No time wasted

"I never knew how much I loved your Daddy until I saw how much he loved you."

When I realized that Earl's vacation coincided with the first week of school I was a bit disappointed.  In my head it was kind of a waste.  He had a week at home and they were headed back to school.  I had a final to study for.  I wished for a week that we could all spend together, making some memories.  As it turns out, there was plenty of time for making memories and it was wonderful having him home during this busy week.  So much so that I may ask him to take this same week off next year, too!

We arrived home Sunday evening fresh off of our Baltimore Orioles baseball experience.  One would think that would have been enough baseball for awhile.  Apparently not when you're male and between the ages of 9 and 39.  Earl and Cooper (and Derek) packed up and headed to Williamsport for the Little League World Series on Monday morning.  But not before Earl treated McKenna to her latest craze - Starbucks, and a little one on one time together.

After being sufficiently caffeinated, Earl picked the boys up and they were on their way.  They had a beautiful day for their first LLWS experience.

And because no LLWS experience would be complete without a trip down the hill on a cardboard box.....

In case you were wondering, this is what you look like after a few dozens trips down the hill on said box.  The boys had a blast and returned home just in time for Kinley's 5th birthday party where they played even more baseball, basketball and football.

Earl and I managed to get everyone off to the first day of school on Wednesday, except for Kinley.  The stomach bug got her late Tuesday night and caused her to miss preschool on Wednesday.  She hung out with Earl and I and they ended up hatching a plan to visit Knoebels that Friday - just the two of them.

I'll be honest, I was a little sad that I couldn't go to Knoebel's, too.  However, with a final exam looming I thought it best to stay home.  When they sent me this picture I knew that I was never meant to be along.  They definitely needed and deserved some daddy/daughter time!

I made Earl promise to take lots of pictures and he didn't disappoint!

They even ran into our friends, the Lehman's! 

Five hours later I got a call that they were headed home.  I can't imagine how tired they both were or how much fun they had together.  I do know that cotton candy was involved and that they are still talking about their fun time together.  And for me, that's even better than having been there myself.  I hope Earl and the kids will always have their special times together. 

First Day of School

What to say about the first day of school.  I can't say that we were all ready and I can't say that we weren't.  We had a great summer but I suppose that we could all agree that getting back to a little routine was for the best.  So we did the shopping and the preparing that goes along with starting back to school. 

Back to school 2016 had a much different feel than starting back last year.  With one year of middle school and one year of graduate school under our belts, I think we all felt a little more sure of what to expect in the year ahead.  But 7th grade?  Good grief!  This year she went back to riding the bus and I'm happy to say that she allowed me to walk her almost to the bus stop on the first day. This has really changed our morning routine and gives me a few minutes of one on one time with her in the mornings before the other kids have to get up.

Speaking of the other kids.   Cooper started his very last year at Kelly Elementary.  I'm not even going to elaborate on that.  Let's just let that settle in. Okay.  So, again, nothing much to worry ourselves about.  He has two of his close friends in his class and a great, new enthusiastic teacher.  I see nothing but positive things for this kiddo for the school year. 

I always have to have my first day of school pictures with the kids.  I love looking back at how we've grown and changed. 

Kinley unfortunately succumbed to the stomach bug the night before the first day of school and missed all the hoopla.  Poor girl.  By Friday she was feeling better and was ready to start her last year at Crossroads.  Again, let's just let that one go for now.  She's in Ms. Ashley's class again and at this writing (a few weeks into the school year) she has really blossomed.  Ms. Ashley reports that she has emerged as a leader in the classroom and has taken on a lot more responsibility.  I think she will have a great year.

So, there you have it.  The first day of school is well behind us and the school year is in full swing. 

Kinley, you're 5!

