Root, Toot, now Scoot

Today in the car on the way to school:

Brady: "Mommy, is 'toot' a verb or a noun?"

Insert Parker giggling.

Mommy: "Well, what do you think? Perhaps it can be used as both."

Brady: "Parker 'tooted' yesterday at Little Gym is a verb - a big, smelly action verb! And Parker had a stinky 'toot' yesterday at Little Gym is a noun, and 'stinky' is its adjective!"

Mommy, trying to speak over Parker's howling laughter: "Yes, Brady you are correct. Now get out of the car, and DON'T YOU DARE use that example in Mrs. Van. B's class!!!"

If he can properly diagram bodily functions, then why, oh why, did he miss several points on his grammar test last week?

Boys.

Our future ambassador?

I know I have many past-due blog posts in my file ... our October trip to Florida, Halloween, and fall soccer to name a few. Heck, I don't think I even blogged Brady's 7th birthday. [sigh] All in good time.

Regardless of my backlog, I wanted to make the time to share my pride (and Bill's) with the little man Brady is becoming. While there are certainly still moments when I think to myself, "Have I taught you nothing?" those moments are now fewer and far between.

We have always known that Brady wears his heart on his sleeve. He feels deeply, and he loves fast. He wants the world to be his friend, and he has rarely met a stranger.

Yesterday I stopped in at school to pick up Parker's St. B's Kindergarten Application (Seriously? Ahh, that's another blog.) As I was standing in the office the Director of Admissions Mrs. S., who is a kind friend and fellow mom, came around the office to share her story with me.

Apparently there was a little 1st grader who came to St. B's to visit yesterday for the day. His parents are considering a mid-year transfer, and they wanted him to experience what school at St. B's is like, as it is different than many traditional schools. He would transfer into Brady's homeroom class, so that's where they placed for the day.

When Mrs. S. entered with the boy and introduced him, Brady immediately got up and introduced himself, reached out his hand to shake the boy's, and then encouraged his classmates to come up and do the same! He took the new kid under his wing, so to speak, and made sure he felt included and informed all day! He was an ambassador for St. B's - without being asked - and he did it because he felt it, not because he was told.

Hearing the story from Mrs. S was wonderful, and as we discussed Brady's loving and kind behavior at dinner last night he beamed with self-satisfaction! Parents all know that proud smile that can't be faked or brought out upon demand. It truly comes from within.

This morning Principal Willis stopped me in carpool to tell me the story again (he didn't know that I knew.) He relayed to me that Brady made Mr. Willis and all of St. B's very proud. His kindness, openness, and friendliness made a positive mark in the little visitor's day, and he showcased his school in the best possible light.

Future politician? Maybe. Future ambassador? Sure!

Proud Parker Keep on Learnin'

Seems kinda funny - yet strangely fitting - to follow up my last post about Brady's classroom antics with one about Parker.

Parker recently came home beaming from ear to ear with pride. The teachers in his PreK room had apparently implemented a new system of reward whereby kids were given a small card each week. As they demonstrated positive, good behavior, they were able to earn little smiling stickers throughout the week. Whomever had the most stickers on Friday would earn the Student of the Week certificate and be invited to bring and share a favorite lovey, book or game from home the following week.

Parker takes great pride telling me each day that he "stayed on green." And on the rare occassions when his stoplight has moved down the color pole, he has come home honestly remorseful and sad.

So when he hopped in the car with his big yellow certificate, I thought he was going to burst! He excitedly told me all about it (though he was a bit more shy on camera.)

And the following week he insisted on bringing his 5' pet snuffed snake to school - and according to Ms. JaNeah, it was a hit!

Keep on rollin' Parker!

Heartfelt Apology

I probably shouldn't memorialize Brady getting into some trouble at school. Rather a good mommy should share his many accomplishments and wonderufl moments. Well, yadda yadda yadda, the blog is supposed to be about our lives, right? The good. The bad. The ugly. Well, this is really none of those. It's simply cute.

Brady had a note written in his agenda yesterday that he was being too silly and disruptive during Literacy Centers, and although Mrs. Sigman had warned him of his behavior several times, Brady had been unable to settle down and focus quietly on his second edition Johnny Appleseed Book (he decided to make two so that he and Parker could both have one). Thus, the note home to Mom.

