Fabulous Friends

Our best friends from Georgia travelled North for Memorial Day weekend. Our weather was picture perfect for the time they visited Columbus! The tree near the deck provides a natural umbrella over the table, so we enjoyed quite a bit of time relaxing on the deck, catching up with one another.

The Lengles were one of the first families we met upon moving to Georgia. Our neighborhood was a swim/tennis community and the boys thoroughly enjoyed the pool--summer 2003. We met Kathie and the boys one afternoon during one of our many trips to the pool. Evan and Noah became fast friends, even with our return to Ohio, their friendship remains strong. They were thrilled to be able to spend time together last weekend!

The Dads took the boys to the Westerville Rec Center for an afternoon of swimming while Kathie and I enjoyed shopping at Easton. Trey grilled hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill and we concluded our evening with s'mores and a game of "Dutch Blitz" for the adults. We discovered a new way to create s'mores--replacing Hershey chocolate bars with either a York peppermint patty or Reese's peanutbutter cup--mmmm--try it!

Noah and Evan tended to the fire making certain it was just "right" before our two families began toasting marshmallows.

Alexander, Evan, Kathie and Collin toasting marshmallows--creating the "perfect" golden brown marshmallow. Well, except for Alexander, he torched his :).

The ingredients, above, for the perfect s'more (below).

Sunday afternoon, after dining at "Mad Mex" on campus, we ventured to Huntington Park to watch the Columbus Clippers (Indians Farm team) and Ironpigs (Phillies Farm team). Just an aside--the Lengles are HUGE Phillies fans!

It was a very WARM afternoon and the boys quickly tired of sitting on the bleachers and baking in the sun. Above, the gang--all in a line--watching the game.

The "new" Clippers stadium is nestled in the heart of Columbus and the view from behind home plate is spectacular with the Columbus skyline setting the backdrop. Our family attended a game earlier in the season and the view from the stadium at night is truly breathtaking!

We don't get to spend much time with our Georgia friends--the boys' schedules and work keep all of us quite busy. But, we realize how truly blessed we are to have "family friends". Kathie and I enjoyed our time together and are busy reviewing our calendars trying to find another time when we can all be together again.

Dad's Visit

My Dad arrived Tuesday, May 25th for a visit before heading to his 50th high school reunion Memorial Day weekend.

Our time together began with Alexander's 8th grade jazz band concert.

Alexander has played the baritone for his three years at Genoa.

Following Alexander's jazz band concert, we went to Cici's for Noah's soccer awards and recognition.






















Noah with his latest soccer trophy (above) and his sports trophies in his room (below).

The next morning, we promised Noah we'd provide Subway for lunch. Poor Dad, I tried to prepare him for the cafeteria, but I don't think I was very successful! Boy, was it loud!

Following lunch, Noah and his classmates provided the 4th grade Wax Museum. The students were asked to select a historical character and provide information about their person. For those of you that know Noah well, he was encouraged to research someone other than Michael Jackson. Initially he was disappointed, that is, until he began researching Davy Crockett.

Each child had a "button" placed in front of them. When the button was pushed, the character "came alive". Noah began his portrayal singing "Davy, Davy Crockett. King of the Wild Frontier". Both Dad and I tape his segment, but the white noise completely overshadows Noah, so the video was unsuccessful.

Some of the other characters include: Marie Antoinette

Danica Patrick

Mozart

and, Albert Einstein

After recovering from our Alcott activities, we attended Alexander's 8th grade "Evening of Excellence". Alexander earned his 2nd year 4.0 and was awarded a silver ribbon for his hardwork. In addition, he also received an Honor Roll certificate and Scholar Athlete award.

Alexander with some of his 8th grade friends.

Thursday afternoon, Dad and I had no school obligations, so we met Uncle Marion (91) and Aunt Ruth (90) as well as his cousin Linda and her husband John for lunch.

When we weren't attending various school functions, Dad and the boys found time to toss the football and shoot hoops. In addition, we also played Scrabble and Sequence.

Dad, we're happy we were able to spend a few days with you before your trip to Logan. We thoroughly enjoyed your company and the boys are so happy that you were able to attend several of their school events. We love you and Mom very much--thanks for visiting!

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!!