The One With Bri's Last Spotlight

One of the annual traditions at Highlands School is that the students in each grade present a monthly spotlight at the Friday meeting. The idea is to have a class or grade make a presentation, performance, or play to the others that is related to a theme or event for the month.

Bri has put on five of these in the past, and I have had the chance to see most. I can still remember her speaking in kindergarten in a voice only a ghost could hear. However, these days her voice is much more boisterous.

It was hard to believe, but the last of these spotlights occurred today. In a bittersweet moment, her grade presented a series of speeches, poems, and reflections about Memorial Day (which is this Monday).

As I watched her classmates, many of whom I got to know, take spotlight stage for the last time, it was remarkable, wonderful, and sad (in a good way) to see how far they have come. It truly was amazing.

I looked there one last time and made a memory. Bri has grown up a lot. She has more poise. She is more confident....even if she spoke with a thin whisper one last time today.

What wonderful memories. That you, Bri, for all of the spotlights!

The One With The Royal Wedding

May 19, 2018. Today was the day of the Royal Wedding, where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle.

Now, if you had told me that I would have got up to watch it early on TV, I might have thought you were crazy. After all, there were a trillion TMZ style channels showing clips of the wedding. Why wake up early.

Yet, because of Emmie's sleepless night and the sudden smell of shortbread permeating the air in the morning, I knew all at once that she was eager to watch it....and I did, too. In fact, we made it a family affair.

It is not the first time these Royal Weddings have been a family affair. Back when Prince William Married Kate Middleton Bri, Kiff, Emmie, and Mom 2 watched early in the morning. In fact, they were up when I left. And, back in 1981, I remember being at the Cape when my mom and dad were watching....so deep down, there was a reason I felt like watching.

And I am glad I did. I actually made wonderful memories today.

The One With Mother's Day Weekend

It is here. The single most important day of any family Mother's Day Weekend.

After all, without mothers, there would be no family.

For us, this entails a variety of things. First, we have to contend with sports this weekend. Bri had a softball game Friday and Kiff has a football (flag variety) game Sunday, on Mother's Day.

Then, we had to deal with the fact we have recital practice. Always fun, but definitely digs into the time.

Once those are done, we have to visit Moms....always fun. We checked in with my mother earlier tonight. It was a hoot. And we will see Emmie's mother tomorrow at brunch, which is also fun.

It is a wonderful weekend...but VERY busy.

HERE's WISHING A MOMS A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

The One Where Bri turns 11

It is hard to believe, but we celebrated Bri's birthday today.

It is hard to believe that 11 years have passed to quick.

But it is amazing and we are so lucky to have her.

She wanted to go out to breakfast and supper today....and it was magnificent! We had a late breakfast at Brothers and an early supper at Red's Tavern.

It was a great birthday!