Bubbles - pure childhood joy

I love these moments is simple joy. I probably failed to appreciate them with the older two, but with watching everyone grow up and become their own young individuals, i think it makes me appreciate this even more. 

I captured these moments after turning this new gift on. She was so happy. She enjoyed watching the bubbles land on the surface of the pool. 

I absolutely love the expressions on her face. 

A month into school already

After 3.5 weeks of school all the kids seem to be off to a great start. 

Ellie has adjusted well to the high school schedule and classes with minimal hiccups. She really is a smart girl on figures how to get things done. I hope she learns to enjoy the community aspect of high school too. She’s finding a good rhythm with keeping up with her existing friends. 

Max is trying hard for straight As this year after last years disappointment. So far, he’s achieving it. We will see how long it lasts. I told him if he gets straight As for his final grades in 7th grade he can have a special trip with one of us. He’s made some new friends he also seems to be enjoying and that’s a key to happiness for Max. 

Clair is off to a good start. She likes her teacher and enjoys her classes. Her grades are great too. She loves going to school still and that’s the key for me 

Falls sports are rolling

Fall is very busy. Max playa soccer and does Piano. Ellie is babysitting and will resume piano and hopefully back to Jujitsu in a few more weeks. Clair is into everything- softball, soccer, Girl Scouts, and learning to play the cello is coming up soon. On top of these choices there is youth group and Sunday school which must be a priority. 

Fall is my favorite time of the year. It has always been my favorite time of the year. I love watching the kids play their sports. I do miss coaching but that’s okay. 

Yesterday was Clair’s first soccer game. She got to play goalie in the first half. My girl loves playing goalie. She is focused there. It doesn’t always look super natural but she is good at it. She stops most things there and is willing to sacrifice her body to do it. Yesterday she stopped 95% of what came her way, including some challenging ones. She only let them score one on her. 

I’m thankful my Mom was able to come with us on the journey to the game. It was all the down by Dulles airport. Once we got home clair and mom demonstrated how to play mancala so I will know now and can play with Clair in the future. We then played several more games before dinner. 

After dinner we hung out in the heated pool until about 9. It’s one of the last times for the season. Time to get it closed soon as it’s expensive to heat and no one wants in it less then. 90 degrees. 

Parents time away - Savannah Ga

David and I were supposed to go to Savannah in June but canceled due to my covid. I wasn’t sure we would actually get to go, but we did. It was wonderful to get away and explore a new city with David. We used to do this all the time when dating and we needed it. We enjoyed the city too. Lots of good food, drinks, touring, great weather and relaxation. 

Outside our not so nice hotel on the docks 

Starting school - 9th, 7th and 4th

It felt wary to have them starting school but none the less, Frederick county decided it was time. 

The summer flew by and they keep growing. I’m proud of each of them. 

Day 7 Homeward Bound

The last day was full of many activities. We had decided last minute to visit the Corning Glass museum and make some fused glass art projects. I’m really glad we did this. I really enjoyed the whole thing. 

Then we headed south to the center of PA to what is referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East- Leonard State Park. We didn’t really do much hiking here but enjoyed the views. 

Finally we started the four hour journey home and made it before 8. Happy to be home to our lovely house and kitties. It was a great family adventure and I think we need to do another one sometime soon. 

I found this fascinating! 

Day 6 NY finger lakes

We headed south and aimed for Hammondsport where my friend from work has retired. They have a lovely farmhouse they renovated and live outside a lovely town! They are directly across from a very nice vineyard. What amazing views and lovely way to retire. Andrew has given me a new goal!

After our visit we headed south to Corning NY for our last overnight. We had only one hotel room this night in a less then stellar hotel that looked like it was still the same since the 1980s. We made the best of it after having a quick meal in a local Italian cafe, we watched Billy Madison squished into our double beds before faking asleep, which the kids loved. 

Clair was especially thrilled to finally share a bed with me and cuddle all night.