Let's Go Fly A Kite

It's officially autumn and the weather could not be better.   Mid seventies this week and Indian summer on the way for the weekend.  

Kinley and I have been waiting for a day suitable for flying kites.  McKenna was kind enough to pass this kite to her little sister and we sure enjoyed using it today 

All the Ways We Miss You

It's been a few weeks since you left us and yet you are still the subject of many of my posts.  It's fairly easy to understand why.   The lack of your physical presence is felt by everyone. 

I miss you so much when I work out in the mornings.  You loved to be downstairs with me where you could lie on the cool concrete and rest while I was sweating!  

We spent family time watching movies on Friday night but you weren't there this time to hog the soft pillows and your favorite blanket.  

Believe it or not, I miss you lying right in the middle of the kitchen floor while I cook.  I have no idea how many times I chased you out from under foot.  I would give anything to have that time back.  

I don't have anyone to look after the kids anymore.   They are missing their protector and their friend. 

You aren't there in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning beside my bed. 

On Thursday kinley and I made a trip to Target where I rewarded her with popcorn.  The very first thing she said when I handed her the bag was that she wanted to share it with you.   She loved bringing that red bag home and feeding you a treat. When she sees a dog that looks like you she squeals out, "That dog looks like Tucker."   My heart breaks in about a million pieces.

And just this morning while I ran the vaccuum over your beloved spot under the sofa table I felt my breath catch.  Sometimes when I least expect it I realize all over again that you're gone. I realize how big the hole is that you left in each of our lives.  

I could go on and on about all the ways we miss you but the truth is that the lost would be endless.  You're always on our minds and forever in our hearts.  

A Quick Update

With school and sports on full swing, I have been very bad about keeping up with the blog.  I'm too busy, I suppose, soaking up every second I can with these special people.  

Mondays and Tuesdays are so hard because I only get to see them before school in the morning and to tuck them in at night.   The good news is that they seem to manage just fine without me. I sure miss them though. 

Kinley really likes school this year.  If we can just get her to talk there then we would be all set.  Apparently she's quite a different kiddo at school.  I have a feeling she will come out of her shell eventually.  

Cooper is a busy guy with sports and a full social calendar this year.  He's forever getting invited to soccer games or Friday night football games with his buddies.  

I found THIS amazing creature on my kitchen window yesterday.   He was so magnificent and I think I watched him for five minutes or more as he crawled around the screen. Just another reminder to stop and enjoy all gods creations. 

My Prima Ballerinas

After a brief summer break dance started up again this week. 

McKenna is taking two classes this year which means she is at the studio three evenings a week.  Luckily, Siena is in the same classes and Jessica and I have worked out a great carpool. 

This morning was Kinley's first dance class.   She was so very excited this morning.   She came into our room with her leotard, tights and ballet slippers in hand.   

It was a fun morning especially because it happened to also be Earls day off.  He was the only Daddy there and Kinley was thrilled that he wanted to come with us. 

Needless to say, we will be spending quite a lot of time at the dance studio this year.  BUT I love to watch the girls dance.  It's so awesome!   My little Prima ballerinas! 

Time Marches On

We are still doing our best to get adjusted to life without Tucker.  It still seems so strange to even write those words.  The kids seem to be doing well since they are back in school.  Kids are so resilient.  Earl and I, however, have many moments where we are still missing our faithful friend.  I don't know how long it will be until I stop thinking about him while I load the dishwasher.  I used to chase him out of the kitchen constantly.  He was the prewash and it drove me crazy.    I have avoided the mailman at all costs.  He was another devoted friend of Tucker's and I can't stand the thought of telling him that he's gone.  Tuesday was the first time I have ever, ever been in the house completely alone.  It was awful. Even when the kids weren't here Tucker was always by my side.  Always.  

Time marches on though. Today Kinley and I had a nice visit from Cady and Blake.  It's been only a week and a half since I last saw him but he's getting so big.  Kinley is completely smitten with him and brought out just about every toy she owns trying to get him to play. 

I spent the morning talking with Cady and cooking up a storm.  By lunch time I had homemade applesauce as requested by Cooper, a freezer of chicken noodle soup and a huge pot of ham, green beans and potatoes for tomorrow's supper.  After lunch, Kinley and I played outside for a bit.  

It was a gorgeous day.  Sunny but not too awfully hot.  Later she took a nap while I finished getting dinner ready and waited for the kids to come home. Wednesdays are busy with Cooper's soccer practice and McKenna's ballet class.  Tonight was the first night for dance. 

The girls were ready to get back to the studio but they were both tired by the time they got home.   Tomorrow is Kinley's first dance class.  She's very excited.  

5:15am comes early so I better wrap things up here.  I have just three more days before I can say that I have officially completed the entire 60 days of PiYo.  And I only missed one day in the past two months.  Some mornings I hate it but I feel great and have had wonderful results and so I forge ahead.  That seems to be a theme for me lately so I'll go with it.  Good night!