Todd was asked to help fight fires from his helicopter for a week. We debated about whether or not he could take the time off to help, but decided it would be worth the sacrifice so he could get a ton of flight hours in now and not have to take so many trips up to Sacramento over the next few months.
Meanwhile, we watched our friends' kids overnight so Chrissy and Gordon could have a getaway to celebrate a birthday. My kids loved having their "California cousins" sleep over. Everyone had a great time playing together. Lots of cars with the little kids, and some wild water ballooning with the bigger ones out front. It was all over too soon, but we finished the fun off with an hour or two at the pool before they went back home.
Luna came back Sunday evening, and Todd was still gone fighting fires. It was a rough week for me, but we tried to fill it up with fun. We went to a couple summer library programs (all about animals from the area, and a dinosaur dig) and spent a day at the Oakland Zoo.
We went to a splash pad with friends, and got root beer floats from A&W one day when they were giving them out for free. We had lots of playdates with friends, started back up with gym class, and even hosted Grammie and Poppa one night when they came out to check on Vlad. I had another stress-induced breakdown, so Todd came home early from fighting fires.
Vlad and Hope picked Luna up at the end of the week and wanted to keep her for a solid week again. They actually had a well-baby check up scheduled for Luna the week after, so they decided to keep her for two weeks instead. I was grateful for the break, and the chance to have the last week of summer and the first week of school alone with my kids.
We filled that last week of summer up with playdates and trips to the pool. I hosted game night and Todd and I had an extravagant date night. One of my favorite musicians, Phillip Phillips, was in concert here in Livermore, so we splurged for tickets, which came with a hoity-toity dinner at the winery beforehand. The menu was totally intimidating, but the food was delicious.
The live music was energizing and the whole night was lots and lots of fun.
We found out who the kids' teachers would be for school this week. Hazel was especially excited to get the teacher she was hoping for, and made her some cool name art. She was inspired by the artists she'd seen making letter art at Six Flags, where she and Todd had spent a day at this same week. (Todd reported that the roller coasters made him totally sick, but that Hazel loved it.)
August 20th our darling, spunky, speedy, sweet Gemmster started kindergarten at last. She has Mrs. Coon and has reported consistently that her days spent in room 27 are "awesome!"
Jack has Miss Bakalar for second grade and so far has really enjoyed it. He's coming out of his shell and having lots of fun with friends, while still being a model student. He especially loves the days we can rollerblade to school.
Hazel is in fourth grade with Mrs. Lockhart. Between the three kids, I can't walk them all to their classroom doors each morning, so Hazel got the boot. We all thought she would be upset about it, because she sure was clingy about our every other day schedule last year, but day one she reported that she feels so grown up kissing me goodbye and walking to her classroom alone. In fact, that first day of school she was on a high, declaring that for the first time in her life, she is able to be free from the oppressive eye of her mother and actually do some things without me breathing down her neck, micromanaging her entire life. Hello, preteen! Ha. Apparently, her teacher told them they are all "grownups in training" and that she was going to treat them like adults in class. They ate it up!
I took advantage of being baby-free and accepted my friends' offer to come to the park to work out after school drop off. It helped me keep my mmd off the time so I wasn't constantly thinking about what Gemma might be doing next.
We had our traditional giant cookies after school, but I forgot to take any pictures this year! With three kids to report, it was a busy afternoon!
I got released from the Primary presidency and put in the Relief Society presidency at church. I was super sad about it. I'm coming to terms now, but it took a few weeks!
Todd built a tetherball post for our kids. I'm telling you, it's party central over here! Tell the man he can't build a tree house for his kids, and he'll really swing the pendulum the other direction, you know!
We drove down to Scotts Valley on August 25th and picked Luna up. It was overwhelming seeing their housing in person. It gave me a renewed drive to care for this little girl the best I can when we have her. All my kids are absolutely in love with her and so, so sweet with her, which I'm grateful for. I can see that this experience has been good for my kids.
