Wet Disney Anniversary

Our road trip started out slow with traffic in DC and VA, but Jim drove in dark rain to get us to our hotel at midnight. Our 2nd day was easier driving and we got to Orlando before evening. It was wonderful to see Jim's family and attend Mass together. Dinner was really late and the girls were only running on fumes or adrenaline by then. We had lost track of dates by then and completely forgot the next day was the 24th, our anniversary.

We went to bed with Tropical Storm Debby on the horizon and woke up with her rain on our doorstep. Grandma Kate also appeared on our villa doorstep to greet us with a "Happy Anniversary". Jim and I looked at each other with an "oh that's right". We rearranged our Disney schedule and headed to Epcot on Sunday, because they had a lot of indoor attractions. It poured most of the day, and we made great use of our ponchos. Bridget was leery of all rides, but did go on a mild boat ride about eco systems, and the Nemo ride. Megan bought an autograph book and was hoping to collect lots of signatures. We all liked visiting the characters inside and Turtle Talk with Crush. The big girls with Jim, Uncle Bill and Paw Paw rode Soarin' much to their delight. We got a break in the heavy rains as we walked into the World showcase. We had dinner reservations in the Germany biergarten since it was a special day. Jim and I celebrated our 17th Anniversary and Grandma Kate celebrated her birthday with a fun dinner together and good German music.

Our adventure continued in China checking out mini Terra Cotta warroirs then we went to Norway. We rode the Viking ride and it completely scared Bridget. Between the boat rocking, ominoius music and scary images, it was too much. Rain started again as it got dark and we ducked into Mexico. We were all riding the Donald Duck ride together, but because of her last ride Bridget started crying and didn't want to get on. Jim carried her on and she settled in to enjoy when the cartoons and singing started. After that the park was closing so we started toward the exit. The fireworks show was worth catching at the end even in the pouring rain.

Our first day of Disney was a big adventure, much like our marriage. We had to find our way through new and exciting landscapes, there was some discomfort (wet shoes), and lots of discovery and fun. It wasn't an easy adventure but it was so worth taking and we were surrounded by loving family throughout. This was an anniversary celebrated by living our life together with a lot of Disney Flair.

Reclaiming a Good Camp Experience

This week the big girls are spending their days at a girl scout day camp. This is the same camp Emma has been doing since 2nd grade and the others girls started when they were old enough. The camp has always been very well run and the girls look forward to it each year. The camp is in the county next to ours and it isn't advertised to our scout troops. Usually Em, Rae and Meg don't know anyone but recognize faces from previous years. This year was the same. They picked camp names: Em went with Narwhal again and Rachael stayed with Captian Obvious, Megs decided to go by Bless You. On the dress as your name day Megan tied a tissue box around her and pinned tissues to her shirt. Rae borrowed Bridget's Captain America shield and Emma constructed an impressive narwhal horn.


Emma is working in the kitchen this year as a program aid, and Rachael is in the oldest group of rising 6th graders and gets the privilege of doing a camp out one night. They were both excited and slid right into the fun of camp. Megan was also excited for her third year at camp, but came home unhappy the first day. She said the girls in her unit were mean and spent the 1st day bragging. Then her tie-dye got misplaced and she was left bringing home an unclaimed bandana. We hoped for a better second day but again Megs complained about the girls in her group. Wednesday this escalated and 2 girls in particular tormented Megan multiple times during the day. They took her stuff and handled it roughly, they spoke nastily to her and then at cooking they took her sit upon and wouldn't give it back. One of the aids stepped in but only after Megan got really frustrated. That evening I called camp and asked to have Megs moved. I got a call back first thing in the morning with concern and a commitment to address it with the scouts and to move Megan. I am happy to say that Megan was moved with care and was received with open arms by her new unit. I was also happy to hear that nasty girls were separated into different units and were spoken to. It was refreshing to have the situation fixed without any pushback.

Rachael thoroughly enjoyed her camp out and came home hoarse from all of the signing and cheering. She came home a rustic shade of brown gray, full of energetic stories and songs, and it took her a while to transition to her normal volume. Camp wears them out physically but also this year to wore Megs out emotionally. This year we added the challenge of having the girls pack for our vacation in the evenings while completely wiped out. We are going to be driving to Florida as soon as they get home from camp today. Maybe this once the big girls will nap in the car.

His Days

Every year Jim becomes the focus of attention for a few smashed together days. He has mid June birthday and it is always within a week of Father's Day. For us this means lots of card making and 2 yummy family breakfasts. This year the events were only a day apart. First was Father's Day, which started with pancakes and bacon before Mass. Then in the afternoon we went over to my Uncle Henry's where he hosted the whole family for a cookout, complete with crabs from my Mom, and marshmallows for roasting. This is the kind of multi-generational get together I remember in my grandparents back yard when I was little. Henry has the 5 acres of land that my grandfather grew up on, and the cousins were thrilled to explore it. Good family fun for everyone.