As I organized his nightly homework, I added a plain sheet of paper to the top of the pile and asked him to please write Mrs. Sigman a note apologizing for his rude behavior. I did not help, coach or even look at it until he had folded it up and asked for an envelope. Of course I took a peek!! And I'm so glad I did. ;-)

In case you can't read it, it says:

Dear Mrs. Sigman (with some spelling alteratons!) I am so sorry Mrs. Sigman. I will be better tomorrow and the next day and the next. I am sorry Mrs. Sigman for what I did. I am sorry that I was lowd in class and disruptive (he misspelled l'oud', but got 'disruptive' correct). Brady. I like you.

Now who could possibly stay angry with hearts and hand-holding under rainbows?

Glimpses of the Softer Side

I have often said that as close brothers, Brady and Parker are both the best of friends and the worst of enemies. For the most part they play together really well (and for that I am truly grateful!)

Many times their games and imaginative play just happen around the house without me taking much notice. Yet their play the other day simply made me smile.

They created a slumber party for all their loveys - every stuffed shark, dog, snake and bear! Each lovey had a place to sleep, complete with blankets and pillows - separated of course by size of the animal (for their own safety, I am told.)

Most of the boys' play is rough and tumble in nature - bouncing, throwing, hitting, running, jumping, wrestling, falling. As a mom of two boys it's nice to know that I have instilled a softer side in there somewhere as well ... even if I don't see it all that often!

Over the Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge...

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.



The sign on her cage at the Humane Society read: "Black Lab Mix." We didn't plan to get a puppy that day. We were "just going to look." We saw her. We took her out. We played with her. We went to lunch.... We came back and got her that afternoon. Halle was meant to be ours, and though she certainly was NOT a Lab mix (we quickly realized we were duped on that one!), she was in fact a wonderful dog.

She was smart - often too smart. She was protective, though I'm sure she couldn't truly hurt a flea. She was watchful. She was sweet. She never snapped or snipped or barked in anger.


Halle was undoubtedly the "alpha dog" in our house. Jules never quite figured out that she weighed twice as much and could have simply sat on Halle to win dominance. Their roles were set in stone. Halle was the first in, first out, first to eat. Jules happily wagged her tail behind.

When petting Halle she would rest her paws on top of your arm, leg or hand - almost as if saying "Yes, I pretend that you as human are truly the alpha animal, but just so we're clear, it's a game I'm playing, and you really aren't where you think you are on the totem pole." Move your hand on top, and she was quick to correct you with her own.



I wish I had a puppy picture to share, but 13 1/2 years ago we didn't have digital cameras! She was an adorable little fuzzball. Even more than a picture I wish I had video of her puppy "butt-tucking" days. When she was a puppy she would race around our house on Tanglewood with such speed that we had to pull our feet up onto the couch and just laugh. She looked like a black streak shooting through the room!

Halle Girl was our family's original runner - well before Bill got the bug, Halle had it. Open the door just a crack, and she was through it. Blink and she was five houses up, out of reach and exploring the world. In the earlier years I would freak out, get in the car and go searching for her. Then I realized that just as consistently as she ran, she always came home. Her sense of direction was impeccable (though we often worried that if Jules followed, Jules might get lost at sea!)


Halle loved to run. She needed to run. One hot summer day she came home limping when she ran on the streets and burned the soles of her paws. It didn't stop her. Next time the door opened a crack, she was through it.

I remember a day when Brady was a toddler, and Halle lie sleeping on the floor. Brady waddled over and fell on top of her back, startling her awake. Her dog instinct had her whip her head around, ready to protect herself. In a flash she saw Brady's little face, zipped her mouth, lowered her head and submitted to his weight. I knew at that instant that she would love my boys as I do, protect them best she could and herd them when necessary.

We would often joke that Halle was mine and Jules was Bill's ... though we adopted them together and they both held our hearts. Halle slept next to me. She followed me endlessly around the house. Her eyes seemed to always be on me.


Today I miss her presence in every room and beside my bed. I know she runs in the grasses and delights in the hills on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Maybe she even has the vigor again to butt-tuck through the meadows, delighting God as she did Bill and me so long ago.


