Fast weeks..

We've been blessed this month with two 3-day weekends in a row.  It's crazy and decadent and it would be oh-so-easy to get used to this pattern of 4 days on, 3 days off.  Really, its the way life was meant to be.  Just enough time on the weekend to find that balance of cleaning and projects and leisure too.  Just enough time in the school week to be ready for a break but not quite done-in.  Somehow, though, this pattern seems to speed life up even more thank normal.  Not sure how that's possible, but it must be, because here it is Sunday Monday night again already...

One of these days I am going to expound on all the things that have been on my mind recently-- time and growing children and the disconnect that I'm feeling these days as I hurtle towards 40 and find myself still searching for my niche and who I want to be...

But tonight, as the clock ticks toward another fast 4-day week, a picture recap is going to have to suffice...

Friendly chickens.  They've taken to hanging out on the porch.

Labor Day boat ride.  Hot.  Crazy parking.  Totally worth it.

Midweek Mall trip. 

The start of fall soccer.  Our boy is all about playing defense and go some nice kicks in during this week's game.

Spur of the moment trip to Playhouse Square to see Lion, Witch and Wardrobe with Gram.

Jack termed the play "Ok," yet his eyes were glued to the stage the entire time.  He was fascinated by the scene changes.  Ivy was on the edge of her seat all night, too.  Or the edge of my lap as the case may be.  It's not so bad to snuggle a little girl on your lap at the theater....  Can't complain...

Ran 13.1 miles in 2 hours, 12 minutes on Sunday.  Because, you know, why not?

Then, because the weather cleared and the day begged us to get out, we went to the Neocycle Festival at Edgewater.  Caught the last hour of a laid-back festival--as low-key as you can get.  Perfect.

Cleveland just looks GOOD in September. 

Today-- bonus day!  We went to the zoo. 

Summer's not over yet!

We may be back to school but that can't stop us from enjoying every last drop of the sunny, warm weather.  The CLE has been glowing this week, with 80-90 degree sunshine every day and plenty of summertime fun yet to be had...

Highlights reel (in pictures... more writing coming, sometime.  Too busy in the sun right now, sorry.)

Bike rides (to enjoy Jack's GIANT new birthday present)

 JCC pool (two days in a row after school with friends Max and Sam. When you've got a good thing, why stop??)

 Lots of Lego building craziness (including a super fun 4 hour playdate with neighbors Spencer and Andi on Saturday!)

 Whiskey Island...

Ivy rockin in the free world with her MP3 player...

 ... complete wit fabulous Air Show views!

 The Thunderbirds were awe-inspiring.  And very loud.

Sunday-- opening day for members at the Holden Arboretum's new Emergent Tower and Canopy Walk. We do love being on the cutting edge. And climbing things for great views.

 More JCC pool!   Every last drop...

And-- a stunning evening at Blossom for the music of John Williams with the Cleveland Orchestra!

 I think the kids even enjoyed themselves, contrary to Jack's face in this picture.   It was pretty awesome there,  jam packed with happy people.  Many of whom were in Star Wars gear.  Best moment?  All the raised Light Sabers during the playing of the Star Wars End Title.

This morning-- an 8 mile run in my neighborhood.  It's nice to enjoy our home on days like this...

And now we are off for a Labor Day ride in Becca's boat!  Phew.  I'm going to need a week at work to rest up from this.  

Talk to you later-- I'm off to enjoy the rest of this wonderful three day weekend.

And they're off...

We are all officially back in business, as the kiddos headed off for their first week of school.

Ready to rock this Kindergarten thing..

Ivy had gotten herself pretty nervous about school over the past few weeks, but she woke up on Tuesday morning excited and ready to roll.  

Starting school is no big thing when you're a third grader....

Not a backward glance.  She's got this.

 Another summer in the books, another school year started off.  Unbelievable.

The first week went smoothly overall.  We've let chores and piano fall to the wayside as the kids settle in to new sleep schedules and daily routines.  They've not seemed overly tired by school, and both seem happy in their new classrooms.  Judging by the fact that Jack has told us, unprompted, several things PER DAY about school, I think he's a fan of third grade.  He notes that Mrs. Morson has high expectations.  Good.  So do we.  He's set a goal of having a "clean TIGER sheet" (meaning no marks for questionable behavior) for the whole year.  Love my sweet, responsible boy.
Ivy has determined that Kindergarten is "GREAT!" because you get to read "TWO or even THREE stories EVERY DAY!" and has already identified a few friends she'd like to invite over, though she can't remember their names.

Fingers crossed for a year that unfolds smoothly from this first week!  School is such a huge part of a child's life, and involves such a crazily complex set of decisions for parents.  Every year we hope all over again that we have made the right decisions for our children, that they will find joy and learning, safety and confidence, and achieve to their potential in their hours away from us.  So far we've been pleased as punch with the results at Boulevard Elementary, as each set of exemplary teachers has helped Jack to thrive.  Now Ivy gets her turn to join in the fun.  I want to freeze time, all the time, keep them from growing so very fast-- yet I am excited to see what this year brings, and who my children will grow to be by the end of it...