First Day of School

Today is the first day of a new school year! Allison is starting middle school as a sixth grader, and Aidan is beginning third grade.

I can vividly remember their first day at Grace School in Kindergarten and third grade. I remember getting to school so early to pick them up in the afternoon because I could not wait to hear about their day and how much they both loved it. Now the first day of a new school year at Grace is something we are all used to, but there is still something magical about it.

Yesterday both kids came up to school to meet their teachers. Allison even did a little schedule walk-through.

Mrs. Robb and Aidan

Mrs. Hague (English) and Allison

Allison's other core teachers are Mrs. Dye (Science), Mrs. Nicholie (History), and ME! Oh, (Math)

I am so, so, so excited to have her in class!

First Day of School

Meredith and Allison (front)

Miriam, Honey, and Addisyn (back)

Aidan and Romit

 Here's to a GREAT 2017-2018 school year!

I'm 40, and my children won't let me forget it.

Well today I turned 40 years old. I did have to go to work, but my coworkers made it extra special. There was all types of food, a lemon bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and decorations galore. I honestly thought I took a picture, but I cannot seem to find it on my phone.

Omie and Papa Fred came up to watch the kids, so they brought me for lunch in my classroom. We enjoyed some of the cake and visited.

For dinner Tyler had made a reservation at State of Grace. As the host walked us to our table, there were all of our friends! He had pulled off a fantastic surprise dinner, and we had the best time. Maybe 40 won't be so terrible after all. :)

Red Belt

Today Aidan earned his red belt in taekwondo! Each belt is stepping up the difficulty, and Aidan is certainly rising to the challenge. We are so very proud of this kid!

Aidan and Master Ricky

Allison also had to get in on the fun because she's just as proud of her little brother.

The new red and brown belts!

Bayou Bend Pottery

Well, it is the last day of my summer vacation, so the kids and I made the most of it. I have tried to get us to this free pottery class at Bayou Bend for three years, and each summer there are conflicts or I am too slow and miss it. Finally, due to a cancellation, we slipped in on the only date that worked for us. It was really neat!

Bridge to the Hogg House and Gardens

1st Up - Pottery Workshop

Pounding the Clay

Kneading the Clay

Lining Up the Discs

Scoring and Connecting

Smoothing Edges with Water

Finished Roses!

2nd - Learn about the Potter's Wheel

3rd - Making Clay Prints

4th - Explore the Gardens and House

Pottery Scavenger Hunt

How these two feel about romance at this point in time.

Aidan wants to get married immediately.

Allison swears she will never fall in love, ever.

Butterfly Garden

Proof my children were not wondering Bayou Bend alone.

We even made a quick stop by the house so that Allison could see it.

Here they each are in their bedrooms.

We had a spectacular day! Thank you to these two for making my last day of summer break fantastic!

Progress

The new house is coming along nicely. We have three framed floors. Our current house is still on the market. It is just a slow year for house sales, and we have to be patient.

In the Wine Room

Grayton Beach

Our summer trip was to Grayton Beach, Florida. What a remarkable place! Allison's request was to go somewhere with water so clear she could see fish through it. Aidan wanted to snorkel. Although it might not have been exactly as they pictured in their minds, we did accomplish both.

Playing Chess during the 10 hour drive.

Yes!

An attempt at sand castle building. Papa Fred has the right supplies, but that fine Florida sand did not cooperate.

Before Dinner

Precious Girl

Kite Flying

Boogie Boarding

Bury the Sister

Resting Up

Cute Greenspace Outside a Restaurant

Rainy Day and Truly Exhausted

Shard Shack

This was so cool. We made art out of broken pieces of glass in the style of Mary Hong.

 The rain finally stopped after two days, and Daddy, Allison, and Aidan rode some fun waves Friday afternoon.

Home again with our Shard Shack artwork

We had a great time. Thank you Omie and Papa Fred for coming along and treating us to a fantastic vacation. Memories to last a lifetime!