Kyle- Back to School

Kyle is enjoying middle school as much as Kyle can enjoy school.

He says he likes switching classes and taking his phone to school.  He also likes Thursdays because he doesn't have math on Thursdays (due to block scheduling).

Diving hasn't started back yet, but we had a great one-on-one with his diving coach before he left for vacation.  He is super encouraging, and Kyle has some really exciting goals this season. 

Reed- Back to School

Reed is loving middle school. He says he loves getting to sit outside for lunch and having art every day.

He's already recorded 2 fights on his phone, so that was super exciting.

He's back to playing tennis, and he'll start back on his club basketball team in September.

JR- Back to School

I might be having a hard time getting back in the swing of things, but JR has hit the ground running.

When I start to think that maybe JR has too much on his plate, I always remind myself of one of Ivana Trump's best parenting tips- "keep your kids busy, busy, busy, that they have no time to get into trouble." 

In just the first week of school JR has already auditioned for the fall school musical, cast as the lead, and started rehearsals.  

We had the theater back to school swim party at our house a few days before school started and they are just the sweetest group of kids.  I'm so happy they are who he's spending so much time with these days! 

Back in the Swing of Things

I've definitely had a hard time getting back in the swing of things since school started. 

I don't love having a schedule, so I feel like I've been playing catch up all week.

In fact, I'm so far behind I'm talking about Reed's big winnings from last weekend.

He went up to the Racquet Club on Saturday to play in their hit for prizes.  He said the best prizes were a tennis racket, a tennis bag, and a cooler.

And Reed came home with just what our family needs....another cooler.  Although I do have to say this is a really nice one.  

Way to go, Reed. 

Growing Too Fast

Our next door neighbor, Dave, left for Texas Tech on Saturday, so Friday night the boys ran over to give him one last hug goodbye.

We all moved in within a month of each other, and when we met Dave he was a freshman. Kyle and Reed were in 2nd grade...and Dave was wearing Baylor t-shirts.  

Now he's freshman in college, everybody looks like they're grown, and the Baylor shirts have been replaced.

They are growing up too fast! 

First Day of School

Going back to school for JR was easy since he's a sophomore.  He said he liked his teachers and he's glad he has 6th period lunch.  (Having 6th period lunch must be a big deal.)

Kyle seemed cool as a cucumber about starting middle school (besides actually having to go back to school, which he wasn't excited about at all), but Reed was a little nervous.

We went to orientation on Wednesday and they ran in to a bunch of friends, got their schedules, and we found all their classes.

As I predicted, Reed absolutely loved it.  He "has a friend in every class except choir, but made one before class was over." 

Kyle had no problem navigating middle school and acted like he'd been going there his entire life. 

And the princess was very happy for the first day of school, so she could get back to her morning car rides. 

Kyle is Home

Kyle finally came home yesterday. 

JR, Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw picked him up at camp and then he stayed at Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw's.

Kyle had a great time and came home winning 1st place in the long jump, 2nd place in the javelin,  cabin camper of the week, and "most improved" in ping pong. 

His favorite activities were golf (surprisingly) and wakeboarding (not surprisingly).

He also got his 5 year ring, which I think he was most excited about. 

I know he had fun, but we are glad to have him home!

When the Dog is Mad at You

After 2 weeks in Colorado I am back home.

There was one little girl in particular who was very upset with me for not taking her with me.

I even got text messages from her letting me know how mad she was.

The Fuzz Slapper

Granny Sherry picked up Reed from tennis camp on Friday evening. 

He said it was better than last year and the food was even better.

Reed talked his way in to playing with the "Top Gun" kids (one of the kids is in the top 10 in Mexico and one is in the top 150 in Germany) so he basically spent 7 hours each day getting the tar beat out of him.

So much so, that he said he only won one match in the camp tournament. 

But where most kids wouldn't think losing all week was "fun", Reed feels like he got so much better playing against these kids.  He said, "I got way better practice than if I had been the best person in the group." He also told me he "got aced a lot." 

He got the "fuzz slapper" award, which he had to tell me means that he hits the ball really hard. And he was excited about that.

Vail Pass

If you thought we were outdoorsy before, well, today takes the cake!

Jason and I rode from the summit of Vail Pass to downtown Frisco on the bike trail. 

Ok, now before you get overly impressed, it was pretty much downhill the entire way.  But it definitely couldn't have been any prettier! 

Here we go!

 We stopped at Copper Mountain and had a snack (and a photo op)

After our snack, we were back on the bikes to enjoy the awesomeness all around us.

 We had so much fun and I'm so glad we are "so outdoorsy"! 

Fairies to a Troll

Jason and I went on another hike today (I know, we're so outdoorsy).  

And here's what we found today.

And here's the full view.

And yes, I was a little uncomfortable standing in between a troll's legs.

Adult Camp Day 1 & 2

Adult camp is going great, yesterday's activities included eating out for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Today we went on a hike.

And we found the fairy forest!  

It's become a Breckenridge tradition to leave a fairy house on this trail, and there were at least 100 houses.  We saw houses that were "inhabited" by fairies, unicorns, dinosaurs, gnomes, mermaids...you name it. 

We took pictures with some that made us smile, and if you know me at all, you know I'll be adding to it next year. 

Many of the houses were made out of wine and champagne corks...obviously lots of stressed out mamas have plenty of those sitting around for the kids' craft projects! 

And then we headed back in to town to eat...since that's what we do best!

All the Camps

Jason and Granny dropped Reed off at John Newcombe's tennis camp for the 2nd summer in a row yesterday.  Jason said he was excited and looking forward to the week.

Using photographic evidence, it certainly appears that Kyle is staying busy living his best camp life.

And can we discuss that not one article of clothing he's wearing for the Kentucky Derby party actually belongs to him.  

JR finished up his debate camp this week and is headed up to spend the rest of the week at Camp Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw.

And since Jason flew in to meet me last night, Adult Camp is off to a great start too. 

Girls Gone Breck

I just finished up a super fun girl's week in Breckenridge.

Pretty scenery, perfect weather, and lots and lots of laughs.

And, of course, a fox sighting!

Camp Drop Off

We dropped Kyle off at Camp Olympia on Sunday.

He was assigned to a cabin that JR was in when he was the same age.

I know he is going to have a great 2 weeks!