Week 24

Monday, June 10th

Babysat for Aria and Austin.

Maddy and I watched the Po-Po take the neighbor away.  We've watched the havoc drug use wreaks on a young woman and her whole family for the past 10 years.

Tuesday, June 11th
Dress rehearsal #1 of 2.  This is a very crazy week for our home every year.  Costumes, bobby pins, sweltering dressing rooms, tickets, snacks, fast food, late nights, lost tights...BUT, if we can make it, it also means the end of a very long dance season and a much needed break.  It also helps that it's such a wonderful community of friends and even COUSINS who, of course, make the very best friends!

 Please note the impromptu hand-holding.

Wednesday, June 12th
I went to get a manicure.  The sweetest older man came in at first on his own to be sure there was space for two chairs side-by-side.  Then he went back outside to assist his wife.  He walked backwards slowly and held her hands as she shuffled slowly in.  He got her all situated and was so sweet to care for her.  She was clearly advanced with Alzeimers or Dementia and would only respond with "Yeah" but he talked to her as if he didn't notice.  "You want her to file them?" - Yeah - You like that color? - Yeah - Are you comfortable? - Yeah.  Clearly, he spends every waking minute caring for her every need and is honored to do so.  His love for her was palpable.  It was just the sweetest thing in the world!  ...and then they slowly shuffled out- him backwards, as he held her hands.

Thursday, June 13th

We had the pleasure of watching Avery graduate from 8th grade.  She's quite amazing!

 Dress rehearsal #2 of 2.

Friday, June 14th

I successfully fulfilled my mom duty of completely embarrassing my teenaged son.  And for extra satisfaction, I got a thumbs up from the mom parked next me.

Saturday, June 15th
15th Annual Spring Showcase.....

Miss Kandie and her Seniors.  I'll be posting dance pictures separately.  

Sunday, June 16th
Father's Day.  Always tough to rebound from dress rehearsal/recital week.  But [little pat on the back] I felt ready this year.  EXCEPT, the weather didn't cooperate!  Plan A foiled, Plan B foiled, so Plan C!!!

I got out of the shower and saw this guy- a wolf- leisurely lounging in the cul-de-sac, and then trotting up our driveway and into the woods!

The kids all had church responsibilities in the morning and Maddy had to work, so our day started with brunch at Pastrami on Wry with Renna and Rocco.  Maddy waited on us.  

In the afternoon, Plan C consisted of sitting around in the living room laughing our heads off.  The kids took turns rapping to Dr. Seuss books.

Renna preached, a mashup of Bible stories such as "Noah and Goliath."

I brought back the scavenger hunt for gifts.

For dinner, Daddy's choice was (shocking to me!!!) Olive Garden.  With over an hour wait, I hit Trader Joe's and the kids stormed through Five Below and Dollar Tree.

Week 23

Monday, June 3rd
Mondays are ballet, tap, and jazz.

Tuesday, June 4th

Visited Maddy at work.

Wednesday, June 5th
Of course there are much healthier choices in the house, but I never discourage a kid who wants to make lunch for everyone else.  Trevor willingly prepares lunch for Rocco and Renna at least a couple times a week.  This day, he took special care to display it nicely.

Thursday, June 6th
The kids spotted Mama leaving her eggs at the LeBlanc's on the edge of the cul-de-sac.

#mean

This angle looks like he's literally gonna land right on top of her.

Friday, June 7th
Good morning!

I met Pop and Kiki at a park up their way to do a picnic with them and to spy out the area for a possible place to do upcoming family photos.  I thought Lisa could make this spot work.

I grabbed Baby Dakota to save Lisa the trip.

Standing and taking a couple steps.

Saturday, June 8th
Our day started at Gabby's semi-final Cup game.  After double overtime, it went to penalty kicks.  52 of them!!!!!  For the win!  Very exciting.  It was exciting and completely nerve-racking.  Later, Jonathan tried submitting it because it solidly blew by the previous World Record of 42, but was denied as they only record for professional soccer.
Then Renna tried out for the fall Travel soccer team.  She and Sienna both made it!

Then onto her last regular spring rec game.

A girl from the other team legit ate a sandwich while it was her turn to sit...during the game!

C4 came to switch with us halfway through so we could attend a marriage seminar that evening- Francis and Lisa Chan and Les and Leslie Parrott, hosted at a church in Bristol.  

Trevor and Nathanael hiked with their small group- Mt. Tom.

I definitely razzed Pastor Sterling for allowing this:

Sunday, June 9th

Just about every single Sunday, this kid gets up at 7:30am to go and spend 6 hours at the church serving in all 3 services.  Sometimes he's on the light board, but more often he's on camera team and recently was promoted to directing some of the services.  

Walking out of a VBS meeting and saw this moth the size of my hand.

Family game of football in the front yard.