Formal Review

From last Friday afternoon...we get to see it in person this weekend.  Wahoo!

Here's to Parent's Weekend!!

Quick Trip Home

I made a trip home this weekend and got to see all my siblings.

After lots of hard work, we paused to snap a picture.  

 Then, I went and visited mom.  She is doing great!  It is so impressive.  She was so sick in July.  We brought dinner in and enjoyed it with her.  It was a lovely time - very heartwarming that she is doing so well.  The lighting is not the best, but we snapped this photo before we said goodbye.

I headed right back to TN this morning with a car load of treasures.   It is going to take me some time to sort through all of them.  Short trip, but enjoyed seeing everyone.

Run! Peanut! Run!

This past Tuesday night there was another low key meet.  Peanut has to go all out as we are going to miss a qualifying meet.  He is enjoying it tremendously and is improving.

He is trying out the pool tomorrow.  He plans to join the high school swim team, but wants to test out the waters first.  His big brother's got his back telling him to just go have fun in the water.

Homemade Hawaiian Pizza

Last week, I planned ahead and mixed up a pizza crust early letting it rise all afternoon.

I had some fresh pineapple and put it to use making my version of an Hawaiian Pizza.

Petite diced ham, pineapple, red onion and fresh rosemary - right from the backyard.

It was enjoyed by all three of us.  I have some ham left over and might have to make another one!

Patriot Day

So proud my son has chosen to serve our country.

Watch this video and see how Pumpkin got to start his day.  What a wonderful way to start the day, Patriot Day.

To top it off, he is sporting a new ribbon!

We will remember...

Varsity Cross Country

Peanut had his first travel meet.  We went to Murray, KY.  He is in this picture, but blocked by the boy in front of him.

 By the time the boys ran, the temperatures soared.  Experienced parents said this was a tough course.

Peanut started off doing great.  At the two mile mark, he got really bad cramps and struggled to finish.  I hate to see that.  It is all a big learning curve.  He's gotta figure out what to eat/drink and how to pace himself.

The boys pulled it off, though, bringing home first place!

Boston, again

Last week, we surprised Pumpkin and had a friend fly up to visit too.  We did a quick drive 'round the Academy and an even quicker photo op

 Once we got over 75 miles away, Pumpkin changed into civilian clothes.  I loved seeing the smile!

 We did a walk around Harvard.

 Enjoyed cannolis from the North End.

Celebrated Pumpkin's birthday.

We spent the day doing the Freedom Trail.  (Beverly, time was short, but we will call the next time we head in.)

 Had to check out the Coast Guard base.

 The Old North Church

 The USS Constitution...

Ended with a birthday dinner in Storrs, CT at a Chinese place. 

The weekend was great.  It made me realize how much I miss Pumpkin.  I was a mess when I left him as he expected.  I definitely have to work on that.  This week was harder as I wanted to be with him, talk to him and see what he is experiencing.  The best thing is that we will be back up there at the end of the month for Parent's weekend.

Happy Birthday, Pumpkin!

My sweet boy turned 18 yesterday!  I got to celebrate with him, live and in person.  I think he had a great day.  He got bluetooth headphones, a printer and a surprise visitor for his birthday.  It's been a wonderful weekend - just going a bit too quickly!
Picture taken on 8/30/13 at Ft Trumball State Park with Eagle in the background.