Back to School 2012

The summer just flew by...it seems like not too long ago that we were cleaning out school backpacks and making our Summer 2012 Bucket List.

We had a great summer!  It was full of cooking competitions, visits to the Sundae Station, late nights, nature camps, baseball, Imagination Station, the Toledo Zoo and the Wood County Fair.

We took mini "staycations" where we ate out, went shopping, had family devotionals and evening game nights (sans Jameson)!

We spent two days in Hocking Hills and enjoyed some very different scenery than we have in Bowling Green!

Justin went on his first international missions trip to Honduras and on a week long trip to New York with his grandparents.

Lauren and the boys served and translated for the seasonal migrant workers in our area.  Lauren spent many hours working at Stimmels Bakery and Justin did likewise at Kroger.

Of course, the highlight of the summer was having Michael officially earn his PhD!

The boys have also accomplished much as they made six new covers for their group, The Brown Brothers, including this amazing one completed yesterday...

The SEARCH Community at BGSU (co-directed by Michael) moved to a new, spacious location on campus.  The kids helped Michael with cleaning, painting, shopping and cooking for their first week on campus.

So now we need to sadly say, "good-bye" to our summer.

Ethan's first day of 5th grade

The three older boys started school today.

Justin's first day of 12th grade

Logan's first day of  9th grade

Lauren leaves for Akron tomorrow. Our new foster daughter starts kindergarten on Monday and Jameson will start preschool then, too.

It is sad to let go of our summer.  But we are looking forward to all that the new school year holds for us.

And the Bucket List was such a hit, we plan to also make a "Brown Family Fall 2012 Bucket List"

I will be eager to share our fall adventures soon!