We love you sweet Halle Bear, and we'll see you again one day. Until then, may the meadows always stretch open wide for you.

Birthday Bash ~ Back to the Blog!

After a LONG hiatus from the blog, I have humbly come home. There are hundreds of pictures and many events to share, but I will start with a wonderful birthday wish to my 7 year old guy!!

Brady's 7th birthday once again fell on Labor Day weekend, enabling us to celebrate with all sorts of fun activities!! Friday we headed to the Atlanta Zoo to see the baby giraffe (6' tall when born!), the new Malaysian Bear and of course the "WORLD OF REPTILES"!!! And no trip to the zoo would be complete without a train ride and some rock climbing!

Saturday morning we laced up our tennies and went running to the US 10k Classic for the boys to compete in the annual 1/2K race! Racing in different age groups, Mommy ran with Parker and Daddy ran with Brady.

While it might have been Brady's big day, Parker placed 5th in boys in his age group and brought home a real race medal!

And to top it all off, Grandy came to cheer us on!

After refreshing with some Gatorade and a Popsicle, it was time to change out of race gear and into our navy and gold!

Thanks to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Steve, we were able to celebrate Brady's birthday at the GA Tech Opening Day Game against SC State... and did I mention we whooped 'em? :-)

After the game Nana and Grandy came over for a drink and some gift-giving - and much to Brady's delight he received the forever-coveted Nintendo DS! While Mommy has said 'no' to this moment for several years, Daddy (and Brady) finally convinced me that my baby was no longer a baby. He was a very psyched kid!

For Brady's special birthday dinner we surprised him with a visit to The Burger Club, a yummy new-to-us restaurant in Vinings that serves fantastic burgers, sandwiches, fries ... and beer and wine (I called to make sure!) Among the 6 of us I'm sure we ate thousands of calories and hundreds of grams of fat ... but it was worth every greasy bite!

And then - just to make sure we can no longer wear our skinny jeans - we headed back home for a little cake and some singing!

Labor Day will find us at Six Flags Whitewater Park, where we will enjoy a day of water slides, wave pools and a final summer hurrah!

Looking at my big guy I find it hard to believe that he is really seven years old - something about 'seven' sounds so old to me! His body has lost that 'little boy' shape. His face and eyes are that of a true 'big kid.' His academic abilities have exploded. His reasoning, understanding, empathy and other fabulous social characteristics are clearly maturing and developing.

My mother has always said that "a loved child has many names." Well, Brady sure fits the bill! 'Niblet' before he was born. 'Squiggle' as a little kid. 'Squirt' as an older kid. And I can only imagine what the nickname will be in another few years!

He is an amazing kid - who brings so much joy and goofiness and laughter and cheer to our world. Bill and I are thankful every day for him .. and especially thankful for his miraculous life every September 4th!

What happens at the end of the dock, stays at the end of the dock...

The dock on our beach up in MN that is quite long (roughly 200 feet according to the Google Map distances). We have all the boats stashed in hoists at the end of it to get them as far out into the "deep" as possible, making it easy to get them in and out. The yellow line below shows the dock and the hoists clustered at the end of the dock.


However, the water at the end of the doc is not deep. It is shallow. You can see in the fancy Google shot that the water drop off, in dark blue on the right, quickly moves away from shore right at our property highlighted in red. (Note that the white dot out by the drop off in the red box is our floating raft that is frequented by children and seagulls alike.) The drop off, as we call it, is where the depth transitions to about 6-8 feet and the seaweed starts to grow. This is where it is safe to dive in and for boats to take off fast when you yell "hit it!"

For the boating enthusiast, this is a pain in the a$$. People can't get onto the boat until it's pulled off the hoist and putted around to the side of the dock with 1/2 the motor sticking up out of the water while it digs in the sand, or we just walk it over with the motor off. Repeat to bring the boat back in. This is especially painful getting Nana/Grand Nana on/off the pontoon on any given night. Sometimes the water is so shallow that we literally have 4 people lift each edge of the hoist and drag it out into deeper water. Then, when someone wants to ride on the boat, they need to walk through the water to the boat on the hoist some 100 feet out in the water. They may/not be able to drive back to the dock to pick up people who want to take a ride.

