It was a whirlwind of a summer in the Mitchel house, but I have to say it was definitely our favorite we've spent together so far. We were blessed to have the opportunity to take THREE separate trips this summer.
The first was to Riviera Maya, Mexico with our friends, Jonthan and Bridget Jones. We found a great deal on an all-inclusive resort and we were able to stay for 6 nights!! It was incredible and a great way to kick off the summer.
Our next trip involved a road trip with my parents to our favorite small town in Colorado- Lake City! After spending the summer of 2008 in Lake City, we're convinced that there is no other place that celebrates the 4th of July the way LC does. It's small-town excitement at it's best, and we love being apart of the festivities. We also loved soaking up time with my brother, sister-in-law, and sweet little niece. When we returned to Texas, we celebrated 3 years of marriage with a low-key evening at home. It was actually really nice because we were exhausted from our travels!
Our last trip was a new destination for us... every year Royce's parents plan a family trip with all of the kids, and over the years they have become more and more adventurous. This year we traveled to Costa Rica! The beauty of the rainforest is everything everyone says it is, and more! I couldn't get over how lush and green everything was, although I shouldn't have been surprised because it was their "rainy season." We enjoyed zip-lining through the rainforest, touring a sulfur volcano, and an ATV tour of 8 different beaches. It was truly unforgettable and we felt blessed to see more of God's mighty creation.
When we returned from Costa Rica we knew school preparation would begin within the next week. During that last week, we were surprised with the news that I was pregnant! This was certainly not something I anticipated to juggle, along with my first year of teaching, but we know God's timing is best and we are very, very excited for this sweet little blessing.
School is now in full swing and as I near the end of my first trimester, I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Not as much sickness these days, but I think the kiddos help keep my mind busy. :) I'm loving the land of 2nd grade and I can't wait to get to know my students more. In addition to being the girls' head soccer coach at Heights, Royce took on the boys' assistant Cross Country coach position this year. He's really loved it so far, but the early morning practices get harder and harder each morning. :)
It'll be another year of changes for us, but we're always grateful that His love and provision remains constant. Parenthood, here we come!
My brother and sister-in-law came to Texas in May for us to meet our first niece, Baby Stella! She was so incredibly precious!! I wish desperately that they didn't live so far away, but I cherish every bit of time we get to spend with them.
Our friends, Ryan and Justine, won an auction bid for a weekend getaway to a cool house in the Lakeway area of Austin. They opened it up for us to join them, and it just so happened to fall on my birthday weekend. :) After us girls layed by the pool all day, and the boys played a long round of golf, we all cleaned up and went to eat at the Hula Hut. The restaurant sits on Lake Austin so it's one of my favorite places to visit during the summer. 
Royce and I had the honor of helping our friend Bruce plan his engagement to my best friend from college! He was planning on proposing in August but decided he couldn't wait any longer! "Operation Proposal" took place at sunset on August 15th at Katie's favorite spot on Lake Belton. We're so excited for them and were blessed to be apart of it!
