Last Week of Summer Break

As the calendar has flipped to August, the start of the school year is just around the corner. In these last days of summer break, we have tried to pack in as much fun as possible. We've had some pool days, some sports practices, and sweet treats (of course!) With the good luck of getting the pass from the library, we were able to go to the Kaleideum not once, but twice! We bookended the week by going on Monday and again on Friday. Our second trip was on Boomer's last Friday off (whomp whomp), and it was fun to bring Daddy along on our adventure. After several hours of playing on the outdoor playground and exploring the indoor exhibits, we went out to lunch at Earl's in downtown Winston. As I think back on the week, we had a lot of good meals, including on Wednesday when we headed to Yadkin to see him at work. After taking our annual photos at Daddy's desk and generally causing a ruckus in his workday, we took him out to lunch at CJ's Roadside. Another special meal this week was on Thursday. In memory of my Grandpa Bobby's birthday, Meg and I took the four kids to McDonald's to get his favorite meal: a hamburger and strawbery milkshake. Megan has marked his birthday with this special tradition each year since his passing in 2019, and after joining them this year, Emmy expressed that she would like for us to continue it every July 30th too.  

This weekend we were once again at a ballfield! Emmy joined the Carolina Cardinals for a Friday Night Lights tournament in Greensboro. The team went 2-1, sadly losing in the Championship game but placing 2nd out of 6 teams. It has been somewhat unexpected that Emmy has been able to play this summer. We have all enjoyed it so much, and the Cardinals team has been so welcoming. Emmy's Yadkin Ignite team will start again at the end of August, but we are thankful for the memories we've made this summer with the Cardinals. 

In other news, Eli will be getting his first taste of travel ball this fall with the Canes. The team is based in Clemmons, and they have already started practices. One of the coaches is a former student of Boomer's, which a funny and neat connection, and his son will also be playing on the team. They will have five tournaments this fall, all at their "home field" in Clemmons. Three of the tournaments are Friday Night Lights, which based on our experience with Emmy, we have come to enjoy more so than the full day Saturday (or Sunday!) ones. It was like Christmas morning at the Kennedy household when the box of Eli's gear was delivered this evening. Both of my boys had big smiles as they pulled out jerseys, pants, a helmet, and other items. We've always been partial to black and gold, so it will be fun to watch our #8 rock Deacon colors on the diamond!