Happiest of Birthdays Maeve! I just love this photo of her from this morning at Clingmans Dome. She looks so big & that big dimple smile is just so sweet. She was so excited for her day. I did not haul her presents along so she purchased a big stuffed bear today at a Anakeesta gift shop & the rest of her presents will be waiting for her when we get home. Her only request for her birthday was no hiking or zip lining! haha Their legs are tired. We have done a lot over the past few days. So we compromised with her & worked Clingmans Dome in first. Very easy hike & she agreed. And absolutely no zip lining... today at least.

She woke up & had pancakes on her mom-made "special plate" & after our short hike we visited our favorite picnic spot as a little surprise for her. She was so happy that we returned. It was a beautiful spot that we all really loved. It was a great spot for the kids to explore in the water & Maeve's favorite... collect rocks. We also surprised her with an oreo cake for lunch dessert.

She worked hard to create a little rock stack & collected another full bag of rocks with Bhodi. After lunch we visited Anakeesta. It was like a small slice of amazingness on top of a mountain. The park was so great & so well made. We all agreed that we felt like we were at Disney.

Anakeesta also had a great sky bridge area (Maeve was not a fan. So high up & really quite shaky on the bridges) and so many great views from the park. We also saw bears up there too. At one point Maeve was taking a photo with the mascot Willow & they were spraying a bear behind her. Bears everywhere!

After a few hours at Anakeesta we surprised the kids with our first & only dinner out at Dicks Last Resort. It is a restaurant where they are rude to their costumers. The kids caught on pretty quickly & really thought it was funny. Lots of laughs for all. 

And as if that was not enough, we ended the night with a round of mini-golf under the lights on our way back. By far our latest night away from the cabin but it was such a fun day. Maeve had so much fun & we loved celebrating her all day long. xoxo

 Another successful day in the mountains. Today we are tired! The temps went up & it was in the 90's. Luckily our kiddos were troopers & we still got a full day of fun in. This crew rocked it again today!

And they all fought us on taking a pic to match the forward facing photo from the Tetons two summers ago, but look at how cute they are?!? All growing up so fast.

More beautiful hikes today & even bigger falls. The water felt amazing after the steamy hikes.

The Chimey Top hike was a doozy. 100% hard elevation combined with the heat & we were all dying... but we did it! So proud of them all. It was hard. Maeve stopped completely & told us all that she was done and not going any farther. That lasted about 30 seconds until she realized that none of the others were stopping. haha She kept going & did great.

When we were about 1/2 way up the Chimney hike we hit this sign that said we had almost a mile to go. The kids were so mad. They asked if they could "flip off" the sign & we hesitated but ended up letting them do it. They thought it was so funny & the photo is pretty hilarious. Their faces were priceless. Maeve the rule follower of course couldn't do it. 

So far the Great Smoky Mountains have not disappointed. We've had pretty great days. On the hikes we are having a lot of conversation about where our next trip will be. Lots of ideas... Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon & Bora Bora. haha 

Today is also Maeve's birthday eve. We are so excited to celebrate our 10 year old tomorrow! xoxo

Let the summer begin, we've arrived at our home-away-from-home for the next week & the view is beautiful. 

We've decided we could live in the mountains & get used to waking up to this view every day...

We arrived Friday & spend the entire afternoon/evening here at the cabin. It is so nice, the kids are pretty excited. Three levels of balconies, all with this great view. The kids balcony has a hot tub so they are thrilled. Wendy & I prepped all the meals at home so we are set for the week. It has been so nice to do hikes & sightseeing during the day & relax at night at the cabin. Yesterday was our first full day & it was a little rainy so we decided to visit the aquarium. The kids really enjoyed it. Pretty cool aquarium. 

After the aquarium we walked around Gatlinburg & explored. So much to see & do. The kids wanted to do lazer tag & mini golf so we fit that in as well. Busy day & the weather came around too.

Today we got back to our normal agenda & did some hiking. Our plan for this trip was to stay off the beaten path & mainly hike/explore the national park. The views are just breathtaking & the waterfalls did not disappoint. 

The kids have gotten to be pretty good hikers. I think the adults have it down as well. Backpacks with water, snacks, candy, bug spray, sunscreen & a towel for wet feet. It was fun to be able to take their shoes off & get in the waterfalls along the way. Also a great way to break up the hard, long hikes we were doing.

One thing we didn't expect was the bears! We were not in the cottage two hours Friday & there was one walking right by the cabin. This morning Gary attempted a run & came running in frantic that there was a bear. Sure enough, walking right past the cabin again. Between the daily cabin visits & the bears we saw on the trails, we've seen so many! We even moved the chairs on the balcony to face the way they walk through & now have a bear watch spot.