For the swimming enthusiast, however, having shallow water at the end of the dock is awesome. It allows kids of all ages play and jump around in the water without worry or concern.

At an early age, we were able to loose the kids from their life preservers at the end of the doc b/c, if they could stand up, then they could "swim". This freedom helped them build comfort in the water quickly and gave them the confindence to do more. They swim under the doc and play commando or super spies. They can run off the doc and jump in (feet first of course). It's been a source of great joy for the kids, and the parents who are "forced" to watch their kids using their creative minds and having great fun.

Remember Brady's singing? That was right there at the steps down into the water at the end of the dock, too.

Anything and everything can happen at the end of the dock. And back in my day, it did... but that's another story that we won't be blogging about. ;-)

Keep trying Squirt!!!

It's a right of passage for kids who grow up summering at the lake. It is scary, and often dreaded. However, once you get it, you have opened the door to an exciting and exhilerating experience few get to enjoy in their lives.

Brady (or Squirt as he has asked to be called), is very close to getting up on two skis. Not the fancy Airhead "easy ski trainer" that we bought and took to the lake for just that purpose. He's almost getting up and skiing on 2 real skis. Here's the Airhead. Looks easy, right?

Learning to ski is hard. You have to sit in the water with these 2 long very boyant things attached to your feet by a little bit of rubber. You need to keep those bouys under your body, facing up and down until the boat pulls you out of the water. The waves make it difficult to keep those skis under control while you prepare to get up. A ski, and leg, will go this way, or that way. You'll fall on your side before you know it, submerging your head in the water. And that's before you get the rope from the boat. As is customary, there's always someone willing to help the young upstart in the water to help keep everything together for you.

Then, once you have the rope, you let the boat tug you very slowly so that you can feel the pressure against the skis and build some confidence that you can do this. Then you yell... "hit it!" and...

You could fall for any of a number of reasons. The boat goes too fast and pulls you forward and out of your skis. Maybe you have your skis underneath you, but too far and you end up with a little too much water entering your bathing suit. If your skis start to plane out, maybe you lean to one side or the other and fall to the side. Or maybe, just maybe, you can get up on the skis, but forget to stand up. Success is hard, and that makes the process difficult for a kid who could easily just hop around at the end of the dock with Aunt Patty (but that's another story).

Now, it takes a good many tries to get up and feel comfortable. This was Brady's, I mean Squirt's, 12th try. He's almost got it!!!

The team up there, Aunt Patty, Amy, Mom/Dad, and the rest of the crew have agreed/decided Brady needs to try 6 times a day. If he is able to stay up on 2 skis, and then cross the wake 2 times, and some other criteria, then Brady will be the "youngest kid to ski" in Pansing/Plummer history. His helpful great Aunt Patty, his father, and a couple others are log jammed at 7 years old.

Regardless, if they keep trying, he will get up and then everything will change. Once you are up on skis, it feels like you are going 1,000,000 miles an hour, or as fast as the boat can go. The wind is pushing against you, and the fun starts. Go hop the wake. See if you can cut really hard and jump the whole thing. If you slalom, or ski on one ski, see how hard you can cut. See how parallel to the water you can make your body. See how fast you can shoot across the wake without tumbling out of the ski at 60 mph on your head, hip, shoulder, or anything else that happens to hit the water. You get to go fast, and that experience for a little boy or girl is a game changer.

Growing up in Minnesota during the summers, the 3 Plummer and 2 Pansing boys (each 1 year younger or older than the last) would spend hours and hours skiing every day. We would take off first thing in the morning (maybe between 10-1PM), and we would only come home when we needed more gas for the boat, for our bodies, or to pick up the next implement of speed and thrillseeking. There were always new tubes, kneeboards, and other boating gimmics, but skiing was the staple. You went faster, could jump things, and could ski all over the lake; and we did. When we were young, you literally could ski for 30 minutes without thinking about it. Now, the driver and other anxious/excited skiers wouldn't let that happen, but it could go on forever. For perspective, I can now ski for about 5 minutes before my body gives up and rebels. This leads to letting go of the rope (a good outcome) or an ass-over-tin-cups fall that I will feel for months.

