summer/school

 The remaining pieces from Ella's art camp - she made these two beautiful vases and sculpted George's face.  El finished these the day we got back - literally - our plane landed just before noon and her art class was at 3pm that afternoon.

I was so touched that she made this especially for me.  I absolutely love it and will treasure it always.  I ran into the art teacher a few weeks ago and she told me that Ella had made something for me and that it was impressive.  Thank you, sweet Ella Bean!!

Next day, she had orientation for JUNIOR HIGH at 8:00 a.m.  HOW???  How is she in Junior High?  

After taking school pictures, getting some Bobcat merch, picking up paperwork for field trips, athletics, and transportation...we found her locker.  After determining that her practicing opening the lock would be best for all involved if I had a beverage in my hand, we took the lock with us and moved on.  She walked her schedule and dropped off her allergy paperwork at the nurse's office.  Oh man.  But, she is ready for this.  You're growing up and maturing so nicely, Miss Ella!!!

Then we picked up Max and headed over to the Cotters'.

Reunited and it feels so good!

On Friday, we had a great lunch with my parents before they headed off to Madison; then we went to Gaslight as a family.  SUCH an awesome show!

On Saturday, Dia had the girls over for an escape room-type scavenger hunt and at the end, they received decorations for their lockers!!

On Sunday, we had a great lunch with the Larson family before a crazy monsoon rolled in.

Because of our swim season, then a vacation directly following, then a couple of busy days, it felt like we really only had 2 days of "summer break."  We chilled on Monday, then spent Tuesday with Nana.  LOVED that she wanted to take the kids back-to-school shopping (Max got a new shirt and shoes and Els picked out boots), then out for a delicious brunch at Prep & Pastry.

Thank you, Nana!!!!!

Soooo nice to be at home and in our pool.

Wednesday, it was Max's turn for Meet the Teacher.  We went to Ms. Foster's room to drop off his school supplies, we visited Mrs. Basler (Max laughed because she gave me a 'thank you gift' of wool dryer balls, beeswax wraps and linen produce bags - Max said she knew what a hippie I am) and Mrs. Karel, and then picked up Max's AASA (state testing) scores.  He scored the highest possible number in ELA and barely missed the highest score possible in math.  He remains deeply annoyed about it as of this writing.

It's our first day of school!!!!!!

Before we start, we officially wrap up our summer swim season.  We missed the banquet - where Els was presented with the Excellence award for her age group.  Both kids medaled at the invitational back in June and ribboned in a few other events - seriously amazing guys!!!!!!!  Els, on brand, was excited about the colors of her ribbons rather than the places that they represented.  Ha!  

Ella, who opted to take the bus on the first day, is in 7th grade at Emily Gray Junior High.  

Classes: Honors ELA, Honors Social Studies, Spanish, Science, Cadet Band (she'll be a percussionist again!!), Math and Art (she will be in a STEAM class 2nd semester).  

Favorite hobby/pasttime:  art, climbing, swimming and reading

Favorite color:  purple - specifically, lavender

Favorite TV show/movie: Harry Potter (still)

Favorite book:  Harry Potter

When I grow up, I want to be:  a vet that paints animals

Max is in 5th grade at Tanque Verde Elementary School and has Ms. Foster.

Favorite hobby/pasttime:  reading, karate and swim

Favorite color:  teal

Favorite TV show/movie:  Zombies

Favorite book:  Wings of Fire

When I grow up, I want to be:  working with animals

Have a super fantastic year, kiddos!!!!!!!

And with that, we're off to our annual girls' brunch at Prep & Pastry!

After the first day of school, Dia took the girls to Target for school shopping.  

I was absolutely blown away by Ella - she had already compiled the separate lists she had gotten on the first day of school into one list and was BEYOND organized.  So proud - awesome way to start, Ella!!

Both kids had a fantastic first day of school and we wrapped up the week by going to the climbing gym with Addy and her sister, Penny.

Looks great, Ella!! 

This weekend we had a fun playdate with Kendric and his family, then went to Nana's house for a delicious dinner!!!

Ella sitting with the meditation frog in the rain at Nana's.

A few more missing pieces needed to complete the intricate puzzle that is our Fall schedule, but we are getting there.  We absolutely hit the ground running after our vacay and we have more amazing adventures ahead of us.  So grateful and wishing you guys a happy school year!!!  Can't wait to see all that you will accomplish!!!    

city to island vacay: hotham island, part seven

Our last day on Hotham Island - it went by so fast.  We cannot express enough how grateful we are to Auntie Elaine and Uncle Norm for their hospitality and all they did for us during our stay.  We ate delicious food every day and loved their company.  We loved all of our adventures - fishing and kayaking. Thank you, Auntie Elaine, for all of the pictures and memories!  We seriously had the best time and LOVED our stay on Hotham Island with you both.  

Ha - Auntie Elaine challenged Els to tie a cherry stem into a knot with her tongue.

We were packed and luggage was loaded onto the boat so we could enjoy our last day together.

We embarked on a hike to the other side of the island and the beach.  Unfortunately, with the rain and not having been on the trail for the past 3 years, it got super buggy.  

We made it!!

And back through the woods for a final kayaking trip...

It wasn't as buggy on the way back, but we went super fast.

A relaxing afternoon of reading and naps!

Haha - Els added these graphics to the pic she took of Uncle Norm sleeping (she did not add the Oreo cookie - that was already there).

Picking pea pods from Auntie Elaine's beautiful garden for dinner.

Good-bye Hotham Island - we hope to visit again.  Breanna described it as a truly special place and that's a wonderful description.  The tranquility, being right on the water, combined with the fun and memorable times together.  We absolutely loved it all.  Thank you, Auntie Elaine and Uncle Norm for EVERYTHING!!

We started our trip home and made our way back through the Sagamok Reserve (Max loved their signs), crossed back into the US, back through Michigan and Wisconsin and stayed at a hotel near the airport - we even got in one last dinner of Lou Malnati's pizza!!

Ready to go home!

Well...once Max gets his fill at the Admiral's Lounge first...

SUCH an amazing vacation - I think I can finally call it a vacation.  We are so grateful and happy.