The One With the Last Full Week of School

Ah, Saturday. The sweet reward of a week well done!

This past week was the last full week of school....and alas, my last full week of 8th grade for now.

As I look back, I realize that it was a bittersweet week. Filled with finals and an 8th grade dance, I realized that 8th grade truly is one of those monumental years in the lives of students.

Ones they will never forget.

And ones I will never forget, too.

I will miss this group of 8th graders and 8th grade overall....it is such an amazing time of year.

It is with a bit of sadness that I bid a fond farewell to my school home for the past three years....of course, I am returning home to 5th grade next year.

The One With The Flag Football Win

Wow, this past Sunday was a big day. Kiff's team played the undefeated team - the 49ers - in flag football. And was it ever a game.

The 49ers are an awesome team, and their coach was Kiff's former coach when he played for a short time three years ago. He is a good coach and their team is well managed.

Kiff's team got off to a solid start by scoring a touchdown on a deep throw, which was great. A few plays later, Kiff was rushing the quarterback and he threw a ball that was intercepted and brought back for a touchdown.

A series later, Kiff did a similar play where the ball was again intercepted. Although it was not a Pick-6, the team again scored. By half, it was 20-0.

The second half was tighter, as the 49ers scored 14 straight points. But, in the end, there was another solid defensive series that ended the game with another interception, sealing the 20-14 win.

What an awesome game to end the regular season. Now, onto the playoffs.

The One With a Hundred Games in One Week

Okay, that was an exaggeration, but this was one busy week.

We essentially had a game or practice just about every day.

Sunday - Kiff had an instant classic flag football day. He had two flags, drew two penalties, and had seven hurries that led to two interceptions.

Monday and Tuesday - Bri and Kiff had rainouts.

Wednesday - Bri had a game. They lost, but she was solid at catcher.

Thursday - Bri and Kiff had a game. Kiff's team beat the Diamonbacks for the first time this year. Kiff helped turn a double play, which is rare in the league.

Friday - Kiff's team had a solid game, winning 8 - 6. Kiff caught.

Saturday - today wrapped up the crazy week with Kiff losing and  Bri's team came from behind to win.

Whooooo! What a week.

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!