going solo...

Brock went to Gentry's Farm Junior Camp all by himself. Cecily has graduated up to Senior Camp with Reece this year, so Brock had to go it alone. He was none to happy about this prospect but once we found one of his good friends to go along also, he perked right up and was as excited as always. This will be a great week of playing outdoors, swimming in the river, fishing, paddle boating, feeding the animals and doing crafts. How grateful I am to Allen and Cindy Gentry for providing this amazing opportunity for our children!

my world travelers...

I left Cayce and Colton at the airport today at 10 am. Today they fly to Greece. Later in the week, they will boat over to Italy, where they will spend the remainder of their 10 days abroad. This is such an amazing opportunity for both of them and they are well prepared for the trip. But it is still difficult for me to watch them go, knowing there will be so much distance between us. Being misty-eyed may become the norm for me in this week and a half to come, but that's what moms are good at and I'm just thankful that father and son have this special time together!

game night...

Cecily read about this game in a magazine and asked if we could play it tonight. From gathering the supplies, to setting up design stations to making the teams, she organized it completely herself. Colton and Reece weren't so excited about it in the beginning but it ended up being great fun! We all laughed alot and it was neat to watch unlikely pairings work together on teams. Well done, my creative and "take charge" daughter!

it never changes...

Had some friends over for an impromptu dinner tonight so I made a batch of "pan cookies" for dessert. My friend, Lynne, and I got a chuckle when we walked into the kitchen late in the evening and discovered only the borders remained...

a well check...

Once a year, the kids go to the doctor for what is called a "well check". Colton did his today and he appears to be "well". He had jumped to the 85th percentile in height and was keeping steady at the 70th percentile in weight. Doesn't mean a lot to most, but to a 13-year old boy who is desperate to grow bigger, this was great news. Another mind boggler... he's just 3 inches shy of passing me... I'm so not ready for that.

swim team...

Reece and Cecily (but Reece in particular) have begged for years to be able to participate in summer swim team. This year, I finally gave in and yesterday was their first day of practice. They both came up to me afterward and said they hated it. Not a surprise. To them, swim team was playing, racing and having fun at the pool. They had no idea it was actually "work".

They have a long way to go, but they are not quitting (because I won't let them). Today, they both said it was a little better and I have assured them that as the days and weeks go on, it will get easier and easier. It is impressive to watch them swim laps for over an hour.... I couldn't even do that. And their sleep... oh my goodness do they crash at night! Swim team is going to be good for both of them and I am so proud of them for doing it without "grumbling or complaining" despite how challenging it is for them. Rock on Reece and Cecily!

a slip-n-slide "don't"...

One week later, and now I remember why I always set the slip-n-slide up in the back or side yard (rather than the front). Won't make that mistake again...