Dear Kinley,
I'm not going to lie - I've been kind of dreading your birthday this year.  It's kind of a common theme this time of year, being that you're my baby and all, but FIVE.  How in the world can you possibly be five.
I don't even know where to start in this letter to you.  You challenge me.  Every day, you challenge me.  Your teacher and I have worked hard with you over the past year in the area of socialization and independence and I'm starting to think that perhaps we have outdone ourselves.  Seriously.  Your stubborn side has reared its head in a big way this summer especially.  As of late you do not like to ask anyone for help.  Ever.  I take some blame for that.  I don't like to ask for help either.   But recently you have taken things to a new level in that you will not share things like drinks, toys, food, etc.  If I take bite of your lunch to make sure it's not too hot - well, forget it, you won't eat it.  Share a water at the ballpark?  Not gonna happen.  You would rather wait another two hours until you can get your own drink.  You exhaust us and perhaps that is how you wear us down.  I don't know.  You should know that you don't let everyone in on this strong side to your personality.  Ms. Ashley doesn't believe the stories I tell her about our battles.  At school you are sweet and reserved, though you can show your funny, sassy side from time to time.   
I would be wrong to not point out your sweet side though.  Just last night as I tucked four year old Kinley in for the very last time, you put your hand on my face and said, "Don't cry, Mama."  Crying hadn't crossed my mind until you mentioned it.  You know how to push my buttons but you also know the way straight to my heart.  I love that about you. 
So, I'll say it again, I can't believe you are five years old.  It's been five years since you came rushing into this world and made our family complete.  I can't begin to imagine a life without you in it.  Yes, you challenge me, but you challenge me to be a better mom and a better wife and a better friend.  I'm certain that you and your big personality came last for a very good reason. 
Next year you will head to kindergarten and I'm pretty sure my heart will break a little.  So this year we are going to make sure to spend our days together cuddling and having fun.  I see lots of movie afternoons, nail painting, Littlest Pet Shop and Barbie in our future.  I can't wait.
I love you, Kinley.  So much.  No matter what, don't ever stop being you.  That's what makes you special. 
Happy 5th Birthday.
Love, Mom

Last Day of Summer 2016

The lunches are packed, special "first day" clothes ironed and ready; first day of school photo props printing as I sit here writing.   Tomorrow is the first day of school - 7th grade, 3rd grade, and Kinley's last year at Crossroads.  Usually by now I'm a mess of nerves but tonight I feel great about tomorrow and the coming year.  Yes, I have had a few nights where I've lost sleep wondering if I did enough with them this summer.  Did I teach them what they need to know.  Did they just have a chance to chill out and be kids.  I like to think that we did a pretty good job.  We had big trips and little trips; fun mixed in with history; family time interspersed with friend time; busy days followed by lazy pool days.  We made a short bucket list at the beginning of the summer and for the most part we made those things happen.  Sure, I wish we had a few more weeks together.  A few more months of precious time to make summer memories.  A little more of this season of life.  But I'm determined not to be sad that another year is behind us.  I've come to realize that if I'm going to be really present in each moment of their lives that I can't spend my energy wishing for the past.  They are going to grow up regardless of if I am sad that their little years are flying by.  I don't want to be sad.  I just want to enjoy every moment I can.
Tomorrow school is starting and I'm so very excited to see what this year brings.  I feel relieved to have our first year of middle school and my first year of grad school firmly behind us.  McKenna and I are moving on with a confidence that escaped us a little this time last year.  I prayed and prayed for a few special kids to be in Cooper's class this year and God answered those prayers in a big way.  My outgoing, kind, middle kiddo is going to have a great third grade year. I just know it.  Kinley is back with Ms. Ashley for one more year and I am so very glad.  Ms. Ashley poured her heart into helping Kinley grow socially last year and I know this year will be even sweeter for them both.
This summer was pretty amazing and I am was so blessed to have this time.  I am not going to be sad that it's over (okay, maybe a teeny little bit because I hate packing lunches), I'm going to embrace what's to come - because it's coming - ready or not.

Carnival kids

It's always represented the unofficial end of summer - in the best possible way.  The Winfield firemans carnival has been a late summer staple since I was in the 5th grade.  Carnival was where you got to see your friends met up for the first time all summer.  It was a like having a party before school started up again.  