Anyway, keep it up Squirt! One day you'll be rockin' the turns and spraying the pontoon boat with a rooster tail making your mom and dad very angry, and proud, just like I did. You can do it!!

The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat...

Every Wednesday at 2PM in Nisswa, Minnesota, a great adventure takes place. What is it, you may ask. It is a race that defies speed, grace and common sense. It's the infamous turtle race!

Now, if you have been breeding your own speedy terrapins, you can byot. Most people, however, race turtles provided by the event. They go in heats of 10-15 and cycle through 20 or so in about an hour. If you win your heat, you go to the winners rounds, and so on and so forth. It's usually very hot, and somewhat slow, if you know what I mean.

So, there's an announcer with a microphone who calls each round, keeps the peace, and officially announces the winner. Of course, Brady couldn't let this opportunity slip through his hands. He had to help out. He needs to work on a catch phrase, like "let's get ready to turtlllllllllleeeee" or something like that.

Well, this year, Avary won a heat!! That's always fun for everyone to rally around the winner and cheer for their turtle. You can see the winning speedster below.

Because this is such a crucial component of many people's lives up in Nisswa, it often times crushes the hearts of those who lose, rendering them incapable of moving on in their lives.

Well now, all was not lost. Avary let Parker hold here ribbon and all was forgotten. Way to go Avary!!!

Pansing's night out...

They never knew what was coming... You get a call for a reservation for 12 - 20 people... You think you have heard of that name before... Hmmmmm.... why does that name sound familiar.....

You accept the reservation and the next thing you know, the flower arrangements are being re-arranged, you have been told 12 different ways to do your job, and this happens. You can't take that Pansing/Plummer/Brooks clan anywhere!!!!

Hello ladies!!!

Watch out Justin Beiber, here come 'Da Boyz!!!

(This post is sponsored by Daddy!)
Hot on the tail of their world-wide smash hit, "Pull my Finger" with a cameo by Usher, Brady and Parker are back! Even though they are on hiatus in Minnesota, you just can't stop them from being creative, even while swimming in the lake. So here's a leak of their upcoming projects.

"Ants in ma pants"


"I'm breakin' ma nose" - special cameo by Mommy with some good advice!


"The germ dance"

Yeah for Patty Pansing Brooks, and, uh, Jay and Karen Young!!!

(This post is sponsored by Daddy!)
Well, it happens every year. A boat dies with no warning. The gas is checked, the engine is started over and over again, but to no avail. Then, the question is, who do I know who can come save me.

This time, it happened on the way to the July 4th parade of boats. Everyone in the cabin was on the pontoon boat, so there was nobody to call back home. So, Patty called our long time friends, Jay and Karen Young, down at the Cheque-mates (4 docks down from us) to come salvage the boat.

Now, you may think that stopping what you were doing, getting in a boat, heading out into the water and towing the Pansing/Plummer clan back to dry land would be enough to ask of anyone. However, the pontoon was so festively decorated, and everyone aboard wanted to get their parade on, so Patty asked Jay and Karen to tow them for the whole parade route. Mind you, the parade was long over. Only PPB could get away with that!

Everyone had a great time and were able to enjoy all the efforts to decorate the pontoon boat.

On a side note, I was on the phone with Amy when the boat conked out, and I told Brady he was going to have to swim home and pull the boat in. He said, "No way Daddy, I don't have my suit on. So Loel, Jay, or Avary will need to do that. They have there bathing suits on." Now, that argument may hold water if you are not found swimming around in your underwear later that afternoon pretending to be Avatar. So, Brady, next time, that excuse may not work!

Another great story in the history of the Minnesota cabin.

They made it!!!!

(This post is sponsored by Daddy!)
Well, after 2 days, 1200 miles, and 1.5 hours of stop/go traffic in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Amy, the boys, and Nana made it to the lake last night. Life is good!

Preparation

Two weeks to go, and the boys are getting ready.

While riding behind Bill on the grass probably isn't the same as riding behind the whaler on water, they are busy practicing nonetheless.

Brady jumps in first:

Parker's turn:

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to FLA to we go!

How much fun did we have on our "celebrate the end of school!" trip to Grandma and Grandpa's in Florida?

