The Jolliff Family

All the kids went to Oil Belt Service Camp this summer (though I don't have any pictures of Andrew!). Andrew did a one night fishing camp that camped outside and learned all about fishing, for fish and men. Sam went to a week long overnight camp.  This kid impresses me over and over with his ability to be flexible and go out of his comfort zone in meeting new people.  This will serve him well throughout his life! The twins went to a day camp together. And Jacob went to a several day camp and was able to go with his cousin Dane and Dane's friends.  He had a blast!  

Jacob had a different type of birthday this year, one we hope to never repeat.  But in true Jacob style, he handled it well and recognized that joy and sorrow can co-exist. Grandpa and Grandma were around for some morning celebration on August 22! Jacob opted to open a few gifts from siblings the morning of his birthday but wanted to save the cake and his bigger gift for another day, since Hap had already left to be with family that morning. The next day, Jacob opened up a gift from Hap and I and we celebrated our boy with cake! One more gift for our sweet boy that he has been asking for ALL SUMMER LONG, a Willie McGee and the entire 1983 Cardinals baseball team cards. Joy and sorrow. Sorrow and joy. And odd combination for a birthday but we pray that Jacob learns to lean into Jesus more and more this year!

Andrew was the first one to celebrate his birthday in our new house (another blog post to come about that!!) Andrew is such a lover boy and makes each day funnier by being in this world. Andrew got to extend his birthday celebration by celebrating with us on his actual birthday and then celebrating with more family on the Saturday after as they helped us move into our home.  I didn't take many pictures on move in day but just enough to celebrate Andrew! May year 13 bring blessings to this boy!  

In July, we celebrated our first born turning 15 with a simple gathering and some fun gifts. Sam is easy to celebrate!! Happiest of birthdays, Sam.  You make us proud!  

August 10 was a big day around our house! First day of school!!  We have kids in 3 different schools and there were lots of emotions about the first day but the kids jumped right in and have done really well so far. Jacob is in the Elementary school and his teacher is Mrs. Isball. He's looking so grown up in his new glasses. Abram is also in the Elementary School and his teacher is Miss Pribble. He was pretty pumped for the first day, not so much the second day! Abigail is at the Elementary School and also has Miss Pribble for her 2nd grade teacher. She got glasses the day before and looks so darling! Our high schooler, Sam! Hard to believe that our oldest is a Freshman but we trust he will do great during his high school days. And Andrew is in the Jr. High school. He has multiple teachers but was most excited about his current events class that he will take the first 9 weeks. Hap had his first day at the high school also. Group picture is a must! Great kids! Great dad! Praying for...