lunch was walking tacos! I also got to meet Emerson’s friend Finley, who is pictured here. Before I left, the music was turned up and the kids were dancing away! Emerson was also ready to be an usher and pass out popcorn for their afternoon talent show.

Kit's Senior Photos

Kit is beautiful inside and out!

Here's what senior photographer Colleen Torlone had to say about their time together: 

There are people who have a way of making the ordinary feel special, and Kit is one of them. She carries a quiet confidence and a natural beauty, but it's the way she notices the little things—the conversations, the laughter, the moments in between—that tells you the most about who she is.

This summer has kept us all on our toes with relentless heat and afternoon storms, and like so many of my seniors, Kit met every change of plans with grace. No frustration. No fuss. Just a willingness to adapt and make the most of whatever the day held.

Maybe that's the lesson this season has offered me. The best sessions aren't defined by perfect forecasts or perfectly timed sunsets. They're shaped by people like Kit, who remind us that joy isn't found in ideal circumstances—it's found in how we choose to meet them.

I have a feeling that spirit will take her to some remarkable places.

Senior Parking Spots

Kit worked hard in the heat on her very special senior parking spot at the high school, and thankfully had Winnie and Sarah there to help! Be sure to notice the little “KWE” in the upper right-hand corner—a special inclusion of her siblings. 

We also like Simon’s spot! Kit helped him finish his, too. They turned out great, seniors!

Ohio State Fair 2026

 I took the kids and Sarah to the Ohio State Fair for a fun time! We stopped by OOD’s mobile services unit, checked out the STEM displays, admired the rabbits and artwork, and caught a show with Coyote Peterson at the DNR park. We also saw possums, butterflies, birds—including an eagle—and enjoyed all the people-watching and food vendors.

Winnie Gets Her Temps!

 

Congratulations to Winnie on getting her temps—on her very first try, too! Now it’s time for practicing driving around the neighborhood and, before long, venturing beyond. Let the driving days begin!

Atwood Lake

 

Kit enjoyed getting to know Simon’s Mamie and spending time at his grandparents' lake house on Atwood Lake in Sherrodsville. They soaked up lots of time on the water.

Cedar Point 2026

 

We had so much fun at Cedar Point with the Lubbens! The weather looked rainy all day, but it turned out to be perfect—small crowds, short lines, and only two quick showers, one during lunch.

Winnie and Sarah tackled bigger and faster coasters, while Emerson really got into coasters for the first time—even riding Millennium Force with Johnny and Seth! We missed Kit, who had another opportunity that day. Next time!

Summer Rides

Whether they're organizing Nerf battles, tinkering in the garage, or playing soccer, Seth is good to all of the kids!

Here's the bike gang rolling through the neighborhood—it feels like a scene straight out of a classic summer movie. I love that they love playing outdoors!

A Saturday with Family

 

We enjoyed hosting Seth's family on Saturday and catching up. 

The kids had an absolute blast—jumping on the trampoline, building LEGO creations, and relaxing in the hot tub. 

GG spent some time helping Winnie with her sewing machine (she'll have a sewer this family yet!). We're thankful for family and time together.

Behind the Scenes: Kit's Senior Photos

 

Kit and I spent a wonderful morning from 7–9 a.m. at her senior photo session with Colleen Torlone, and it couldn't have gone better. Colleen was such a joy to work with and made the entire experience relaxed and fun. Kit especially loved feeling like a model, and her inner and outer beauty shined!

We're so thankful we decided to reschedule after Tuesday's forecast called for rain and gloomy skies. Instead, we were treated to a beautiful morning filled with soft light, bright sunshine, and an airy feel that suited Kit perfectly. It was one of those mornings we'll always remember, and we can't wait to see the finished photos!