I have such wonderful  memories of carnival but this year seems extra special.    My own bigger kids are at the age where they can traverse the carnival grounds with their own friends without me having to trail two feet behind them. 

From my post serving soup in the food line tonight I enjoyed watching them run from game to game, smiling and laughing. 

And at end of the night they smiled like they had just been to Disney World and thanked me profusely for taking them to carnival. The ride home in the car was loud as they all chatted and laughed about the night.  I'm so glad they can enjoy this tradition as much as I have through the years. 

Take me out to an Oriole's game

In an attempt to prolong summer break as long as possible we did something nearly unheard of in our family.  We went away the weekend before school starts. 

We didn't go far, just an overnight to Baltimore to take in a baseball game and the Children's Museum.  

We arrived Saturday early afternoon and had time to visit Babe Ruth's birthplace.  Kinley was so excited. She really wanted Babe Ruth to sign her baseball.  It was kind of hard to break the news that we wouldn't actually see Babe Ruth.  

After a quick bite to eat we went to the stadium, gloves and balls ready, to watch batting practice and hopefully get some autographs.  Unfortunately we didn't catch any home runs or get any autographs.  Maybe next time.  

We did manage lots of smiles despite the fact that we were all dripping with sweat.  It was HOT.   That seems to be a theme with our vacations this year.  Hot.  

I was a little nervous about how Kinley would do at the game so I made sure to pack lots of distractions.   Minecraft worked for a little while.  The rest of the time she colored or played with toys. Or drank a huge Icee that probably contained a weeks with of sugar.  

I love this picture with my buddy.  He was so excited to visit Camden Yard and see Manny Machado play third base. His smile makes all the sweat and grey hair I got riding through Baltimore traffic, worth it!

Just a couple more pics from the ballpark...

It's been a busy week, with our visit to Aquatopia and this weekend's trip to Baltimore. But, I think spending this past week together, doing some fun things and making a few memories in the process has been just what we need to head into the school year.   It seems nearly impossible that summer 2016 is almost over.  It's even harder to wrap my head around 7th grade, 3rd grade and our very last year at Crossroads.  Perhaps that is what spurs me on to take these trips.  Time is so short and I don't want to miss a thing! 

Aquatopia Adventure

It's History

When I was young, many of my summers included dressing up in historic clothes and attending Civial War encampments with my gram and pap.   I have amazing memories of learning about history and the war from my pap.  So the fact that a trip to Gettysburg has been on our unofficial bucket list was quite exciting.   Something about a free day the week of July 4th spurred us on and we made the short trip to visit the historic battle fields and get a few history lessons.

Cooper and Kinley have not learned about Gettysburg in school so they had quite a bit of catching to do so we began our trip with a short movie and visit to the cyclorama mural.  

Afterwards we ventured into town for lunch.  A friend had suggest the Dobban house, the oldest house in Gettysburg.   The atmosphere and the food did not disappoint.

Once our belly's were full, it was time to head back to the visitor center and meet our guide for the battlefield tour.  His name was Dean and he was incredibly knowledgeable about all things Gettysburg.  Before we headed out to the battlefields we toured the museum where we were able to see many of the actual guns and uniforms and other relics from the battle. 

One of the first stops we made with Dean was to this monument that included a very special dog.  She was part of one particular brigade and spent three full days on the battlefield with injured soldiers from her unit.  Eventually she was found, reunited with her brigade, and nursed back to health.

One of our last stops for the day turned out to be one of our favorites - Devil's Den offered a beautiful view of the battlefields and an great picture spot!  
By the time our tour was over our brains were full and we were tired.   After grabbing a quick bite to eat we headed home grateful to have spent at day together in a place that holds so much of our country's history.   I didn't even wait until we were home before calling my pap to tell him about our day.  I know he was excited and proud that the kids will know the sacrifice that so many made and continue to make for their freedom.