Monday, Apr. 13th
It finally came in the mail! Juju's Associate's diploma that she earned back in December. She worked through many challenges, largely on her own, to hold this in her hands.
More pictures from Florida. Before:
The golf cart worked its magic. After:
Tuesday, Apr. 14th
It was an historic day for Renna. Her very first NHL hockey game. Our friend, Ryan (Jesus) offered tickets and a Daddy / Daughter date to TD Garden in Boston.
Amazing seats!
Then a little Rummy together.
Wednesday, Apr. 15th
Kell picked up an extra shift so I was thrilled to have Bo after not seeing him for a whole week.
Frieshly free from the hostage situation that is tax season, Nathanael came over to get his bike going for the season. By 10a I had seen my two biggest boys and it made my day!
Rocco (and most schools) had the entire week off for April break, so he hosted a crew here at the house overnight. I don't even have to cook anymore...they all drove themselves to Chick!
I was at the grocery store when Rocco called from a friends' phone. He had laid his phone on my car to play Spike Ball. I didn't notice it, but it had not moved my entire ride across town. A couple month ago, Trevor left his phone on the back of Juliet's trunk to play basketball. It never moved her entire trip to West Hartford where we tracked it! The moral of the story: if you have teenage boys, may I recommend the silicone case?!
I woke up delighted to see that without a reminder or prompt or ask, most of the boys had honored the house rule of docking their phones upstairs at midnight.
Harlem was on break as well. And we enjoyed a sneak peek of summer temps! We devised a quick trip to Foster Farm to get some Ezra content and invited Kelly and Bo to meet up. Renna was behind the camera for the day "vlogging" for Ezra.
I thought I'd leave one Maymee video here since Renna did such a great job editing the Farm trip. Each Friday (which is their family day), Ezra wakes up to a new one on my Youtube channel. I'm hoping it's helpful in staying connected. It's been a fun thing for Renna and I to collab each week and she helps with the content and editing. Each week varies, but here's one recent one...Click here to watch "Fridays with Maymee" episode 19. Bear in mind, 2-year-old is the target audience.
Usually Renna and I do a TikTok dance together for Ezra, but I pivoted and did a silly little song with Harley.
Friday, Apr. 17th
Maddy's good about sending OOTD pix...often on Friday or when Lil Miss is looking particularly cute. I mean......
Rocco and Renna left bright and early for Youth Convention and Fine Arts.
I went to 5:00 service to watch C4 play. After worship, a very tired Rocco and Renna returned from Youth Con, so we dipped to get them home.
Sunday, Apr. 19th
I pulled up the bouncy seat Lisa had lent me for Ezra to let bo give it a try. He's still working on balance and core strength but was totally entertained by it and worked so hard to figure it out.
Early evening, I headed to the "send off service" for the men's retreat which my Dad was attending.
Saturday, Apr. 18th
I was in the finance office. Just as I was heading in, I got a surprise FT from Maddy! Totally made my day.
Just as we were wrapping up, Maddy went in to get Ezra up from her nap.
Mid afternoon, the men arrived back from the retreat so I went to the wrap up ceremony. I have sat through several of these and I get emotional every time. The commitment of the team, the willingness of the retreatants, the life changing work and healing done within the hearts of men, the community built....and then the ripple effect of change a man, change a marriage, change a family, change a community....it's just so special and in my opinion one of the most important 2 weekends of the year!
I was proud of my Dad. He went with an unfamiliar group to an unfamiliar event with the age, experience and resume that exceeded anyone there, but he was kind, sweet, humble, open, and willing. Everyone I spoke to was just *delighted* to have spent the weekend with him.
Finally, leaving a few pictures stolen from Lisa. Nathanael and C4 having been playing on a men's soccer league. I still haven't made it to one, but hope to soon.
