Sports Camps and Spa Days

Much like last year, my first two days of summer were spent heading back to school for the Forbush HS softball and baseball camps. This year was Emmy's second time attending, and Eli was old enough to go this year too. We also brought along Emmy's friends Heidi and Peyton, so while the girls were at the softball field, Eli was with the boys on the baseball field. Both camps were Thursday and Friday, and on Friday they ended with sliding practice on a slip 'n slide. Suprisingly my always-active boy wasn't interested in the slip 'n slide and preferred to stay dry, while the girls got soaked in their softball clothes. Luckily we brought a dry outfit and a towel for afterwards. On Friday evening, Boomer and I enjoyed a double date to the Dash with our friends Gwen and Steven Ashburn. Although the week had started with normal workdays and early alarms, by the end of it, it was starting to feel like summertime. 

On Saturday morning, we were back at the ballfield for the Walkertown Little League Closing Ceremonies. All the players received trophies, and Eli received special recognition as his team's Most Valuable Player. Boomer had a surprise for the softball girls to celebrate their undefeated season. As the league champions, he got them each rings, and they huddled together one more time for "Hustle, Hit, Never Quit!" I've loved that chant since they started it in the fall. After the Closing Ceremonies, we headed to Walnut Cove for Josh Williams' birthday, and then we went over to the Claytons' for an end-of-season outdoor movie night. The Claytons set up a large projector and screen in their yard, and we watched A League of Their Own. We have developed some wonderful friendships from the ballfield, and it is neat how the sport has brought us all together. 

Oh and if you were wondering how many gum wrappers might be at the bottom of a little girl's bat bag at the end of the season, the answer is 24!

This week, I have fully resumed my role as the Kennedy Summer Fun Coordinator. On Monday, we went to Top Golf with Grammy and Grandpa as an early Father's Day celebration. Although the four cousins were quite competitive and timeouts were instituted at various times, all in all it was a success. Much to the chagrin of his sister, Eli did win one of the games and was all smiles when his name was listed next to 1st Place. Our other activities this week have included: the Science Center with the Veres family, the Houston boys' annual lemonade stand, our first YMCA pool day, and perhaps the highlight of it all - the annual mother-daughter spa day. Mom, Meg, and I had our special day at the Grandover on Thursday, complete with massages, lunch by the pool, and a fancy dinner at Green Valley Grille. We even fit in a quick stop by Old Navy for some bathing suit shopping. We love this day every year, and it once again was restful and refreshing. While I was away at the spa, Boomer took the kids to Par-tee Shack. He joked that they wouldn't have any fun without me, and so he sent sad looking photos to document their day. He's so silly! If this first week is any indication of how the summer will be, I am so excited for the next eight weeks!

School's Out!

Today was Emmy and Eli's last day of school! It has been such a blessing to watch the learning and growth in both of them this year. 

Emmy has thrived in 3rd Grade. She loved her teacher and would often come home telling me silly stories from the day. Ms. Servello's classroom was fun and welcoming, and Emmy looked forward to going to school every day. Emmy has a love for reading, and while we continue to read together at night, she reads her own chapter books independently. She is also very curious and will sometimes stump Boomer and me with her questions. This summer, Emmy is excited to continue her sports. She has already expressed areas that she wants to improve for softball: bunting, scooping, and hitting from faster pitching. Her work ethic and determination are qualities that continue to grow as she ages.

As for little brother Eli, he seamlessly made the transition to Kindergarten. He made friends with everyone in his class and would often be the ringleader for recess games. It's no surprise that PE was his favorite of all the specials. Eli's teacher Ms. Powell nurtured his natural strengths in reading and math. While he started Kindergarten with a good foundation from preschool, he is now able to read lengthy sentences and pronouce unfamiliar, multiple-syllable words. When the girls are reading together each evening, the boys read together too. They are currently reading a chapter book about famous Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente. It seems like we just took the 'First Day' pictures, but here we are taking them again on the last day, a couple inches taller, hair a little longer, and all smiles for summertime. 

In the final days of May, there were a lot of activities: end-of-year parties, awards, yearbook distribution, and themed spirit days. Both of the kids' end-of-year parties were scheduled for the same day, Thursday the 21st. Boomer was able to attend Emmy's party in the morning, and I was able to go to Eli's in the afternoon. Aunt Megan, even in spite of her busy testing schedule, popped into both parties and helped snap some photos. We are certainly proud of Emmy and Eli's recognitions, but I am always most proud of their kindness and character. 

We have a lot of ideas for the summer! And we plan to get started TOMORROW! Here is a look at our Summer 2026 To-Do List!