40 Before 40: Play An Adult Tennis Tournament

 Tennis has been a part of my life since as far back as I can remember. Even when I didn’t play it competitively, I learned how to play for fun. I spent my childhood summers riding my bike to my grandparents’ house to watch them play with friends. The sport holds so many special memories and moments for me.

So when making my list of 40 Before 40, I wanted to incorporate tennis into the mix...but not just in any old way. I wanted to be able to compete~ to be part of a team playing on the court.  

I had the privilege to play in a Team that won State and headed to Sectionals in Rome GA on the hunt for a National bound trip. While we came up short in the end, to relive those youthful competition moments & feelings was such a thrilling time. 

To be teammates with old friends from my childhood tennis days as well as new friends I’ve made on the court over the last few years was a dream come true.

An American Girl: Adelaide Jane Makes 8 GREAT!

For Adelaide's 8th Birthday, we headed to Columbus, OH and the American Girl Doll Store. It had been my plan since last year to take Adelaide for a girls trip to celebrate her 8th birthday. Something about the wonderful memories I have of my mom, sisters & I enjoying girls trips made me want to recreate that for Adelaide and Salem. 

We drove up on a Friday afternoon and enjoyed dinner at the Rusty Bucket. They have high chairs for your dolls which the girls thought was so cool. It was nice to enjoy a change of scenery, dine outdoors, and take in the excitement. After ice cream for dessert, a sleepover/slumber party at the hotel took place with lots of sister giggles and cuddles for all.

The next day we walked around Easton Park until our "party time." The anticipation and window shopping had the girls very excited and ready to shop until they dropped :) With a 3 course meal in the fanciest AG chair for the birthday girl, birthday tiaras for her & her doll, the most delicious cake we've ever had, and a precious goodie bag for girls & dolls, we certainly loved the royal treatment. We came home with two new American Girl Dolls, a slew of accessories, and some fun new "pets" for all to enjoy. 

It was a weekend that we will never forget, and I hope the girls cherish it for years to come!

 

 

 

A Thompson Summer: Sweet Summertime Memories

The summers of 2015 and 2016 were almost unbearably exhausting both mentally and physically. 2015 spent pregnant chasing 2 toddlers and plagued with the fear of heart surgery for our baby to be. The following summer was spent packing our entire home (literally by myself) while pregnant and driving back and forth the Saw Mill 6 times a day to give the kids somewhat of a summer with their camp program followed by a miscarriage upon arrival in KY resulting in a D&C and a heavy dose of post partum. To cap it off, I ended the summer moving our family into a 3 bedroom apartment on the 2nd floor virtually all by myself again.

Now summer has always been my favorite season (although I do enjoy them all) so I was crushed to my soul with two pretty horrific summers in a row. My hopes for the summer of 2017 were less than high and I was a bit apprehensive of how it would all turn out. Despite a few "colorful" family issues, by the grace of God it has truly been wonderful.

We have spent may days and nights at Hurstbourne Country Club...swimming, tennis & golf have taken a large chunk of our sunny days. Adelaide flourished on the swim team while Aspen took up a love for golf and learning to swim without floaties & go off the diving board in one week! Brighton can be found floating along in the big pool as to not be left behind by his siblings, drinking slushies, or enjoying a push pop.

Strawberry picking, zoo animal sightings, church picnics, putt putt rounds, baseball games, and drive-in movies made for great times!

A week-long trip to the beach with sweet friends was crazy & sweet all in one fell swoop. The salt and sand of the ocean made for sun-kissed babies and tired mommas.

We learned the best news when our gender reveal revealed that we would be welcoming a baby girl who will make our family complete! The amount of surprise and excitement was contagious from us to our little ones.

 

We have taken day trips to see & explore new places. A day trip to Cinci & the Newport Aquarium proved that we have some sea-loving kiddos.

A day trip to Indy & the Children's Museum was just what we needed to wrap up our summer adventures.

While I am sad to see the summer end, I am thankful for the memories and the blessings that we have shared this summer. And back-to-school means we are closer to meeting that sweet baby girl of ours!