First Day of School

James started fourth grade with Mr. Josh as his teacher again.  Alma started sixth grade at the local public middle school, going from an entire elementary school of approximately 25 students to a school of over 1,200 in grades 6, 7, and 8.  While this transition sounds bonkers, she handled it like a champing, meeting other students quickly.  We are so proud of both children and excited to see how they continue to grow in the coming academic year.

This is the second year of starting school with COVID-19 protocols such as masks, distancing, etc.  

We were so excited to see the Thompson crew for lunch and cake at our house before we went to see Maddie play in a soccer tournament.  Alma recreated our wedding cake for our 15th anniversary.  This one was 100% tastier and better looking!

Last few days of summer break

 My favorite days consist of sailing and picnicking with the kids at Marsh Creek State Park.  Yes, they swim more than they sail.  And, yes, the huge sign on the boat says that we shouldn't do this.  😏 Other end-of-summer joys: Ritas Italian Ice, popping by the shore house to see Nana and Grandpa for a few days, Dungeons and Dragons in the living room, celebrating the pet's birthdays, the last day of "brain time" with Dad, sourdough bread baking, and Stratego.  

By the way, can you believe that Simon is 14 years old?  Neither can all the people who see him energetically walking along the trail with us.  When I say he is approximately 14, some people have believed that he is 14 months old.  Ha!  He hides his gray hairs well.  

Unfortunately, he seems to be feeling his age and isn't eating as much recently.  At a recent vet appointment, they recorded a 26% decrease in Simon's weight in the last year (from 65 lbs to 48 lbs) and the doc noted that it is a "race to the bottom" for both Simon and Shanti as they both advance in age.  We are so blessed to have such great pets who have been healthy for so long.  

15th Anniversary

We are so grateful to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.  What a blessing it is to be married.

 

Nana and Grandpa's

The children were able to spend a few days with my parents, which was so fantastic for all of us.  The kids enjoyed mini-golfing, a 10-mile bike ride, fishing, and playing in the basement of their new house.  We are so grateful for the great relationship they have with my parents.  

Joshua and I were so thankful to have some time to ourselves.  While they were away, we enjoyed a morning of tennis, a hike at Valley Forge, dinner at an outdoor restaurant, a bike ride, several dog walks, and indoor rock climbing at the gym. We happily crammed in as many sports as we could think of into our weekend because, while I love playing with the children, it’s such a treat to play at an “adult pace” sometimes.  We also enjoyed puttering around a quiet house. 

Now we are all home again. August is always a whirlwind of activities and preparation for the upcoming school year.  I'm hoping that we can still find time to enjoy the last few weeks with some climbing, sailing, standup paddleboarding, and long bike rides as a family.  Here's an image of James sailing/relaxing at Marsh Creek a few weekends ago: