Teacher Workdays & Open House

While the week started with two bonus days of summer, it ended with the routine of alarm clocks and early mornings. The calendar for Yadkin County Schools began its Teacher Workdays on Wednesday, and it was nice to ease in with a short work week. On the first two days of the week, Emmy, Eli, and I tried to squeeze out the last bit of summertime with breakfast at the Bagel Station, a pool day, back-to-school shopping, shark tattoos, a picnic dinner at the ballfield, and a morning movie. At the pool, I had a true "boy-mom" moment when Eli came over to show me a tiny frog that he had rescued from the water. I quickly encouraged him to set the frog free into the grass nearby. On Tuesday evening, Boomer and I even got a double date to the Dash with Megan and Zack. Talk about enjoying summer until the very last minute!

On Wednesday morning, it was real clothes, a packed lunch, and a full eight-hour workday, before heading to the elementary school that evening for Open House. With the tight timing for the afternoon, the kids tagged along with me to Forbush, and then we went directly to their school. After unloading all of their supplies, we snapped photos with their new teachers and of course a photo with our favorite Sedge Garden staff member, Mrs. Houston! Being back at the school reminded me of what a special place it is. All the warm smiles and hugs, seeing the kids' previous teachers and their classmates. 

While I finished out the week with workdays on Thursday and Friday, Emmy and Eli were with Grammy. Grammy Camp has lasted longer in the past, when the calendars of the two districts have not matched up as nicely. Luckily this year, the start of school in both Yadkin and Forsyth was pretty similar. In those two days, they went to the Kaleideum one day and then 4th of July Park and the pool on the other. On Saturday, we kept our tradition of going to the Wyndham Golf Tournament in Greensboro at Sedgefield Country Club. The dads, Zack and Boomer, stayed in Kernersville this year to check things off the to-do list, so Meg and I took the kids with Grammy and Grandpa. Once we arrived to the golf course, we found our usual spot at the 10th green, where the kids enjoyed the putting hole, golf simulator, and misting station. We walked part of the front 9, where the kids collected high-fives from some of the golfers. 

Like with other summers in the past, the Wyndham seems to signal the end to summer. Now the bookbags are packed, supplies are labelled, clothes are laid out, and the Kennedy kids are ready for the first day of school. I pray that the year ahead is filled with continued growth, friendship, and learning. 

Our Summer To-Do List Recap

As I do at the end of each summer, I like to do a re-cap of our Summer To-Do List. Most years we accomplish every item, but not always. This year we accomplished all but one: Smith Hollow Farm. This local Kernersville farm isn't too far from where we live. Last summer I noticed that they hosted several "Days at the Farm" that included horseback riding, a petting zoo, a nature trail, and treats from a local bakery. This summer, they transitioned to a by-appointment-only system, and unfortunately we have not been yet. I plan to keep my eye out for any fall events, and it is my hope that we can visit then. The summer of 9-and-6 has been pretty special, and we have made lots of memories. Without further ado, here is our 2026 recap!

1. Tanglewood Pool (twice!)

2. Great Wolf Lodge

3. Smith Hollow Farm

4. Bethabara Park

5. Ocean Isle Beach 

6. Sports camps

7. Big boy bed for Eli

8. Church camp for Emmy

9. Visit Daddy at work

10. The Daily Basket

11. Lots of ballgames

12. Treats at Louie & Honey

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!