Morning coffee on the balcony is so peaceful. We've got a great system down already. Coffee, pack lunches/backpacks, hike, picnic lunch, hike some more, head back to the cabin early evening for relaxing, dinner & cocktails on the balcony. No complaints here, we are loving this! xoxo

 Last Day of School for Marg & Maeve today. One last elementary bus stop pic for Maeve. The next 2 years she'll ride to school with me every day. She is so excited! I'll miss these adorable bus stop pictures though. They are always so darn cute!

She is so lucky to have so many close friends just doorsteps away. Maeve's class got Ice Clouds as a last day of school treat. She was pretty excited.

They also celebrated by having a 4th grade graduation parade in the morning. Unfortunately Gary & I both had to work so Katie, Sloane, Fitz, Acre & Grandma went to the parade. Their poster they made for Maeve was so cute, even decorated the car. 

Look how cute she looks with her little grad cap. She had such a fun last day of elementary school. By the end of the day she was so upset when it finally hit her. Hard to say goodbye to the place you've called home for 5 years & the amazing teachers she's had. My heart was breaking for her. The off the bus treats & reminder that she gets to go to school with mom were a great distraction for her at the end of the day. All smiles now. 

Margaux also had a hard time at the end of the day. She too has grown so close to her teachers & classmates after the two year looping. Lots of tears. These girls have such big hearts. She too will love her next school & all the new adventures I just know it. We snapped one last selfie at school this week. I'll be sad to not have her with me next year, Maeve's turn to hang with mom at school.

Margaux had a great last two days. Her team won all their kickball games & the championship game!!! They were so darn excited, it was so fun to watch. Her class won the 6th grade championship AND the overall school championship game. Two golden kickball trophys.

Such a fun way to end their two years together. They were so fired up, even had black under their eyes. Obviously the heat & water got to Margaux's a bit. She didn't mind. 

After the big win they celebrated with some much needed ice cream. The past two days have been HOT. The kids even dumped the ice bucket on their teacher after their big win. So fun.

And that's a wrap on the 2020-2021 school year. One that these kids will never forget. It's been a very odd year for us all due to all this covid craziness but they made it. I've said it before but our girls did so well with the changes in schedule (virtual school) and mask requirements this year. It was not ideal, but we are so proud of all their hard work & cooperation. Really hoping next school year looks a little more normal for them. But until then, we'll soak up every minute of our summer. Starting with a trip! Can't wait to leave for the mountains tomorrow! xoxo

Another milestone for Marin today... 8th Grade Graduation.

As of today she's officially done with her 8th grade year. No school tomorrow for her. She & her friends celebrated Sunday by getting dressed up & taking a few pics together. They really wanted their photo taken in front of the high school so they could take the same pic in 4 years when it is time to graduate. Cute idea & they all looked so nice. After pics they went to dinner together to celebrate.

Tonight we went to Finlan's to watch the virtual graduation. They recorded the graduation at school last week & due to covid guidelines it had to be streamed. Fun to watch them walk across the stage. Lots of laughs between the 3 of them, such fun friendships.

We just love these three. So many years watching them grow up together. After the graduation we celebrated with cookie cake & bubblr. Their 2nd favorite after Starbucks.

We're excited for them to start high school & see what adventures it brings. Congratulations girls!! xo

 At Margaux's school they are having a school-wide kickball tournament to end the school year. The games are all crammed into the last two days with the championship game in the afternoon on the last day. Marg's teacher decided to giver her group a little extra practice this evening by holding a parents vs kids game. Such a great idea & we all had so much fun. The kids played so hard & really wanted to beat the parents, it was fun to see their competitiveness.

We all really enjoyed the game & are hopeful for this fun bunch of kiddos. They've grown so close after looping from 5th to 6th grade. They're super excited for their games the next two days & even tie dyed shirts that read "Super Sullivan" for their class uniform. They look great. Excited that I'll be able to watch during my work day. xo

 Nothing says summer like a day on the boat. The days are definitely getting warmer & we are so excited for summer. Today the Warrens invited us out on their boat for the day. Marin was so mad because she had plans with Estelle & Jolie. Next time! We took a family photo w/o her anyways. 

93 degrees today. Perfect day to be on the water, although with it being so early yet the water was pretty cold. We got used to it eventually but our legs were pretty chilly.

First of many days on the water this summer. Heavy on the sunscreen since it's been a while. Thankfully we all managed to not burn! xoxo

 Maeve's turn for the 4th Grade Wax Museum project. So hard to believe that in just over a week we won't have an elementary student anymore. Crazy! Maeve was pretty excited to get going on this project a few weeks ago. She's been working hard on her report, oral presentation & backdrop. Weeks ago, she chose to do her research on Melinda Gates. She was sold as soon as she saw that she's been in the top 5 on Forbes most influential women list for 11 years. Pretty darn impressive.

