Jersey and the Big Apple

We try to get up to NJ every summer or at least every other summer. We had a great visit this time! It is amazing how even after not seeing each other in a year or two, the kids just jump back in like they've never been apart. I love that they get along so well.  The Dwyers took us around and showed us some new sights! We went Geo-caching at a park, hiked up to where George Washington stood back in the day, went to Ocean City and even hit New York City!

 Ocean City

 Riding the train to NYC! Always an adventure!

 We enjoyed walking the High Line for the first time.

 Ate and shopped in Chelsea Market.

 And even went through Central Park.  I forgot how big that park is!

We drove by our first house. Always interesting to see the changes. 

 Walked around Princeton with Michael. Halo Pub.

 Kids made cupcakes.

 Silly String fight!

 Central Avenue where I grew up. I miss this house!

 One last hike!  Such beautiful views.

It's a bird! It's a plane!

For about a year and a half Ashlyn has been taking flying lessons.  They are expensive and time consuming so it's been challenging keeping up with it but she enjoys being in the air!  Her instructor Dennis is very thorough and patient.

 

After flying lessons, we can't help but stop by Burney's for some filled croissants and sit by the waterway in Southport!

 

Thankful for their talents!

Last summer the kids had a recital and it turned out several of our friends were playing in the same recital. The Bost boys, the Hall girls and Bailey joined us to support Emma.

 

 Ashlyn played guitar for the first time in this recital. The girls did a duet "It is Well".

 This was Josh's first piano recital.  He played "Pink Panther".

Saying Goodbye

Some pictures of the last day of school last year. Emma's gang...Sophie, Peyton, Annessa, Lauren and Rachel. 

 My baby Josh finished his last year in elementary school in June.  My goodness, time has flown by.  We have been so blessed with Roger Bacon. While it is far from perfect, it has been a great fit for our family. We have had awesome teachers and the kids have met some super friends.  God placed a special friend in each child's life and that needed to know the love of God. So amazing to see each child compelled and motivated to actively share God's love with these friends.  I pray that the kids will continue to see fruit from their faithfulness.

 Josh and one of our favorite teachers, Mrs Mahoney! Emma had her for Math in 3rd grade, and 5th grade and now again in 7th grade.  Josh had her in 3rd grade, 5th grade and maybe again next year in 7th grade:-)  She is the perfect blend of control and fun in the way she teaches.

 5th grade Moving Up ceremony

 Josh and his special friend Hyrum.

 My sweet Hannah!!

 What a treasure is this boy Ryland. He has had his share of challenges in his young life but he has the gift of humor and he and Josh are two peas in a pod. They are consistently voted class clowns!

 Lastly, Ashlyn and her school friends.  One of her besties Jenna and below is part of her gang. Jenna, Lindsay, Eliza, Carly, Jackson, Bryce and Luke.