Throw & Retrieve

Sophie, our Golden Retriever is such a welcome addition to the family. I still can't believe she joined our family 2 1/2 years ago--life is different with a dog in the house. She certainly keeps me busy, but she's also a lot of fun.

Our house backs to green space and it's the perfect area for Sophie to expend some extra energy. She LOVES to play with her ball. Trey scoops up the ball and flings it through the air. Before the ball hits the ground, Sophie's on her way to retrieve the ball. She always outruns, the ball, but returns to pick it up and then sprint back to Trey.

And, she's off!

She found it!

When she's finished, Sophie finds a cozy spot in the yard to relax, far away from Trey, so he doesn't throw the ball again! She's no dummy :)!

Dutch Blitz

Our friends from Maryland introduced us to this wonderful new card game: Dutch Blitz! Trey's Mom LOVES card games, so yesterday we had the pleasure of teaching her how to play. OH MY GOSH--I think she loves it! She was so funny yesterday--she'd give out a little "YAY"/giggle every time she played a card. And, if she beat you to the pile--she was happy--and gave you a little "HA" too! I now KNOW, beyond doubt, Trey and Alexander have inherited their competitive nature from--Grammy :o)! Alexander was the "BIG" winner yesterday, but we better watch out for Grammy next time. She'll be practicing at the campground and will be ready for a re-match soon!

Alexander just yelled, "DUTCH BLITZ" again!

What an Honor

Alexander spent Monday through Thursday of this week with his fellow 8th grade classmates on a Washington DC trip. Mrs. Shew, his Language Arts teacher, selected him--out of the entire class--to lay a wreath on her relative's grave located in Arlington National Cemetery. She based her decision on the fact that earlier in the year he earned first place in the Patriot Pen Essay. An essay that inquired how we could honor our veterans. Alexander's catch phrase--"We should honor our veterans 24-7". Alexander was surprised by Mrs. Shew's request, but also very honored that he was chosen.

Letting Go....For a Few Days

The day has finally arrived--the early morning rise for Alexander to leave for his 4 day Washington DC trip. We rose early, 4:45am, and Alexander made his last preparations for his trip. We left the house a little before 5:30am and talked on our way to school. I mentioned that I was nervous and excited about him leaving and apologized for my constant reminders. I KNOW in my heart that he's more than capable of handling this trip, but honestly, I think it's me. My boys are growing up WAY too quickly! It was hard for me to watch him walk into school knowing that he would be leaving on a trip with his classmates and not having any family with him. His first time away from home, alone. He smiled, gave me a hug--more than I ever dreamed I'd get in front of his friends! I have to admit that I stayed with two other Moms and waited as long as I could before leaving. The 8th graders were all boarded on the buses, luggage stowed beneath and the principal was boarding each bus one last time for what I gathered to be last minute reminders (see Mom isn't the only one!). I returned to my car and have to admit that my eyes were a little watery. It was all I could do to leave school before the kids. As I looked in my rearview mirror, one last time, the first bus was beginning to pull out. The 8th grade adventure was just beginning. I do have any overwhelming sense of peace regarding the trip. The teacher in charge has done an amazing job organizing the trip and communicating with parents and the students. We're all on the "same page" and I know that this is a wonderful opportunity and a memory that Alexander will cherish!

Wendy's New Wheels

When asked what I wanted for my 40th birthday, I replied, "a new bike". Now, the task seems simple enough, but I assure you--it wasn't! I'm confident that Trey and I have visited EVERY bike store, or store that sells bikes, within our "neck of the woods" within the past few weeks. Oh good heavens! To say that Trey was beginning to lose his patience with me--well, that's probably an understatement!

There are wonderful bike trails weaving in and out of the Columbus area and I'm ready to explore them. Not to mention, I've started running and I'd love to have cycling become part of my cross-training. At long last, this past Saturday, after a second trip to "Roll", I finally decided on a Giant-Dash. "Roll" has this amazing machine that scans your body (sounds terrifying, but it wasn't) and calculates all the measurements for you to fit comfortably on your new bike. How cool is that?! My new bike is a Hybrid-Sport bike, it's the next step down from a racing bike, and will serve my purposes perfectly.

I can remember when my parents gave me my 3 speed bike, a wonderful shade of blue, for my 10th birthday. My new bike has 24 gears! Honestly, I haven't a clue why I need so many, but I suppose in time I'll figure it out. I love the design of the bike; the "click" gear change, the straight handlebars, the narrow road wheels, the lightweight design and most of all--the color. I've already affectionately named it "my sunshine bike"--yellow, white and gray--bright and cheerful.

I've not had an opportunity to take my new wheels for a spin, but I'm anxious to do so! A BIG "thank you" to my ever patient husband, my parents and my in-laws--I LOVE my new bike! I hope to be feeling better and ready for a ride soon--I'm definitely ready to roll!!

We've Sprung into Spring!

Combine Trey's training schedule with my preschool schedule and add in 3 sports and other extracurricular activites--welcome Spring! Alexander decided to run 8th grade track this year and has done well running the 110 and 220 this season. He practices 3 days a week and has a meet either once or twice a week. In addition, he also manages to squeeze in Jazz Band practice and NJHS meetings too! Thankfully I'm in a carpool for track and jazz band!!

In addition to 4 days of track, we've added in 2 days of basketball. Alexander eagerly accepted the invitation to join a Spring BBall league. So, the last two weeks we've been juggling track meets and basketball games on Monday nights--makes for a LONG afternoon/evening. He's playing well and enjoys the sport so much. In fact, it's a toss up as to whether her prefers basketball or football more.

Noah's soccer season started a few weeks ago. He plays two games each week and is happy to announce that his team is currently undefeated (probaby just jinxed that!). I love watching the boys' activities although I have to admit that the past two Saturdays have been rainy and watching soccer in the rain, under an umbrella isn't all that much fun! Hopefully the next game will be dry and sunny!

And, Trey wonders why I'm constantly filling my car...Mom's taxi service is in full swing this Spring. Hope all of you are enjoying your Spring activities too! I LOVE watching the boys' sports, so all the time is well spent!!