Enough that even the local frogs wanted to join in on the good times! This little guy was hanging out on the front door ... I'm guessing he was hoping to hitch a ride to Typhoon Lagoon.

First day in, we headed to the beach. Mom and Dad had heard that there was a great beach over in the Tampa-St. Pete area, so rather than heading east toward Coco, we chose to go west to Fort Desoto State Park. It was stunning. The sand was white, fine and plentiful. The water was warm, clear and calm. While the calm waters meant the three boys (ages 4, 6 and 63!) were a little bummed about not being able to body-surf, everyone played and had fun in the sun.

The beach had a wonderful little snack bar and great restrooms -perfect when the dark clouds rolled in and rain threatened. We retreated for some ice cream while the clouds passed and then headed back to the waters for a few more hours. Fort Desoto definitely gets a star in our tour book!

While Brady decorated a sand castle, Ninja Parker demonstrated some fierce moves... and Daddy posted some shared shots in the previous blog post (in case ya missed them!)

After relaxing in the calm waters we decided it was time to kick up the pace, so we headed to Typhoon Lagoon, one of Disney's two water parks. It was AMAZING FUN! Typhoon Lagoon's feature attraction is a huge wave-pool that creates a 6' tidal wave every 90 seconds. The power and force of the water is incredible.

While most of the younger set keep to the shallow edges or the kiddie sections (apparently there is a kiddie area that we never even visited!), three guesses where Brady and Parker headed? Right into the deep waters! Grandpa and I had to laugh when we looked around and saw we were surrounded by big kids and adults - not a lot of 4 and 6 year olds!

I wish I could have captured the wave on video. The speed and distance Parker could fly was stunning (and of course a little unnerving for Mommy.) We would start off side-by-side, the wave would crash over us and we'd find ourselves tumbling in the waters. My immediate reaction each and every time was to pop up as fast as possible and count heads. This would have been an easier task if those heads had landed near me. Brady would be a little further down the wave, but still easy to spot. Parker, however, would be half way to the parking lot, each time popping up with the biggest smile and rushing back to the deep waters to "get set" for the next one!

The other huge hit at Typhoon Lagoon were the Storm Slides, a set of three 300' body slides that twist and turn and dump you out at the bottom. While Parker, Grandpa and I sampled them all (over and over thanks to the nonexistant crowd), Brady quickly chose a favorite - the Stern Burner. This slide was the only one that had a completely dark section to the tunnel and twisted in what felt like a full corkscrew. The most exhausting part of thede great rides is the huge trip up the stairs you must endure each time! We certainly got our workout for the day.

One more note of praise for my big guy. There are two tube rides that require you to cary your tube up the winding stairs to the top. We enjoyed these rides multiple times, with Brady carrying his own tube! It was bigger than he and definitely not lightweight, but he did it multiple times... proud mama on that one!

Now, lest you think (after reading his recent post) that Bill misses out on all the summer fun, we enjoyed a wonderful guest on this trip! Daddy arrived on Thursday night and played golf three mornings and played in the sun (and rain) with the boys in the afternoons. We took what has become our regular jaunt to Downtown Disney to enjoy dinner at the T-Rex Cafe and hit the ever-popular LegoWorld Store!

The Lego purchases certainly came in handy the following day when the skies opened up and we were housebound for the afternoon and evening!

Once again, we had a wonderful week filled with many smiles and happy memories. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!

Summer's here... say goodbye to the family!!!

This post is brought to you by Daddy.

As you can see from the last post, school's out and another summer has begun. That means my summer-long mid-life bachelorhood begins. Summer is a time for Amy and the kids to go from 1 place to another while I stay home and take care of the dogs... and, oh yeah, keep the cash flow going. ;-)

Now, to those of you reading this who are thinking, "wow, I would love to have the house all to myself" or "I could get so much stuff done. I could do x, y, and z", think again. It is good for a couple days here and there, but there are benefits to having the family around!

Luckily, the purchase of the iPhone is working out for me to. Amy's capturing fun moments and sending them to me off and on. Keep 'em coming honey!

Below are some clips from their day trip to the beach while in Orlando for the week. It looks like the kids are having fun, which is what it's all about. Love you guys!

