Dancing with Daffodils

 I have a hard time believing anyone cares about what is going on in my very normal life but here is a quick list. . I played the piano for a funeral . taught a bunch of piano lessons; so far I like one of the new kids I started and the other one I am still figuring out . I went on a field trip with Brandon to Sotterly Plantation. He was so happy to have me there and it was a beautiful day. We learned all about pollinators and seed spreaders and habitats. His teacher is super nice. . drove my girls to dance, there and back, there and back, there and back so many times . went for a walk with Sarah . had my first mammogram and just got the letter that all is normal; such a relief . sat at baseball practice and read for many hours . lifted weights . went out on a lunch date with Josh to Olive Garden . went to book club and discussed a book I had picked. It went well and we had a great discussion. . took two kids to the orthodontist and Lily gets her braces off in six weeks--hooray!...

 This week was so busy but wonderful at the same time. Monday we slept in and had a nice breakfast all together and then we went kayaking. We did the McIntosh Run and it was so fun. Josh and I had done it together years ago but now the kids are big enough to come too and there was minimal complaining. It was a really beautiful day and I loved being out on the water. Lily and I paddled our big one with Brandon in the middle and then we borrowed two kayaks from the Rays that Josh and Curtis used. Emma paddled our little one and switched with Brandon when she got tired. It took us about two hours and was just really lovely. There were jellyfish in the wharf water so we didn't get in the water at all though. Josh and I went to go get our car from where we put in and the kids played on the playground. I went back and started cleaning up while Josh got us fun slushies and then we went to our pool to cool off and swim without jellyfish. It was wonderful family time and such a blessing....

 Good week!  Monday: canned peaches all afternoon, made some peach jam, did laundry, taught piano, went to baseball practice. I felt very domestic and accomplished by the end of the day.  Tuesday: I went and had brunch with my high school friend, Michelle. Actually we've been friends since 8th grade and it was fun to talk with her and catch up. I'm glad I get to see her every few months. Then I helped Curtis pick a science fair project and took him to practice. Tried a new recipe for dinner when I got home that was a winner! Wednesday: went to the gym, watched my friend's little girl for a few hours while she went to the doctor, ironed so many white shirts, picked up groceries, took Brandon to baseball, and was so grateful for youth leaders who picked up Lily and Curtis to take them to their activities in different places. I got stressed about Lily's band rehearsal schedule and her dance schedule (lots of conflicts) but the band teacher was great about it and we already...

 Our last two days of summer were busy. Monday I went to three open houses. Curtis had his from 8-9 am, then Lily from 12:30-2 and then E/B from 1-3. It was a bit crazy but Lily's was the most stressful. We first went through her schedule and found each room (LHS is a maze) and then we did it all over again so she would feel comfortable and not get lost her first day (which she didn't!). It was so crowded and the teachers weren't super friendly (I think just so many kids come in it must be hard) but at least Lily felt ready for the first day. Then we hustled home and I took the other kids to their school, which felt so small and simple after being at the high school. I have had a kid at that school since 2013 and will for still a few more years. Emma has her same teacher from 2nd grade and was thrilled and Brandon's teacher seemed really nice so all in all, a crazy but good day. Then Brandon started baseball so I took him to practice and read. Tuesday we went shopping f...

 It has been a busy couple of weeks. My sister asked me today how I have so much fun during the summer. She said she has too many chores to do to play like I do. I don't have a garden and do almost zero yard work in the summer (just cut the grass) and it has been awhile since I've been grocery shopping but my house is still pretty clean so I don't know why she has so much work. Anyway, we spent another whole week at the pool for swim lessons and stayed to swim just about every day. I had to leave to go pick Lily up from her dance intensive while my kids were still at the pool with friends a couple of days because it always amazes me how much longer my kids want to swim when there are friends around.  Last Friday we picked Lily up from dance and headed straight out to go to Virginia Beach for the night. All I wanted to do for my birthday was spend one last summer day at the beach so that's what we did. It was a lovely day and our hotel was right on the water and it was a...

 This week was so social and busy and fun. Monday we went to Six Flags and since Michelle took Lily up to FSY, I took her girls and then Michelle came and met us there. It was the first time I've been with another adult in a long time and it was so nice. The kids had lots of fun and we tried new rides with moderate success. Then Michelle stayed with everyone else while Curtis and I went and rode the three big roller coasters. There were no lines anywhere all day so that was amazing but that also means I went on three roller coasters in about half an hour and I was feeling a little funny by the last one. No headache and no throwing up so I'm getting older but not too old yet to be fun. I was nervous about Superman but by the time we got to the bottom of the first hill I was fine and it felt good to still love that ride even though it has been 20 years since I've ridden it. Then we went to the waterpark to finish out the day. It was fun and we enjoyed being with our friends. ...