He's off!

So I took Josh to college this morning! It was a bit surreal, but there were no tears. He was nervous, and we arrived early, with loads of others arriving - in the pouring rain. I'm excited to see how it goes. I think he's going to enjoy college - he was all ready being bored with the time off!

The Night Before College

Twas the night before college,
and all through the house
not a person was stressing;
that is, 'cept for Josh.

Though his backpack was ready
and books all set out,
he'd checked his whole schedule -
looked like he'd freak out!

An app was downloaded
for graphing his math,
and he knew how to get there -
he knew the best path.

Yet simple to notice,
that look in his eye,
that said he was nervous
about being the 'new guy'.

We told him we loved him
and sent him to bed,
to be ready for college
with a well-rested head.

And I heard him exclaim
as I turned off the light...
"I'll be lucky if I get one
wink of sleep tonight!"

Hallway painted...

We're not painting her roses red, but her hallway looks wonderful! I finished this last night, but it was kinda late, so it didn't get posted.
It's really lovely - and this afternoon we ran errands, shopped at Lowe's, had an early dinner at Carrabas, and then I installed new shelves in Cindy's office. Yea! They are STURDY so no falling.
I'm sure it's obvious I've accomplished alot while here... So why can't I get crap done at home? Hmmm... I know I can procrastinate, but perhaps it's the deadlines that are motivating me. Or perhaps the sheer scope of her projects seems more manageable. Something to think upon!...
Love to all.

Made it to NC!

Arrived a lot later than expected, due to No. VA and Fredericksburg traffic. You'd think after a quarter century they could have fixed Route 1. While lengthening my trip by over 3 hours, I had plenty of un-nice things to say!
However, I'm SO happy to be back with Cindy! I'm working on the honey-do list, and trying to get into a workout/work mode. I think its hard when the kids are out of school - at least for me. Or maybe thats an excuse!  ; )

Either way I'm getting myself together, and having fun doing it. I miss the kids - Boo had just come home, so we didn't get to see much of each other. I hope they're doing well.

Oh yeah - to solve the debate as to where we were shopping, no Hans, it was not Lowes.  It was Cracker Barrel in the background!

Love to all...

That movie...

Was AWESOME! Perhaps the best Batman yet! But did anyone else think Bain sounded like Sean Connery? Yeah for Catwoman, and I didn't see the ending coming at all...
I wouldn't take anyone under 12 if you're not sure how they will handle violence - it's pretty intense, but realistic - not gory.

Batman

(Originally published 7/28)   At the movies to see Dark Night Rises...  :)

Thursday in Gatlinburg

Thursday found us rafting down the Upper Pigeon river! What an experience - the river was mostly dry when we arrived, so being the first tour of the day, we got to see them flood the river. The class usually ranged from I - IV's, but we barely hit a III this trip. Which for us, was awesome! Michelle and I were the only ones who'd rafted before, and so this was the perfect experience for Hans and Shawny - both a little nervous about the trip. Everyone got plenty wet, and we all took a short swim in the river as we neared the end. Well, Cody and Hans skipped it - the water was REALLY cold!
Later we grilled steaks at the resort with Michelle and the girls, and then went swimming. It was a wonderful day, and everybody had a fun - but exhausting - day!
Love to all...

Checking to see if Michelle's done! 

Gatlinburg

Our "graduation" trip (I keep wanting to call it a senior trip, and am brusquely reminded they are no longer Seniors), is SUPER! Aunt Michelle arrived Tuesday a few hours after us, with Marissa and Shawny. Wednesday we went horseback riding, which I really enjoyed, and the kids all thought was a fun experience. Wise Luis said, "I didn't think I liked it at first, but once I realized it was my own fears making me nervous - not the actual horse - it was fun!" Ah, the wisdom of youth.
That evening, after barbecue at Greenbriar and a dip in the river (some more dipped than others...), we all went out on the town. Cody and I sampled moonshine (yummy!), the kids found a jerky and popcorn store that was 'sick', and then we split up. Hans and Cody went sightseeing, Boo took me up on the Sky Lift, and Michelle went with the teens to get an olde tyme photo done. They look so good! Boo and I wrapped things up when we saw Cody and Hans at laser tag. What a great time we had!
More to tell later - so much going on, it's hard to keep up!
Love to all...

 

                   

Having a picnic lunch and then a 'dip' in the river at Greenbriar.  Some 'dipped' more than others...  : |

Bethany and I at the top of the Sky Lift; just the two of us, and this was the
amazing view.  Below, our feet as we head back down the mountainside.  Whee!

Party time!

(Tried posting the other day; no luck, so I'll rewrite).
What a great party! We estimate about 70 people came by, and it seemed like they all had a terrific time! Bethany kept track of the karaoke (except that hour or two she was on the slip-n-slide), Hans was perfect as games master, and there was SO much food! Though I believe the chocolate fountain took the cake - pound cake, strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows...
Most of all Cody and I offer a HUGE helping of thanks and gratitude to my parents, without whom the party would not have happened. Thanks for always coming through for us, Mom and Dad! And also thanks to Josh's grandparents, Kyoko & Richard, for all the love and support, and for theirs and Bob and Michelle's desperately needed - and greatly appreciated - help cleaning up after the party. We are so blessed to have such a great family!
Love to all...