End of School and Start of Summer

 Well, we have definitely set a record for longest period between blog posts. Despite my good intentions to post during our time in the States this summer, here we are in August and I'm just now sitting down to record our memories from June and July. After wrapping up the school year, the girls and I flew to Atlanta and spent six glorious weeks visiting friends and family all over the southeast. Peter joined us in Knoxville and spent the last three weeks with us in Charleston, Alexandria, and Oak Island.  Here are the pictures from the end of school and the first stop on our summer tour, LaGrange.

During the last week of school, Susannah ran for student council communications director.  She lost by only a couple of votes.  We were so proud of her for coming so close as a new American to the school.  Her posters and video were so great. 

We also wrapped up spring soccer training. Coach Benny made it so fun and the neighborhood kids loved practicing together twice a week. It was sad to see it end. 

Lots of s'mores to start the summer season.

We also had a nice afternoon celebrating the end of girl scouts for the year. These girls were all so proud to bridge to Brownies.  

This is the entire US embassy troop, from Daisy's to Juniors.  We were so proud of all of them!

Susannah helped with her last story-time club meeting of the year. 

She and Sarah Avery loved this little group. 

My friend Kalen and I attended an amazing coffee brunch at our friend Amala's house.  The photo session in her beautiful saris was such a treat.  

End of the year always brings bitter sweet goodbyes.  This one was no exception.  Our amazing friend, Raya, is moving with her family to Texas so she can begin PhD work.  We had a backyard dinner to say goodbye.

She and Oleg will be dearly missed.  

We spent a warm afternoon at the Sobi Beach Club.  

Always a beautiful and relaxing way to spend a day. 

And before we knew it, 4th and 1st grade were completed!

We are so proud of these girls.  

They rose to every single challenge this past year. They are so brave and so strong.  

After a day of packing and a 3 am wake-up call, we were at the airport and ready to head to Amsterdam. 

We were so happy to land and be back in the EU.  

The airport was such a great stop for kids.  We even spent a little time in the kid's science museum located right in our terminal.  Next stop, Atlanta!

Coincidentally, the day after we landed was a huge benefit concert in Newnan headlining Alan Jackson that my friend Jonathon had organized.  I couldn't pass up the invitation to hang out backstage.  Mimi and Poppy kept the girls and I was so glad I went.  

David Pollack, one of our favorite UGA players, was the MC.  

We had the best time with our cousins Sidney and Emma in LaGrange.  This was before Sunday School. 

They picked up right where they left off last year.  ;)

Lots of Popsicles and lots of swimming.  American Summer, we love you!

We had the best day with Aunt Beth, Mimi and cousins at the pool.

Aunt Beth treated us to lunch poolside. 

Another day, another cousin reunion.  This time, with Daddy's side.  

We had the best creek-side picnic with Margaret and Hannah and their kids.  

The girls loved every single minute and it was so good to catch up with Peter's family.

Next stop was Nashville.  Thank you to all of our LaGrange friends and family for making our visit so special.  We love you and miss you already.