To foster in-person friendships we hosted a twice-weekly DnD session all summer. Every Tuesday morning and Friday afternoon Sam’s friends were invited to come play for a few hours. It was a total hit. We never had fewer than 2 friends visit (and in that case they played Smash Bros or went to a park) and often had 5 or 6 players.
We had a lot of events this summer, especially for health. To kick off the season, Jack had his wisdom teeth removed. He managed the surgery and recovered quickly!
Next Dad had an episode of chest pain and had a stent placed. We’re so grateful that he recognized the heart attack and was able to get treatment quickly. That same week Andy was in a terrible car crash. He broke many bones and had a concussion. He is still working hard toward recovery from strength and neuro symptoms.
Summer ended with some good news - I don’t have cancer! Since November I’ve been getting repeat mammograms for changing microcalcifications. This week I had a biopsy that confirmed the spot is benign. It’s a relief to know with certainty and recovery hasn’t been difficult - just a week off of dance and work along with Tylenol and ice.
Sam started 8th grade yesterday. He said he had a great day! He forgot his school ID and didn’t want to wait in the long “no ID” line, so he mooched food off his generous friends. 😂 Otherwise a smooth day with lots of friends and good teachers.
Jack left for his first day as a high school junior this morning. 11th grade! Wow! He’s got his new jeans and sneaks, and asked “am I blinged out enough?” 😂 Hopefully he has a good day too. He’s already hard at work on his audition monologue for the fall play.
Thursday was the last day of school AND Jack's birthday! He got to sleep in, then walked to school for his last final, which was a titration lab for chemistry. Not too stressful, and he got to work a few of his friends. Then I drove him and his girlfriend to their lunch date at Red Robin.
When Sam got home from his last day of seventh grade we gathered for present opening! Later we walked down to Asuka for dinner. We did the song and candles for cake, then I took Jack to Charlie's house for his annual "book burning" end of school celebration. What a fun day!
Friday I took Jack to the mall to get some new clothes. He found some loose-fit pants that he likes, and some shirts from Macy's. They had a great jacket that he fell in love with, but we had to place an order a size-up. Later Friday night Jack had Mason, Jaimey, and Henry come over for Chipotle and MarioKart. What a great way to end his sophomore year!
Happy 16th Birthday, Jack!!
This week the middle school performed You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. I attended the matinee for elementary students and the closing show on Saturday. There were difficulties with the high school reneging on letting us use their auditorium, which caused a lot of stress and radical changes by the directors. Despite all that the kids did a great job and the show was well-received!
My folks came out to see the show and we also celebrated Mother's Day. We visited Giambrocco's Saturday morning and got a lovely selection of baby plants! I got two new agastaches and a russian sage, and some fruits and veggie starters. We tried a new Italian restaurant and picnicked at the Arvada Center. It was funny to see the kids still excited about climbing the dragon sculpture. Then we went to the musical and gabbed at Amanda's house over take-out. This morning I made brunch and we exchanged gifts. The boys bought me gorgeous roses and Jack gave me a handmade card. Ben found some great leg massagers for treat my sore muscles after nursing shifts. He also made a delectable steak dinner.
The school district generously declared a snow day on this late May 6. We got a wet, heavy storm. Most of our trees lost limbs, the Ash severely so. I baked frozen croissants for breakfast. I had a massage therapy appointment (oof, my hips are so tight!). The boys enjoyed a lazy day at home with video games and lots of snacking. We got notice that Jack's final concert of the year would proceed as planned. He performed wonderfully, as usual!
Jack debuted as an actor this week in the senior-directed one act play "Our Place." He had a lot of fun in this new theatrical setting - learning lines, taking direction, costumes fitting, make-up, everything! He did a great job and had a lot of fun with the process.
