Mommy's Blog

Birthdays and parties and holding on to summer as long as we can...

Longest title ever for a blog post but that is pretty much the description for the end of August. After barely surviving our first week of school we jumped headlong into a weekend of celebration and summer fun. Jack was still sick, ALL of us were exhausted... but we're not going to let any of that stop us from engaging in scheduled festive activities!

First up: Kite fest! One day only this year so we squeezed it in on Saturday. Thus, not the idyllic day of leisure that we usually have on Kite Fest Day. But still lovely and always high on my list of perfect festivals, with its simplicity and calm and small crowds.

This photo, of Nat pretending to be caught in a kite string, is somewhat ironic as shortly after this photo was taken, our box kite got caught- and shredded-- on another kite's string. Sigh. We purchased a couple of the awesome small kites they sell at Kite fest and soldiered on, because that it the theme of late August...

The essence of Kite Fest.

Later that same day...

Our sweet overwhelmed boy simply could not handle the combined pressures of starting middle school AND having a birthday at the same time this year. So, the birthday got thrown under the bus. He got stressed even talking about his party, so we decided to keep it VERY simple. No theme, no over the top goody bags, no pre-planned games or special tags for the food. Sigh. :( Easier for sure, but lacking something. I think Jack realized his lack of buy-in just that day as he looked around and said, "what are we going to DO for the party??" He's gotten used to the spectacle and the organized games even if he thought he didn't want them any more...

Still, at the end of the day, it was a successful little party. A group of super nice boys, who played together swimmingly even when Jack had to take a 45 minute rest from the party because he was STILL not well. They Nerfed in the yard extensively and then took it in stride when the pizza was late (turns out Guy's pizza lost power so couldn't even call us to let us know they couldn't make our pizza.... Dewey's to the rescue!). We did a "reverse party" with presents and cake before dinner and it was kind of fun.

Eleven year old boys are funny, and adorable. I am happy to find that I really like all of Jack's friends. Good kids, one and all.

Sunday-- a trip to the Greek Fest because every weekend has to have ALL THE THINGS...

... and then a little cookout with friends, rescheduled from last week. Laid back and fun with a terrific potluck spread and a sweet group of kiddos running around our unkempt yard.

It was a super hot evening so we created an "oasis" on the pergola with a fan and the baby pool for feet and there is a lot to be said for sitting around talking with lovely people and drinking IPA while you have your feet in a cold-water bath.

This rocking horse has lived out in the yard for 8 years. It is still a favorite. Even with 10 year olds.

Summer's not over yet!

Back to school we go!!

And just like that, they are off! Third and Sixth (!) grade Heights Tigers. Time sure does fly when you're having fun....

No photo together on the porch this year for several reasons. Our poor boy was home sick for his first day of school, and his new school starts before Ivy even gets up. A change for sure.

I think I took for granted how sweet and easy it was when they were at the same school. I knew it was temporary yet it seemed that was just the way things were, Boulevard was "my kids' school," plural, one stop shopping for conferences and events.

We've already gotten a taste for our new world order this week with two different curriculum nights filling up the second week of school, and a whole new building and set of procedures for us all to master with the Middle School. Lots to learn for everyone!

At least this little girl gets to head off to her familiar place each morning. She's off to a good start, happy to be in class with her friend Violet this year, though sadly separated from some friends she made last year... As seems to be the pattern, she started the year with some strife thanks to a poorly behaved classmate... who then got moved to the other class without us even having to complain. We are happy that she has qualified for pull out services in reading this year so will get a small break from the wild behavior of this tough group of kids. I am just grateful that my girl is not a follower, and sticks to her guns with her belief in rules and the importance of EVERYTHING HER TEACHER SAYS. I've never met a teacher-lover quite like this kid. I'm not complaining! I hope she keeps this for a long time.

And this tall boy? Not the easiest start for him what with being hit with a doozy of a virus (three weeks out and he's still not 100%). He soldiered through 4 out of 5 days of his first week, not liking ANY of it. He put off the tiny bits of homework he was given, complained about band and social studies, and generally sulked about school each evening, and I was amazed and saddened to see my sweet boy morph into a grumpy full-on middle schooler in just a few short days...

I love this photo, the way Winter is looking up at him like, "Wait! Where are you going?"

Luckily, much of the sadness and ennui seems to have been more related to illness and fatigue than a permanent behavior change. By late in week two we were seeing a few smiles and reports of friendship, details about teachers and classes, a positive attitude about homework. At the end of week two our boy got a wakeup call when checking his grades-- when there've only been a few assignments, losing a few points on a shoddily completed homework makes a difference. He stepped up to the challenge and spent the weekend redoing a few things to get points back. So after a shaky start I am feeling more hopeful about his middle school experience. There are so many opportunities for clubs and learning, and I love the way our Heights kids from all the elementaries get to come together in new ways and make new friends. Fingers crossed for this big boy. It's a huge transition for sure but I think he's going to do ok.

Meanwhile I had MY first day back, same as the kids. So, we were ALL a hot mess all week in the evenings, it turns out. Our crew has a hard time transitioning away from summer vacation...

I am pleased as punch with my room arrangement and decor this year- my best ever, I think. Also, it turns out, quite possibly my toughest group of kids, too. But I will soldier on like my son and hope for improvement....

Summer lights

Our last weekend of summer vacation was a full of light and lovely weather. Also, because life is a study in contrasts- a sick boy and a whole lot of pre-school stress. We did our darndest to enjoy the light.

We purchased tickets a good month ago for the lantern festival at the Zoo, and wow was I regretting the advance purchase when Friday evening rolled around and I was tired from two professional days at work, Jack was droopy with a sore throat, and skies threatened rain.

It was pretty hard to stay disconsolate, though, in the face of baby rhinos.

And Chinese markets.

And amazing lanterns....

I am glad we went and I hope we can go again next year- with everyone healthy and energetic!

Ivy spent the night with her Gram but our sick boy wanted to be at home... which is where we left him on Saturday morning so we could gallivant around town on trolleys. We had some serious parental guilt when we got home to find the poor child feverish. And yet-- he was in the best spot for a sickie all day, and had an excellent caregiver.