Summer's Over -- Almost

After all that happened last spring with the loss of my job, I had no idea what to expect from this summer. As it nears it's end, I've been reflecting on how things went. Ryan and I, in an effort to boost our savings account, spent most of the summer working. We didn't get to spend much time with the boys or each other. We did manage to have some fun along the way, though--Kelly's wedding, Jer's wedding, Dave Matthews concert, seeing Heather and the girls, spending tiem with out-of-town family, a trip to Storybook Gardens, a few trips to the pool. It was a summer filled with hopeful possibilities for new jobs for both Ryan and I, and unfortunately, none of them were fulfilled as of yet. I got my hopes up that our family would have the chance to start over--have new jobs and move to a different place and just start over. I was hoping for that closure from the past two years. But here we still are--in the same house, Ryan being employed at school, and me trying to piece together money at two jobs. I keep the faith that eventually, when the opportunities are right, things will turn around for us--it just hasn't been on MY time schedule. I wonder what the fall, winter, and spring will bring for us. I'm really trying to remind myself often that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be in life right now, even if it's not where I want to be. And I do wonder if I will ever have the chance to teach again. At one point in time, I wasn't sure I wanted to, but after applying and interviewing and hoping for a job to present itself, I believe that is where I am meant to be. And I'm back where I was three years ago when I was in need of someone who was willing to take a chance on me. So, although summer is not over yet, our time and opportunities are dwindling. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers and perhaps something will still happen to change our fate.

Sesame Street

After some thought and consideration, we decided that Bennett was at the age that he could sit and enjoy the Sesame Street show. So, we bought tickets, left Landon with Grandma and Grandpa T, and Bennett, Ryan and I headed to the show. Bennett enjoyed a snack while we waited for the show to begin.

He loved it! He sat the entire show and watched. Every time Big Bird or Elmo left the stage, he'd ask where they went. He seemed to enjoy the music and the lights and the dancing.

At intermission, we went out to buy a special gift from the show. First, he picked out a soccer ball with all the characters on it. But then, his eye caught Big Bird and that's what we came home with!

We had such a good time and Bennett did an awesome job watching the show! I definitely think we'll be heading back next year!

Day Trip

Last weekend, Ryan came up with a great plan--head to Storybook Gardens for the day. So, we hopped in the car with the boys and away we went! It was a beautiful day--not too hot. We arrived at the park just in time for the animal show to begin. It began with this guy poking his head out on stage :-)

We saw all sorts of animals including a white tiger, gray foxes, a skunk, a porcupine, and a kangaroo. Landon touched the tortise-but Bennett just watched.

Then, we hopped on the train for a ride around the park. Bennett refused to look at anything until we went on the choo choo.

We had a great time watching the giraffes stick their heads over the fence! I knew they had long necks, but seeing them up close make you realize just how LONG they really are!

Me and the boys checking out the turtles.

Before we headed home for the day, we stopped for some ice cream.

Great idea, Daddy! It was a fun day and a perfect opportunity to get away for the day. We had a great time together as a family!

Wicked ~ On All Levels

I had two mini-trips planned for this summer. The first the wedding and concert--the second was a trip to see the Broadway musical Wicked. I have been dying to see if for the last 3 years! This is a trip in the making for over a year. Last summer, all of us neighbor ladies were sitting around talking and Kathy mentioned she could get tickets. We all made the decision to go.

Aren't we a good looking group :-) This was taken after dinner before we headed to the show.

I was so excited for the show to begin. The first half was awesome and very comical!

This was the last scene before intermission--and the last part I actually got to see.

Yep, I spent the first part of the second half in the bathroom getting sick. My head was pounding and my stomach was churning. I went back inside for a few minutes and had to leave again. It was so disappointing because I had been waiting to see this for so long! After the show, I headed back to the hotel and went to sleep. Not quite the weekend I was planning on--it was "wicked" all around.

Mealtime Mayhem

This is what happens at every meal . . .

Landon is constantly turning around to see what his big brother is up to!

Silly Sunday!

Boys Will Be . . .

COOKS!!!!!
At a few recent playdates, I've noticed that Bennett has been having a blast with the kitchen sets. So, I broke down and bought one--it is his new obsession! From the moment he wakes up, he is cooking eggs and making pancakes for mom! It has been so fun watching him pretend and use his imagination. As a mother of two boys, I'm having a hard time figuring out how to incorporate more pretend play into their day. This has been a good start! If you other mothers of boys out there have some suggestions, please send them my way!

Bennett's New Fashion Statement