Her backdrop looks amazing & because of covid & distancing expectations they held the event outside. All of the backdrops were hung in the windows of the classrooms & the visitors walked around the exterior of the school to listen to the kids presentations. It worked perfect! A little hard to see some of them in detail, but we got the idea. Maeve was such a stinker when we went to watch her. She was so nervous & wanted us to face away from her as she gave her speech. haha I had hear from everyone that she rocked it during the day, but for some reason she had a hard time doing it for us! 

Look how cute she is with Mrs. Wasilewski though! Love them, she is really going to miss her next year. Overall she did great & we were so proud of Melinda Gates. xoxo

Happy Memorial Day! 

The day came & went and I took very minimal photos. Makes me so mad when I look back & wish I would have snapped more. Ugh. Thankfully Natalie snapped a few of the kids & guys by the pool today at Veraghens. Beautiful day by the pool. It is finally starting to feel like summer & we are ready.

Maeve & Bhodi in their festive suits & Acre loving on uncle Gary's bud light bottle. Made us all laugh, he was really serious about the tip back.

We are counting down the days until the school year is officially over. A lot of fun things happening at school in the next few weeks. The girls are looking forward to all the fun & ready to ring in Summer 2021. xoxo

 Happy 14th Birthday Marin! Amazing that it has been 14 years since you came along & made us parents for the first time. No looking back from there! We have so many amazing memories with you & are excited to be celebrating the big 1-4 with you today. She is looking so grown up. Makes this mama sad, where did my baby go? We just love her to pieces, even with the teenage attitude! haha 

It's not a birthday for Marin without a little celebrating with her birthday buddy Jolie! No shortage of celebration with these two. They like to take as much as they can get.

Her birthday requests included Costco cake, Starbucks, Jimmy Johns for lunch & enchiladas for dinner. She opened many gift cards, new Nike Air Max shoes that she's waited forever for & a pile of clothes that she was thrilled about. Safe to say, she had a great day.

After the big family dinner/cake we decided to take GG & Grandpa for golf cart rides down to Mike & Katies. So funny seeing them on the carts. Fun for all!

Hope you had the best day Marin. We love you so much & can't wait to continue the celebration this week. Two more years & you'll be driving, now that is a scary thought!!! xoxo

 We're back in Door County for the 1st time in what feels like forever. A much needed weekend away for the adults & it has been fantastic. The guys took a 1/2 day yesterday so we could spend a little extra time at our favorite establishments before Jon & Kasie were done with work. The last time we were here Jon & Kasie were still our neighbors. Since then, they've sold & build a home in DC. No more renting when we visit. They've built an amazing bunk house for visitors & we're so excited to spend the weekend in it.

This morning we got an early start & went for a long hike along the lake. A little chilly but it was beautiful. The guys usually golf all weekend, but Gary's broken arm made that usual a little difficult. It was nice to switch it up & get a nice hike in. Gary couldn't help but throw rocks... not as good of a throw with his left hand.

Missing a few from our usual Memorial Day Memory Loss crew but we sure had fun. 

So many laughs.

After the hike we hopped around to a few of our favorite spots in DC. 

It has been a great day. Tomorrow we head home to celebrate Marin. Until then, we'll enjoy our time with the Sattlers. xo

Just hanging out in my new home-away-from-home today. 

I interviewed for a full time teaching position last week & got the job! I was so nervous & really did a lot of work to prepare for the interview, so I was thrilled when they offered me the position. I'm officially back to work starting the end of August as a 5th grade ELA teacher! Lots to be done, the room is a mess & has been used as a storage space all year. Excited to cozy it up & make it my own. Maeve is just so excited she won't have to ride the bus for 2 years! It's the little things....

78 & sunny yesterday for Marin's second night of tennis matches. She did great!

She had a few extra spectators there to help cheer her on. Acre was impressed with her serve...

So cute at the fence watching her play. Hard for them to see her when she wasn't playing right on the court in front of them, but they still seemed to enjoy watching. xoxo

 Margaux's run club/cross country season just wrapped up a week ago. No photos because the parents were not involved, no official meets either! Covid prevented them from having any meets & she was okay with that. Just running with friends & having fun. Right up her alley. Now Marin's tennis season has just begun. Both big girls have been playing a lot of tennis on nights/weekends. So nice to live near tennis courts so they can hop on their bikes & go play whenever. Marin & Estelle got caught in the rain last week...

And Marin had her first meet yesterday. She and her partner, Mondese, played great! Made us laugh because he is literally a head & a half taller than her. A great doubles partner for her to have. They have a lot of fun too, always laughing at each other. She is going to have a hard time choosing between her two favorite sports next fall. Both tennis & cross country are the same season, so she'll have to pick just one.

Tonight she biked over to the high school to watch Anderson's game. Love that his dad actually got them to take a photo together (along with his little sister Mirielle). Still so crazy for me to think she's almost a freshman in high school. So grown up.

Starting to feel more like summer as the school year winds down. A few more weeks, the girls are definitely counting down the days... as am I! xoxo