Movin' On Up ... to the Blue Room and the 3rd Floor

Today was the last day of the 2009-2010 school year at St. Benedict's Episcoal Day School and Preschool. This closing day marks the end of an amazing beginning.

Last August Brady and Parker entered St. B's as students for the first time - Parker to a trailer; Brady to a cramped, shared classroom. I think we were all a bit nervous, unsure of what lie ahead, yet excited about the new beginnings St. B's had to offer.

Here was a brand new school, taking a huge leap into the world of elementary education, and we leapt right along with it. The school was bred from a shared vision that education could - and should - be a community effort that strives to nurture and grow the whole child: mind, body and spirit.

The year has seen many challenges, and as has jokingly become an unofficial St. B's motto, we have often had to 'go to plan B.' We have faced these tests of the pioneer spirit with conviction, commitment and renewed belief in our community and school.

I believe there isn't a single child at St. B's that doesn't feel seen, heard and loved - not only by his/her teacher, but by the team of enthusiastic professionals, parents and volunteers that circle the school daily. The smiles and welcomes that greet every child, every day during carpool, in the lunch line and in the hallways still amaze me.

Brady and Parker have each made huge leaps in growth this year.

For months Parker didn't talk in school. He made friends slowly, and he never spoke during class or offered answers. I worried. I fretted. I had to let him find his own way. And he did. Now a day doesn't go by that he doesn't scream out the car window at his buddies during carpool. When I pick him up from after-school care, he often runs the other way, begging me "can I stay just a little bit longer?"

Parker is still a quiet kid, and most likely he won't ever be the one pushing to get to the front of the line, but he's confident, he's secure, and he's happy. I can't ask for more than that.

Brady had a separate set of challenges this year. His nature is such that he IS the kid rushing to the front, speaking out of turn, answering for others. Brady has had to learn to hold back, and to allow space and time for others. While we had several false-starts on this front, working together and as a team, Ms. Brackin (above) and the teachers of St. B's presented a program that worked for him. It was positive. It was reassuring, and it celebrated his contrubutions, while helping him to offer them appropriately.

Hopefully we'll be able to pick up where we left off in the fall with this great behavior! Maybe we'll make him walk around with star stickers all summer in his bathing suit. I wonder if they make waterproof stickers .... it's a thought!

On August 9th Brady moves up to 1st grade, located on the "big kid" 3rd floor, and Parker moves across the hall to a "big kid" Blue Room reserved for Pre-K.

They are both ready for summer ... but I have no doubt that they will also be ready for the new experiences, lessons, and joys that next year will bring.

During a closing assembly today the children had a chance to sing and perform one more time this year before a very proud audience of parents. And in a 'thank you' speech by our wonderful Parents Association President we were reminded of a comment that Father Lang Lowrey said to us parents early last year. He looked around the room and said some of your most precious and longest-lasting friendships will evolve through your childrens' school. At that time I knew some of the parents at St. B's - not all that many and not all that well.

Today, my cup runneth over. Many of the parents in this community - both moms and dads - have become battle-buddies, steadfast in our shared endeavor. I thank each of them - and you know who you are - for your loyalty, your laughter (sometimes through tears), your hugs and your friendship. And while we are all ready for a little R&R this summer, I look forward with an eager heart toward the wonderful achievements we will undoubtedly tackle together next year.

This afternoon as we waved "see ya soon" to so many fantastic friends, and as we embark on our various summer adventures, I left a large piece of my heart, both peaceful and patient, beneath the shade of an old Oak Tree.

Let's go fly a kite!

With tuppence for paper and string
You can have your own set of wings.
With your feet on the ground
You're a bird in flight;
With your fist holding tight
To the string on your kite!

Let's go fly a kite,

Up to the highest height!

Let's go fly a kite,
And send it soaring!

Up through the atmosphere,
Up where the air is clear.
Oh, let's go fly a kite!
Let's go fly a kite! ... And throw some Air Hogs!

We recently had a great afternoon flying kites and throwing Air Hogs out at the Campbell Middle School field. The boys ran until they couldn't run any further... making for a peaceful afternoon at home afterward!

Sorry for all the videos, but it was pretty cute to watch!

First Parker:

Then Brady:

Lastly, my mischievous husband! ;-)