Rain

I told Ryk to open his window to hear the rain. He came out and said “You want to go listen to it outside with me.” I said yes.

We laid in the hammock and AJ joined us. I want to soak in these moments with them when they want to hangout with me and tell me all about their days. 

Tonight was just what I needed after a long day.

Love these guys!

Mom 

Ryker-isms…

This kid....

I can't remember if I shared this one and I'm too lazy to check so here we go.

Last school year he told me, "Hey mom, in a span of 20 seconds I can chug 3 chocolate milks." LOL. Oh boy.

Then a couple weeks ago he said, "Thank you Mom for helping me on my journey." I can't even remember which journey he was on...but everyday there's a journey that's for sure!

-Mom

2023-2024 First Days of School

It's that time! 23/24 School Year!

AJ is starting 8th grade, Ryker is starting 6th grade, and Dempsey is in 4th grade!

The kids were not in LOVE with going back to school, but I could tell there was an undercurrent of excitement! One can only swim, sleep in, and have fun for so long:) LOL. 

Dempsey and Ryker started school on the first day, and AJ joined on the second day of school. 

Ryk was definitely a bit excited, a bit nervous and mostly prepared. Luckily he attended Step Up for middle school during the summer so he knew more than someone who wasn't in the building ever! As Ryk walked away to start his first day, all the sudden the tears came for me. I immediately called Russell to share the moment. It's weird how Ryker's transitions always seem to sneak up on me. Is that normal?

Dempsey was ready to go and excited for her friends in her class and her teacher (Ryker's favorite teacher in the entire elementary school). They both reported great first days!

Day Two warmed my heart completely. I took both boys together. AJ immediately was like "Don't worry Ryk, I'll show you where everything is. If you need water-get it near the gym." Ryk asked why and AJ said, "Because it's the coldest." Then Ryk asked how he could get to his first class in the quickest way, and AJ shared the route. They both agreed to let me take a photo from inside the car, and I JUST COULDN"T STAND IT.  They are so awesome. I'm so grateful for two middle schoolers that are looking after each other and AJ showing Ryk the ropes. 

My first days were great. I always love the feeling I get when I see students. They have a great place in my heart-for sure. 

By Friday everyone was definitely tired, myself included. Just have about 180+ days to go!

LET"S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Mom

Last Weekend of Summer

Gosh we had a great last weekend of SUMMMMER!

We did our last back to school shopping, which had my brain spinning. Why can't I handle this in July? BUT I know why. NO ONE wants to think about back to school in July--but seriously...next year! We then went to the Demolition Derby and the Fair Saturday night! I've actually never been before, and it has been a Russell and the kids kind of thing. It was nice to come with this time:) It was super noisy and was SUPER fascinating. A whole world that I never KNEW. 

The fair was BUSY BUSY BUSY. Lesson learned to get my FAMOUS ferris wheel photo *before* we go play vs. after. BECAUSE some of us weren't having it! We did cave on Dempsey trying for a fish from the fair again. Unfortunately the fish didn't make it more than 24 hours...so there's that. 

After we got home and the kids went to bed I went out to the hot tub. I saw my first meteor and was reminded that we were having a meteor shower. I ran and got the kids and Russell, and we had such a great time. We saw multiple meteors and then Dempsey saw the Starlink! It was the first time for the kids-how random and cool?!?!

Then we spent Sunday at the Folk Fest! It was a different kind of year this year because it was cooler out. We played in the water, but not nearly as much if the weather was nicer! NONETHELESS- we had a great time-the music was amazing....the venue was superb!  I would be lying if I didn't have a small tiny bit of regret on the heels of the weekend because I jumped in to a 12 hour day.....but you know. TRADITIONS:)

Goodbye summer, hello school.

Love,

Mom