Sunday, March 10, 2024

Running in the Rain

At the start of March, we had our first free Saturday without basketball. While we loved our Saturdays at the court, they did not allow for our usual adventures, and it was a perfect day for being outside at the Science Center. During this trip, we separated into boys and girls in the outdoor section, and I was quite surprised when Emmy wanted to go in the petting zoo. When she was little, she wouldn't get anywhere close to the animals, but on this day, she was brave enough to even pose for photos. She had her own camera and took several pictures too. After leaving from the Science Center, we had lunch at Freddy's and then made a stop at Play It Again Sports. There were still a few items we needed for the upcoming baseball season, and we were able to find some good deals on a glove and helmet for Eli and belts and socks for both kids. I have managed to acquire the other items (bat bags, bats, cleats, and pants) from coworkers and from Aunt Megan. Whew baseball equipment can be expensive! Thank goodness for hand-me-downs. After leaving from Greensboro, we headed to Winston to catch Wake baseball in a double header against the Binghamton Bearcats. We saw the last four innings of the first game and then the first five innings of the second game. Wake ended up winning both games. Go Deacs!



The baseball season will soon be underway for both kids. Emmy had evaluations last Monday, and I was so incredibly proud of her bravery and courage to step out on that field. Kernersville Little League does not have a separate softball division, so Emmy is playing with the boys! She is one of three girls in the machine-pitch age group. While we would have loved for her and Maddox to be on the same team, Emmy will be playing with her friend Avery, whose dad is coaching. I think it will be nice for the two girls to be together. Boomer has offered to be an assistant coach, and Emmy is excited about that. She always seems to be more confident and open to instruction with Daddy close by. As we were leaving evaluations, she said several times that she wanted to practice the drills, like ground balls and batting, with him. I have been so impressed by her determination to improve and learn a new sport. Eli has his first t-ball practice this coming Saturday. Stay tuned for photos of our littlest ball player!


Yesterday, Meg and I checked off our 2024 half marathon. All week, the forecast was predicting a 100% chance of rain, and for once, they sure got it right. It was a steady rain throughout the whole race. We suited up in our best water-proof gear, but within a few seconds of being outside, we were sufficiently soaked. We were not deterred and ran the race anyway. Meg had a fantastic time (1:54), while I was much slower (2:10). My time was still somehow good enough for a 3rd Place finish in the 30s age group, and Meg took 2nd Place in her new 40s(!) age group. She seems to get faster each year, while I seem to be getting slower. I'm proud of us for keeping this tradition each year. With the less than ideal weather conditions, it was the first year we did not have our usual cheering crew. There was no need for everyone to get wet! We knew that they were cheering for us from home. After the race and later that day, Boomer and I got dressed up for the JROTC Military Ball. We enjoyed the date night...even though it was with 100 or so high school students haha!



A few more photos to wrap up this post: Emmy's basketball pictures, a shoutout for Boomer in his hometown paper and in the Kernersville News, and a special package in the mail - my cap and gown! We moved our clocks forward this weekend, and we are excited for the spring season ahead. 


Saturday, February 24, 2024

Daddy's New Titles

Basketball season has come to an end for the Kennedys. And we loved every minute! Eli's last practice was on the 15th, and his coach planned a celebration with cupcakes and trophies. All four of us went for the last practice, and it was so cute to see Eli in his oversized jersey with his personalized trophy. A bonus for Emmy was playing with her friend Casey, who was also there for her little brother's practice. In addition to Eli's season wrapping up, the Lady Cardinals had their last game today. On the Tuesday before, we had a pizza party for the team. Coach Boomer printed certificates for everyone, even Coach Buzz. It was a sweet celebration for these girls who have grown so much over the season. At the last game, Emmy continued her strong presence on defense and her quick instinct for getting the ball. She had a key basket in the final period to take the Cardinals up by 2. In the last seconds the other team made a shot, ending the game in a tie. It was exciting! The Cardinals finished the season 5-2-1. A big thank you to Uncle Zack for so many action shots from the last game. We will certainly miss the routine of our Saturdays this winter, but with warmer weather ahead, I know our weekends will soon fill up with other activities. I'm glad that we are closing out basketball with so many good memories. 


Coach Buzz, Brianna, Brinkley, Emerson P., Emerson K., Raelyn, Avery, Coach Boomer














Last Sunday, Boomer and I had a delayed Valentine's date, and we had the best time. I'm not too picky about celebrating the holiday on the exact day; I am always content to get any one-on-one time with my hubby, especially when it includes a delicious meal. We ate at DiValletta in Greensboro, and I had the Cajun Shrimp Pasta and Boomer had the rib-eye. For dessert, we had just enough room for a slice of red velvet cheesecake.  
Triad was closed on Friday, the 16th and Monday, the 19th for Teacher Workdays. When Triad is closed, it also means no after-school for Emmy. We are so grateful to Grammy and Grandpa for helping with childcare on these two days. They divided the tasks of picking up Emmy and also entertaining Eli. We are so blessed to have their help. 


I was back on Mommy duty on Monday evening, and I was solo through Tuesday, as Boomer had his annual NCACTE Spring Admin Conference. Luckily I managed to get both kids to school on time, and I held down the fort, even if that meant making a few lenient decisions (in the form of a footlong cookie!) Emmy has really taken off with her reading and writing. They are having a reading challenge at her school, and so during any spare minute, you will find her with her nose in a book. She asked me to take the picture of her reading while I was cutting her fingernails - she said it looked like she was at the spa :) Eli is becoming more independent too. He has started to dress himself in the mornings (even if that means having his pants on backwards!) 


I have to end with some bragging on my husband. I am so proud of him, I could just burst! At his conference last week, Boomer was selected as the NORTH CAROLINA CAREER & TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR! To receive this honor at the state level is huge! Boomer was recognized last summer as the Piedmont Triad CTE Director of the Year, and then in January, he had to submit a portfolio for consideration at the state level. The final stage of the process included an interview with the eight regional candidates, and it was some tough competition. I see the time and passion that Boomer puts into his work, and I am so happy that he could be recognized by others in this way. Oh, and I have to mention that prior to this award, Boomer was promoted to ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT of Yadkin County Schools. We are thankful to Dr. Martin and the School Board for continuing to value Boomer. He leads with humility, compassion, knowledge, and selflessness. He has had a few other exciting opportunities presented to him, and he has carefully weighed each professional step he takes. I'm so proud of him for the ways he juggles work and home. At home, he is still Daddy - doing the laundry, reading books, coaching basketball, covering bath time, loading up the car, unloading the dishwasher, tackling and tickling, and keeping us laughing. Even with all the new titles, the one he wears the best is Daddy. (....but Assistant Superintendent has a nice ring to it!)