Hello, Fall!

After returning from our latest Kennedy Ballpark Tour, we headed straight into a new work week on that Monday. The days since then have passed by quickly. Rainy weather has caused some sports cancellations, but in general, we've followed a steady routine of work, school, and ball. Rinse and repeat. Last weekend, when one of Eli's games was cancelled, we spent our open Saturday at the Yadkin Valley Harvest Festival. Like last year, the kids enjoyed the bouncy houses, and we all enjoyed the yummy food, especially the homemade apple pies. The night before, Eli insisted on having a sleepover with his sister, and Boomer acquiesced. Emmy lasted on the floor in Eli's room until the early morning, and then she moved into her own bed around 5AM. Upon waking up about an hour later, Eli was quite upset to find that he was all alone. As you can see from the photos, how it started...

...and how it ended...

The school year has continued smoothly for the Kennedy kids. Emmy often sees Aunt Megan throughout the day, and she loves having lunch with Grammy when she volunteers on Thursdays. Emmy recently received an award from the Assistant Principal for good behavior and acting with integrity. The award came with a new book, which for Emmy is the ultimate prize right now. She loves to read, and she is sharing that love with her little brother. One morning, I spotted Emmy practicing flash cards with Eli while Boomer and I were getting ready for work. It was totally unprompted and a very sweet moment between siblings. 

Today we were back at the ballfield for another softball game. Our #12 had a big cheering section, with Grammy, Grandpa, and all four Houstons there. Emmy and her team had a come-from-behind win with a final score of 8-6. Emmy played 1st base for the whole game, and she had several great outs, including a tag play. She also batted well, getting a hit each time she came up to the plate. After the game, we celebrated Grandpa's 75th birthday with lunch at the Seafood Shack. It was a delicious meal, topped off with cheesecake for dessert. Happy birthday, Grandpa!

During September, I thought of Grandma Nancy often, especially on the 22nd, her birthday. I wore her ring for several days. 

One other big event, on Thursday, a major hurricane, Helene, swept up the Southeast and caused major flooding in western North Carolina. Our school system closed on Friday, but luckily in the Piedmont, there was no damage. In my hometown of Morganton and further west in Asheville and Boone, the flooding has caused so much devastation. It has been heartbreaking to see the images, especially this one of Freedom's football stadium completely underwater. We are praying for all our friends in Morganton that are facing weeks and months of rebuilding. 

I'm including one more photo...it's a flashback to Summer 2023. Boomer had this picture of Eli on his phone, and it popped up this past week as a 'memory.' Somehow the photo never made it to the blog, and I feel like it needs to :) As the weather gets cooler and fall begins, we will think fondly of our sunny days at the beach!