Butterflies

Things sure have been busy over in our neck of the woods.  We've been spending almost every spare moment helping my parents get things in order for our wedding.  It will be here in two more months and I know they are just going to fly by!

Yesterday I drove to Sacramento to pick Brett up from the airport.  Usually the trips to drop him off are full of anxiety for me.  It seems like I'm always worried about getting through traffic and to the airport on time along with squeezing in every last second I can with him.  It just makes me feel all jumbled inside.  But yesterday he flew home and will be here for less than a week.  On my way to the airport I was thinking of all the many things that will be happening  in our lives in the near future.  I wasn't feeling my typical stressed out self, but more anxious for the good things that are about to happen.  I wasn't worried about traffic  I was just totally focused on enjoying the songs on the radio. 

Today was my 28th birthday.  I can't believe another year has gone by.  Isn't it amazing how much can change in our lives in a year?  I took some time today, while checking on my pumpkins at my parents house, and thought about where I was one year ago.   This past year was definitely a trying time for me.  Being laid off from teaching for three months was one of my lowest points.  It totally turned my routine upside down, and left me feeling incredibly lost.  But, the low times have definitely been outweighed by better, much better memories.   My family has been so blessed this year with so many good changes like the birth of baby Olivia Grace, getting back to work, and starting new traditions.  I wouldn't have wanted things to work out any other way. 

Tomorrow is the first day of school for my 5th year teaching.  Back in 6th grade again, but a new school site.  It is funny how the first day of school is so nerve wracking for everyone.  Sometimes I think I'm more nervous than many of the students.  I have all these expectations in my students and in myself.  Feelings like finally this year my class will be perfectly behaved, I will perfectly please all parents and be the most perfect teacher there ever was in 6th grade.  Anxious again.  A good anxious, but still the feeling of the unknown.  You know the one when you have butterflies dancing in your stomach...it is a good feeling. 
With all the things happening in the next few months I don't think these butterflies will relax for a while. 

A Tahoe 4th!

This year we all, everyone but Brett, headed up the mountain for the 4th.  Weather forecasters were calling for multiple days of triple digit heat down in the valley, so the cool mountain air was of much relief.  We spent one entire day basking in the sun at Kiva Beach, chosen for its dog friendliness.  We lugged three kids, two dogs, ice chests, chairs and other beach equipment from the small parking lot down to the wide beach.  We scouted out the surroundings and settled in to the perfect location. 

Ben and the kids kept busy building sand castles and taking quick dips in the cool mountain water.  Lauren loved playing in the shallow areas along the beach and Lucca had fun running back and forth from the lapping water, to the mess of blankets and towels. 

Tina, who is very timid around the water, enjoyed laying under the shade of our beach umbrella and watching all the other doggies that passed by.  My dad and Allie even took a walk trying to find some tennis balls, Tina's favorite to play with.  They returned from the general store at Camp Richardson with three hacky sack balls.  Finally I felt relaxed enough to let Tina off her leash to pay with a ball.  She had fun, but always made sure to keep plenty of distance from the water. 

Mimi, who is much braver than Tina, took a few short trips into the water.  She'll swim, but I'm not sure if she completely enjoys it.  I think she had more fun barking at the passing dogs from her beach blanket. 

On the 4th, we headed over to the Donald's cabin for a BBQ and some cornhole.  After playing cornhole at a friends birthday party a few years ago, we have been totally hooked on the outdoor game.  Ben brought his homemade cornhole boards and corn bags Heather made.  We all enjoyed playing together.  The parents had a good game that was pretty competitive.  Donna finally scored the winning three points with her "holer". 

Claire, Lucca, Lauren and Olivia were all decked out in their red, white and blue attire.  They were all so adorable.  They paraded around the backyard with their "whirligigs" just being kids. 

As the sun was setting, and the mosquitoes were having us for dinner, we called it a night to head back to the cabin we were staying.  On the drive home we could see the South Shore Fireworks over the lake.  It was an all American day! 

Next update will include my cousin Jeff's homecoming BBQ and updates of our backyard garden.