 Jim's birthday started with a bacon, eggs, and biscuits breakfast in bed, and happy birthday signing. We had to head in our different directions for work and camp and play, but we went out for a family dinner and then a stop at the Lego store. That is a trip the whole family enjoys. Jim also got to do some much needed shoe shopping before we headed home for cookie cake. The girls wanted to do an Avengers theme so we bought napkins and they put Avengers Legos on the cake. While we ate cake with our fingers we played our messages, all from Jim's godchildren. Three different families with beautiful children called to serenade him for his day. He is a lucky guy.

Pregnancy Half Way point

Yesterday marked the 20 week point in Pumpkin's pregnancy. We are officially half way there. Half-way to delivery and meeting our little one. I can feel Pumpkin moving around sometimes but nothing has been dramatic enough for the rest of the family to share yet. It has been nice to be able to refer to Pumpkin as her or she and we are actively considering names. Right now Rachael's favorite is Scarlet and Emma's is Hazel. Jim would like to name her Stephanie in honor of his good friend Steve. I have a list of names that I like: including Julia, Estelle, Abigail and Monica. Bridget and Megan don't seem to have a front runner name. So for now Pumpkin is working well as a name.

20 weeks

It is nice to be in the 2nd trimester. These last few weeks have meant a big improvement in my energy level. I am not sure how I would have gotten through last week, and all it's responsibility, if I was still feeling completely exhausted.   I am grateful that my nausea is mostly gone now as well. I get really hungry, especially after breakfast, so I have taken up the habit of 2nd breakfast. I feel a bit like a hobbit.

We are still working on our plans for the house. We ruled out moving and are leaning to adding space. We are in the loan process and will have an appraisal done soon. This will determine how much we have to put into the renovation. We were hoping to add a 2nd floor but we may have to scale down the project  or do a garage takeover instead. I just wish we had a plan in place. Right now there are too many options to think about.

In the meantime Pumpkin continues to grow and receive loving words through my belly, and prayers are sent to heaven  for her every day. Bridget had been praying that baby Pumpkin wouldn't die and to our relief she has changed the prayer to something more upbeat asking for baby Pumpkin to be healthy and strong. We join her in all those prayers.

19 weeks Ultrasound

Left arm and hand

In the middle of a busy and emotional week full of ceremonies, goodbyes and the news of the tragic death of our friend, we had our anatomical ultrasound scheduled. This was the big ultrasound, where they measured everything to determine if Pumpkin was growing and developing normally. Jim and I enjoyed watching our little one move around as the tech took measurements. Everything was looking good for baby and they said that Pumpkin is a girl. As the tech tried to measure the head, Pumpkin had both hands tucked up by her forehead. We tried to move me around a little in the hopes of getting baby to get into an easier position, but no such luck.  The measurements they did get came back in the normal range for everything. I got to talk to the doctor and he was very pleased with the results. I do get to go back for a follow up next month and I look forward to seeing our little girl again.

Profile, ribs and curled up legs. She has her hand on her forehead.

Recital 2012

Our amazing girls performed in their annual dance recital today and did beautifully.

Rachael's 5th Grade Farewell

Wednesday morning the whole family got ready for Rachael's farewell ceremony. Rachael had found a dress she loved, when we were shopping for Em's dress, but it was all black. Rae doesn't love dresses often, so we decided to get it and add some color. I sewed a livly green trim onto the dress and Rachael was happy with the result. She happily painted her nails green to match and got herself together quickly in the morning.

Rachael is one of the shortest kids in her class so she sat in the front row students and it was easy to see her throughout the program. They put together a video of each kid with a baby picture and a recording of them now saying something about their time in Elementary school. Rachael sang with the whole class and played the flute with the band. The students then did a presentation of a flower to their parents, accompanied by a letter. Rachael wrote a very heart-felt note to me,Jim, and Emma. I was able to catch Rachael's eye many times throughout the farewell and it was obvious that this ceremony's significance was not lost on her. She beamed as she accepted her certificate and kept smiling.

We took lots of pictures and Rachael had lots of good-bye hugs to deliver. I had to go to work so Jim took Rachael to the mall for lunch and then to see the Avengers. She came home still floating on cloud nine and then got ready for a 5th grade party at her friend's house.

Rachael isn't ready to leave these past 6 years behind and decided with friends to go to school to hang out with friends and teachers. She really loves these people and the school. Rachael has blossomed and has grown in knowledge and inspiration. Middle School will be a new adventure and I know Rae is ready for it.

Em's 8th Grade Farewell

This year we used no snow days so the school year would be ending a whole week early. This news was well received but it also meant that the year end activities were all compressed into one week. The picnics, field trips and ceremonies would be non-stop.

We received a letter notifying us that Emma was receiving an award at the award ceremony on Monday. We were happy to get the invitation to attend. Jim and I went to school and were proud to hear Em's named called as a recipiant of the Gold Presidential Award for academic excellence.

Tuesday morning was the actual farewell program. We had purchased a dress a few weeks prior, and found shoes and nail polish to coordinate. That morning Emma braided her hair and was ready to go. We were only allowed 2 tickets to the farewell so Jim dropped me off to get seats then he dropped Bridget and Ben at Mary's and Rae and Meg's at Elementary school. He was back in plenty of time to wait around for the start of the ceremony.

