Rule #487

​When you go on date night, be silly. And take the top off the Jeep! Because when you can, you should. 

We Are Going to Japan!

​I am pretty excited to announce that we are going to head to Japan! It is Bubba‘s wish to go - and next summer as his graduation gift in lieu of a graduation party, we are going to make his wish come true! One of the things I want to use this space as is a location to keep tips and tricks that I am learning as I begin to prepare over the next 14 months.

Moreover, a place to ruminate on ideas and thoughts that he has as he approaches a senior year, turns 18, and spreads his wings to leave the nest.

Essentially, I’m starting senior Sunday a little bit early… As the countdown to his junior year completes and his final year of high school is on the horizon!

KK will continue on as well… Finishing her freshman year of rowing, and excelling at all things in her sphere. So it will be fun to start writing again, taking note of tips and tricks, and managing the changes that come our way.

Tip #1 

I really had no clue that you could use your wallet on an iPhone to add in transit cards- especially International cards! Thank you you too a random stranger who posted this tip!

Huron Sprints Regatta

​For her very first regatta as a member of the high school crew team, we are headed to Kensington Metro Park today… It was 77° and sunny yesterday but this morning found us at 52° and rain.

4:45 AM wake up call for a 5 AM departure to be to the park by 7:15 AM in order to see our girl get on the water by 7:30.

Not the exact times she had hoped for. They lost out on the finals by one second… But, as bittersweet luck would have it, the finals for the novice rowers were canceled due to winds and weather delays.

All in all, still a good day!

And She's 12

A mishmosh of photos - from the day she came until now - and here she is...the last year before she's a teen.

She's strong and brave. Stubborn and cheeky. 

She's insanely aware, smart, tries hard, falls apart easily, works herself well, pushes herself on occasion, is an avid reader, has a huge vocabulary, is a helper and a doer. She cares little of fashion, lots of Hurricanes and Daddy and Maggie and Softball.

And she's my girl.

I love every inch of her. Even the parts that drive me nuts. Because I am sure I do the same to her!

 

And the Band Plays On

He's growing up so fast...and he's learning so much. Sometimes I can't keep up.

He likes trombone. Sort of. 

I'm not thrilled with his teacher who insists on placing students to the very last chair. When you know your last chair, what does this do to you mentally?

But he plays on. Maybe because we force him.

Maybe because he likes it.

I keep hope for Marching Band and the joy that might come with that. 

 

Gobbles and Joy

I'm writing this months later and dating it back to the accurate time for publishing - so I really don't remember any of the stress or changes last minute - or ebbs and flows to stupid Covid or cancellations and postponements.

I remember turkey. Lots of it.

I remember Dan coming in for it. Which fills my heart.

I remember pie and stuffing. Luna walking and laughing.

I remember a toast to my family whom I love more than anything.

And I remember love.

And I can't wait to do it all again in 2023.

 

That First Snow

When it's still pretty, fresh and fun...it won't be in Janaury!