Jackson's Shoaf Overnight

Before summer really got crazy, my mom had Tessa's kids over for a sleepover so Jackson joined them. He originally was only planning to stay for the day, but changed his mind once he got there and realized how much fun it was! They went to the KidsCommons, played on the playground at the Commons, and played games at Grandma's house.

Pool Day

Brandon was working one Saturday so Jackson and I invited his friend Ethan Lund and headed to the pool for a couple of hours. It was hot, but perfect weather for swimming!

Chicago Work Trip

After my school year was over, my colleagues in Chicago needed some help closing out some of their sponsor goals, so I got to go to Chicago for 2 days to visit some schools. Brandon came with me and explored a bit while I was at the schools and then we spent the afternoon and evening together seeing the city. 

We went to the Bean and Buckingham Fountain, where we stumbled upon a Pokemon Go Fest. Neither of us had ever really played, but we had time to kill so we downloaded the app and started catching Pokemon.

The highlight of the day, though, was the architecture tour we took by boat. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and it was such a cool way to see the city. I know very little about architecture, but it was really interesting to learn about how the architecture of the buildings really tell the history of the city. I loved it!

And of course, we ended the night with pizza, which was delicious. Brandon wore his Chicago Bulls shirt so he would fit in with the locals. :)

The next morning, I visited one more school and then we headed home to pick up Jackson. It took us over an hour just to get out of the city. Yuck. I am a city girl at heart and would love to live in a big city like Chicago, but I'd have to do it without driving because the traffic is horrific. We had such a great time, though, and I was so grateful it worked out to bring Brandon with me!

Father's Day

The week before Father's Day, we went down to my parents' to celebrate with my family. My dad is such a great example and faithful leader of our family. Being his daughter has been such a blessing.

Also, how are Tessa's kids so big?!

On the actual Father's Day, we had Jackson so we went to church, had Brandon's favorite dinner, and he visited his fatherly figures. I'm consistently impressed at what a loving, concerned, and attentive father Brandon is to Jackson. And between the two of us, he's definitely the fun one. Jackson adores him, and so do I.

Kindergarten Graduation

Jackson graduated from kindergarten in June, so we celebrated with him at his school. His teacher, Ms. Walker, had nothing but praise for him and he even won the citizenship award! He had a small speaking part and all the kids sang a couple of songs. It was adorable, and he had so many people there loving him and cheering him on.

Third Anniversary

June 3, 2019 - three years since we were married. Three years of challenge and triumph and love and fun. We celebrated in St. Louis the weekend before and I had to go out of town the evening of our anniversary, so we went to FlapJacks for breakfast before work. Life is so much better with Brandon, and I'm so grateful I get to spend it with him.

Family Visitors

Before Dominika and the kids left town, we had one last dinner together. The weather was great so we sat outside, grilled, and played. Dominika had to run an errand so I was on baby duty. Elias is a big boy with a big appetite!

The kids had a great time together - they made up a game where they pretty much just all tried to beat Holden up while he knocked them down. They thought it was hilarious!