The 8th graders processed in as Em's friend played the piano. The program included 3 student speakers spread throughout. Emma sang in the farewell chorus and played with the 8th grade orchestra. The principal, Mr. Thorne, gave an emotional address full of stories from the class of 2012. Emma received her certificate elegantly, and we enjoyed a picture slide show. Sadly Em never passed on the info about needing a baby picture, but she did wind up in a number of the middle school pictures. The program was a fun way to celebrate the end of her middle school time. We took pictures and headed back to get the little ones. We then satisfied Em's craving for a blueberry muffin and had lunch at Panera. That evening there was a party at our pool for the graduates and families and even though it was chilly the girls had fun. Emma and her best friends sat huddled on a towel and chatted away.

Emma has grown is every way these past three years and is an amazing young woman. We are so proud of her and look forward her high school journey.

GS Encampment 2012

Every year our Scout Service Unit has a huge camping weekend called Encampment. This year our theme was Cooking foods. We prep in out troop meetings weeks prior and gather supplies and work out details the week ahead. We were all set to go and since I was our troop gear car we made arrangements for rides with friends for the girls. Then Friday morning the severe Thunderstorm warnings turned to Tornado warnings. By the afternoon it was clear that it would be a miserable night to be in a tent so we postponed until Saturday morning.  Rachael and Megan were really sad about the delay, but when we arranged for Megan to camp over at a fellow campers house she perked up.

Friday night proved to be a wild weather night and we were happy to have made the right choice. We set out early Saturday morning with clear beautiful skies. I spent the weekend with Rachael's troop since I am their leader but we camped in the same area as Megan's troop so we saw her regularly. We hiked to different stations, most of which involved cooking food due to our theme, and we enjoyed snacks through our day on food we cooked in box ovens, over open fires and in dutch ovens. This was great for me since I feel better with regular little snacks throughout the day. I was also so blessed to have an amazing crew of girls and parents, who were willing to make runs back to our tent site for things that needed to be picked up or dropped off. We happily crossed paths with Emma and Megan a number of times in the day.

Rachael was really excited the she had passed her tip test last year and was now allowed to canoe without an adult. She and her 2 troop mates that had also passed went out together. It took a little while to get the hang of it but after a few minutes they worked together and paddled around the lake. That evening we all gathered for a Bridging Ceremony. Emma bridged to Senior GS and Rachael bridged to Cadette GS. Then we sang campfire songs and returned to our campsite for fires and s'mores.

Sunday morning we end Encampment with a Cardboard boat regatta. Each troop makes boat out of cardboard and duct tape and paddles across the pool. All 3 of my scouts were going to be in their troops boat this year so I had lots of cheering to do. Emma's taco boat and Rachael's Girl on Fire boat raced in the same heat, and Megan's was shortly after. The Girls on Fire boat my troop made was not as seaworthy as years past but they managed to get all the way across. Emma had a few close calls but made across quickly clocking the fastest time of all the boats. Megan's Popcorn theme boat was only a few seconds off Emma's time and came in 2nd for the day and 1st in her age group. It was very exciting and a highlight to end our camping trip.

I won't be doing this next year with our little one and I will miss it, but I will send the girls and wait eagerly for their exhausted return.

Bridget's Pre-School Farewell

Today Bridget's pre-school experience ended with a sweet farewell program. Her pre-school experience opened her world up to other children she wasn't related to and to a wonderful faith-filled classroom setting. She picked out her favorite pretty dress to wear, and was eager for us to come to school. I put the time of the farewell into my phone incorrectly (45 minutes early), so Jim and I arrived incredibly early, and we had great seats.  They decorated the room with dinosaurs that she and her classmates had painted.

We were treated to wonderful songs, some with actions, some with rhythm sticks, but all with a proud grin from Bridget. She received her diploma and shook hands with her teacher. They ended the program with a song about a caterpillar that grew into a butterfly and each child was given thier cacoon. They had made caterpillars out of egg cartons that they painted and had placed them in the cacoons 2 weeks ago. Today they opened the cacoon and much to their delight found a butterfly. Bridget's innocent face was full of surprise as she opened her bag.

This year some of her innocence was replaced with experience. She learned that she could be successful on her own but the school also reinforced the importance of God and family. Bridget experienced the difficulty of navigating social situations. Some of the time she removed herself from social situations she didn't know how to navigate, and in the process spent a lot of time coloring pictures and has become quite good at drawing. But she also learned that friends can be a lot of fun and she formed a special bond with a boy in her class named Nate who also lives across the street. It will be great to have this friend waiting for the bus with us when kindergarten starts.

We celebrated the end of the year by taking her to lunch, just Jim, Bridget and I. I then had to get ready for Girl Scout camping this weekend and Jim set up a little tent for Bridget where she and Jim put together an Avengers puzzle. Bridget is so fun and ready for a great summer.