august.

I’m playing catch-up here on the blog, so here’s August, half-a-month late!

 

A friend generously let us use his pool for a couple of weeks. It was blissful.

 

Amie and I spent the summer learning different ways to propagate our plants. We’re enjoying sharing them with friends.

 

We loved celebrating Alyssa’s birthday at Sakitumi.

 

Favorite book of the summer. Please read it! It will break your heart, but in a good way.

 

We spotted the biggest moth we’ve ever seen (a Polyphemus moth), dead in our driveway one morning. We’re sad it died, but if it had to, Noah was very happy to mount it in his moth display box.

 

You knew I’d include at least one river picture. Kira is getting more confident with exploring and swimming. She adores the river, which makes her a true Gentino. We tried her on the paddleboard and she was not a huge fan, but submitted to a small ride because she loves her dad. We’ll keep working on it.

 

We found a new margarita recipe, thanks to a friend, and it’s become our absolute fave. Here’s his video if you’re interested in trying it out.

 

Devin and Deja came over for dinner and a very lively game of Guesstures.

 

And Cornelia came over to play with Noah! She is our little friend up the street. Many afternoons find Amie and Noah down hanging out with McKensie, Cornelia, and Florence.

 

We started a new homeschool year and our co-op. Judah also began a new co-op for highschoolers, which he attends on Tuesdays and Tuesdays. He takes English, History, and Theology, and has loved it so far.

 

We’re learning to keep better track of our school books and homework.

 

Judah and Noah got haircuts. I included this picture because it’s the stuff of life, right? Driving my kids to get hair cuts, to the orthodontist and the pediatrician and the dermatologist and soccer games. One day they’ll all be driving themselves and I won’t get these hours in the van with them. I don’t want to take it for granted.

 

James turned 9 and had a birthday party at the lake!

 

Gabe loves the Fablehaven series. I credit it with turning him into someone who enjoys reading for fun, and Judah gets all the props for searching until he found a series that would capture Gabe’s interest.

 

I worked on getting back in the rhythm of teaching. It’s been a lot of work, I won’t lie, but my students are just great. I especially love this little 2nd/3rd grade class. We have so much fun together.

 

Kelly gave the girls a skincare/make-up tutorial, then took them out for ice cream and shopping for make-up. Amie was in heaven. Now I just need her to teach me how to use an eyelash curler.

 

I continued with my eating plan and have experienced great results — much more stamina with working out, and my stomach is improving. Sometimes I just crave empty carbs though (and not having to make every single meal from scratch), so I was thrilled when my friend Ty recommended this pizza. I try to keep an extra in the freezer and can eat the entire thing in a sitting. My family thinks it looks terrible.

 

August was a busy, somewhat stressful month for sure. But I loved making this post. It reminded me of all the beautiful things that happened last month too.