. . . Aaaaaand, we're back!

Sorry for the long delay but apparently our blog took a summer vacation as well. However, we are back in the swing of September and missing the days of ice cream trucks and fireflies. I'm not sure if you've done the math lately but we are in the presence of a Kingergartner (you can tell by the look of fear on her face; ironically, her sign reads, "My First Day of Kindergarten. Yay."). I'm still in shock myself but Annie seems to be taking it in stride. She fit right in to her school, only once hesitating as I waved goodbye to her at the playground, at which time she raced back and whispered to me, "I don't know what to do." Luckily the heavy hand of "the bell" made itself heard and off she went to her classroom and hasn't looked back since. 

To sum up the end of the summer: We had visitors Beverly and Al whose rental allowed us to spend more time on Smith Mountain Lake (and LOVE every minute of it). Then we headed up to Connecticut for our annual pilgrimage to the Bridgewater Country Fair. I was Oscar's age when I started going, maybe younger (my memory fails given that I probably couldn't talk then). We made a pit stop on the way up north (and on our return home) at the home of Jay's sister Jennifer, the cousins Luke and Colin, and Uncle Jon. We love that we're so much closer to them now, especially since Annie and Colin are only 8 or so months apart. Even though the distance between our houses is shorter, ever since the road trip when we get on a highway, Oscar always says, "When we get on the highway for a long time, we go to Aunt Jennifer's." True that.

Oscar, too, has started his new school—three mornings a week—this year. His teacher, Mrs. Kelly, touts how easy going he is and how he just goes with the flow. I wish he would share some of that with us. Not two days in to the school year he comes down with a horrible stomach bug that put him out a full week. Welcome back. Now with Annie in school full time, however, I have to say I've really enjoyed my one-on-one time with him these past two weeks. I haven't had that since he was an infant. It's great to see what he's like as his own little person. He's got quite the personality. He's a helper. Loves to watch what you're doing (he drags over his step stool, and today, even brought it down to the basement to observe me ironing—oh, the wonder!), and insert himself in whatever way he can (even if you wish he didn't). I just started him in gymnastics, which is basically the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life. The first day, he ignored instructions to return to the top of the mat to practice his somersaults and instead ran up a foam ramp which ended about 3 feet off the ground and just kept going—even though there was nothing but hardwood floor after it. It was like watching a bird take flight. A blind bird. With no wings. 

Yes, they keep us all laughing (as exhibited in the video above; I call it "Pumpkins" followed by "Santa should move."). Quite the performers. Annie participated in the annual naming of the classes this year at her school, where each class comes up with a name for themselves based on the year's theme (this year's being "Making ripples, Creating waves") and acts out a skit to get the rest of the school to guess what it is. She was the cutest surfing penguin I ever did see. OK, the only surfing penguin, but still. They sang "Everybody's gone surfing... Surfing USA." She made us feel just like we were at the beach yet in the arctic at the same time. That's talent.

Now that we're back in our school routine, I hope to be more consistent with the blog updates. I know somewhere in the heavens, I'm being graded.

Summer on the Lake 2012

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Lake effect

Annie and Joanna look for land.

Oscar navigates us to safety—sharp right!

One of the good things about moving to a valley: man-made lakes! My parents and sister's family retreated from the grueling pace of western Connecticut and coastal Georgia and converged on Smith Mountain Lake, only 45 minutes from Roanoke. Oscar and Annie were delighted to spend time with their aunt and cousins from the south and to be appreciated (read=spoiled) by Nana and Granbob. We also played host to their dog Kaiser for a few nights. Annie and Oscar were delighted and took his walks very seriously, making sure each got equal possession of the leash. Mason the cat, however, had other opinions regarding his stay, the details of which I am obliged by law not to discuss. Lawyers can be so difficult. We pray for an amicable settlement. Back at the lake, we got to take a ride on a boat, fish with a homemade net (plastic netting salvaged from a bag of lemons attached to a stick... I don't know why it didn't work either!) and celebrate the twins' foray into double digits. I remember that tenth year fondly as it was the time when I was finally allowed to get pierced ears. I had never been so happy to have metal shot through my skin as on that day.

The celebration of Ben and Riley turning 10 (observed). Oscar is lifted by the happy spirits and the insanely large helium Mylar balloon.

But, back to the kids... Other summer activities have included our membership at a local pool club from which Annie and Oscar have enjoyed many an hour in the water and many a Popsicle from the snack bar. And between my workout schedule (aka "justifiable me time") and their camps, the caregivers at the Y now shout out Oscar's name whenever he comes into a room (think "Norm!" from Cheers). Jay and I also continue our house hunt, which I'm confident will be completed by the time the kids are in college (fingers crossed). Most recently, Jay celebrated his 37th birthday with coconut cream pie and balloons (much to the cats enjoyment—floating strings!). Thus, as you can imagine, we've been pretty busy. 

In a few weeks, our infamous surrogate grandparents, Beverly and Al will be visiting, also drawn to a house rental on Smith Mountain Lake (a gal could get used to this). So, while I'm applying sunblock and choosing which floatation device has the best neck support and most cup holders, just rest assured, I'll be thinking of all the things I should be doing (lest I become too complacent). Happy summer, all!