Back to school and Sarah Avery is 8!

 This post is going to be in backward chronological order.  The technical error that I don't have time to correct.  :)   This big month included the girl's first concert, back to school, Sarah Avery's 8th birthday, and Sarah Avery's baptism.  Here are the highlights in reverse order.  

Sarah Avery's baptism was on September 4, in Zack and Lindsey's backyard pool.  It was so special and even more so because it was Peter and my 18th wedding anniversary. 

Matt met and prayed with Sarah Avery before the ceremony. He made it such a joyful and reverent moment. 

Proud family 

We had a lunch celebration afterward with all of the supper club families.  The cake was a hit. 

The weekend before we hosted Sarah Avery's 8th birthday party at Tamarack Horse stables.  

She was so excited to celebrate with her favorite friends and some of her favorite animals.  

We were so happy Peter could be here for the party.

Sarah Avery's sweet friend Maggie had a great time. 

This llama, Alfie, roamed around the stables which the girls found hilarious.  

Before the ride, the girls groomed the horse and learned how to saddle it.  

Susannah's friend Zoe is on her bus, so they have been sharing a seat every morning and afternoon to and from middle school.  

These two were so ready for their first day of 3rd and 6th grade. 

Sarah Avery loves her new teacher, Ms. Stratton and is having a great year so far. 

Our middle schooler has rocked the first couple of weeks. She has conquered her schedule and her locker combination.  

Sarah Avery's actual birthday was on the first day of school, so we celebrated as a family on Sunday evening.  

Susannah and I made her these cupcakes with blue icing and she opened her presents.   She is such a beautiful, poised, confident, athletic, and affectionate 8-year-old and we are so proud of her. 

The last big hoorah of the summer was taking these two to their first concert.  Indigo Girls opened for Brandi Carlile at Meriweather Pavillion.  

A bus load of friends joined us and we had a blast. 

I was so happy to share some of our favorite music live and under the stars.  

It was a super late night which was tough because Susannah had 6th-grade orientation the day after and SA and I had to attend her meet the teacher day, but the extra yawns were totally worth all the memories we made.   

See the Indigo Girls on the screen in the background??

The week before school, Sarah Avery spent a couple of days with Maggie and her babysitter. On this day, they went bowling.  

It's been a busy and joyful last few weeks. We are soaking up all the family time and feeling so grateful to be home with our friends and community.  Love and miss you all!