Summer is here, Buena Vista! School’s wrapping up, the sun’s out, and it’s time for adventure. This month, we’re chatting with three awesome neighborhood kids—Conor (12), Charlotte (10), and Thomas (7)—who are ready to make the most of the season.

These three siblings have lived in our neighborhood since they were born, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. One of their favorite things is walking their dog, Branch, to Buie’s, where they can meet up with friends and explore. “We’re so lucky to have such great neighbors,” they say.

After school and on weekends, you’ll probably find Charlotte flipping and tumbling—she’s a dedicated gymnast! But when she’s not practicing, she’s baking cookies and cupcakes in the kitchen, dreaming of opening her own bakery one day.

Meanwhile, Conor and Thomas are all about soccer. Whether they’re playing in a game or just kicking the ball around with friends (or even with Branch!), they can’t get enough of it.

Even though summer is here, these three have some favorite school moments, too. Thomas loves recess because he gets to run around and have fun. Charlotte enjoys math because there’s always a clear answer. Conor agrees—math just makes sense to him!

If they could have any superpower, Thomas says flying would be “sigma” (which, in case you don’t speak 7-year-old, means it’s awesome). Charlotte would want to heal people, and Conor is still thinking about his ultimate power—maybe something soccer-related?

But what about their dream destinations? Charlotte would head to Hawaii to swim and try surfing. Thomas is all about Argentina because “Messi is the GOAT,” and the food sounds amazing. Conor is actually going to Costa Rica next summer! He can’t wait for the beaches, sloths, and (most importantly) the FOOD.

Speaking of food, this family knows how to do holiday breakfasts right. Their favorite? Mom’s famous sausage and grits casserole, passed down from their grandmother. And when it comes to Christmas, Charlotte loves singing “Morning Star” at Home Moravian’s Christmas Eve Lovefeast, while Thomas is all about those delicious Moravian buns and coffee.

One of their best memories is their recent family trip to Florida, where they rode every roller coaster they could find! Their favorites were Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure, Iron Gwazi, Tron, and Expedition Everest.

Even though they’re young, these kids know the importance of helping others. Every year, their family hosts Coats & Cocoa, a neighborhood event to collect coats for the Community Coat Closet. And when they’re not busy with school, soccer, gymnastics, and music (Conor plays viola, Charlotte plays ukulele, and Thomas plays piano!), they work hard in their Spanish immersion programs.

We can’t end this interview without talking about Branch, the family’s fun-loving dog. He’s a soccer-playing, ball-chasing, lake-swimming champ who loves hanging out with his best neighborhood buddies, Winnie, Banks, and Olaf. Whether he’s at High Rock Lake with the grandparents or just running around the backyard, Branch is always up for an adventure.

With summer just beginning, Conor, Charlotte, and Thomas are excited for all the fun ahead—swimming, playing outside, and spending time with friends. Maybe you’ll see them around Buena Vista, kicking a soccer ball or taking Branch for a walk. Say hi if you do!