Day 4 drop off

She’s ready to go! 

Math Camp

 Earlier this year, Clair was introduced to the opportunity to earn an invitation to Math Camp. Clair loves math and generally feels she is rarely challenged in it. She loves when it's hard. So, this idea of Math Camp became a strong goal for Clair. 

After much work and initially thinking she did not qualify, she got the invite in May. We quickly took the opportunity to sign her up. And, here we are, in New Jersey for the week, at Math Camp on the college campus. 

Clair loves the idea of college. She's my youngest and she's the only one who has asked to visit a college campus. She has her journey planned out already.  I'm really excited for her and for her interests. I love visiting college campuses and traveling. So this is super exciting to me too. 

We arrived on campus Saturday and got all checked in. The camp runs a total of 5 days. She was excited and not too nervous. Her only nerves come around when she thinks others are looking at her, such as when I'm picking her up and dropping her off. 

The camp is a mix of competitions and lectures. The things she's learning are somewhat over her head and somewhat interesting. She says the most fun has been meeting a couple of new girls she enjoys talking to. She does also enjoy the competitions, but finds it disappointing that the majority of the kids in her group speak Mandarin during the competitions and she can't follow. Yes, most of the kids have come from China for this competition. 

Each day she gets more confident and independent. She is managing the day with little help. She's on campus for 12 hours and 2 meals a day. She has independent time too. She doesn't reach out to me much except to tell me she needs an app or that she's ready to be picked up. 

She was giving me a hard time about all the pictures I took Saturday. I was capturing my visual memories. 

Last night she didn't want a hug when I picked her up and people were watching, but as soon as we got out of the car at the hotel, she was her snuggly self. I can see her growing each day - more independent and confident. I know it's good for her. I am excited for her. I am also just a little sad to see these snuggly years coming to an end. 

She's still my girl and loves hanging with me and doing adventures. What a great week for her!

This about sums it up kiddos

Max turns 14

 Max's birthday always comes at a busy time of year when school is ending, sports are ending, and summer vacation is starting. It's even been celebrated at the beach at times. This year was no difference.

We celebrated at home with his favorites and presents. He had a lot of Legos on his list this year. 

Max is getting tall. He keeps saying he's taller then me and I refuse to admit it, but he's right. He's also showing some signs of making better choices. Middle school years have been rough and I'm praying high school suits him better. 

He will have his friends over for a sleepover later in the summer to celebrate his birthday. 

This year he shared his birthday with Father's Day. It has happened before and both Max and David are relaxed about it. As long as there's lots of meat served, both are happy. 

Happy birthday Maxers! 

Max is promoted to High School

Thursday morning Max had a promotion ceremony at his middle school. His class really missed out on all the promotion fun from elementary school. So I am really glad they celebrated them this week. 

Today he gets to enjoy an end of year picnic. He’s had a lot of fun this week with his friends too. 

My wish for you Max is that you remember how proud of yourself you are when you make good choices and that you continue to make more good choices in how you approach all aspects of life, including your grades! 

I love you buddy! Keep enjoying the journey and aim for the stars! You can be anything you want to be! 

The end of elementary school

For 11 years we’ve had someone in elementary school. These are the easy years of parenting I think. 

This week Clair is wrapping up her time at NMES with all the fun stuff. She was the MC for her talent show. She enjoyed business days which she had been looking forward to and had planned for several years now. The fifth grade party was a success and she got soaked by the fire truck. 

All the fun and feels wrap up today. I walked her up the path, holding her hand, and giving hugs and kisses as per her request before she headed through the doors. NMES has been a happy place for Clair. She has flourished there. It’s been easy for her. I pray that continues all through her education!

Clair Bear- you rocked it just like we knew you would! Keep enjoying each step of this journey my love! 

I’m going to soak this in

Today is Monday of the last week of elementary school for  Clair. She is a happy girl. She loves her school.

After losing my job in December, I would have to say the greatest treasure that’s come from. It is getting to take Clair to school again every day for the past six months. She really appreciates me taking her. She grabs my hand when we get out of the car and walk up the hill together. She giggles and talks to me. She kisses and hugs me at least once every single time before she goes into the school.

I know this is rapidly coming to an end. I can’t imagine she’s gonna grab my hand when she’s walking to middle school or she’s going to reach up and give me a kiss and kiss her cheek before she goes in. I understand that this growth is natural. And even though it is natural, and I’m so happy for her growing up and being happy and loving this journey, I still somewhat more the loss of this innocence and sweetness.

So four more days of walking her up the hill and holding her hand, and I will cherish them. Will cherish them this week and I hope I can remember them to cherish them always!