For Kali it seems the summer just blasted by....for me...I feel it did too, but with soccer continuing for her throughout summer...and the many car trips back and forth to friends, parties..get togethers, the movies..the beach..etc. Plus...my house is just the way I left it when I get home....CLEAN and organized lol! We all know the drill. haha.
Registration day. The besties take the walk together...Sophmore year. Are they ready? As Kali told me last night...they have all taken over the Junior area. So funny. Whatever makes them all happy. Academics and Athletics will remain #1.
The Welcome Back Dance was held the weekend we were hosting Kris' bash in Havasu. Kali opted out on his celebration to stay with MacKenzie and attend the dance. It's a big thing to dress all alike...the theme was be your fav hero character. So of course before I left...I was running her to dance stores, and the like...to find everything needed for them to all be "The Incredibles" - I was promised pictures by a friend. Hope I receive to post soon. They looked so cute by the pictures she sent me.
My favorite wall in the school. Somebody...years ago made this collage...with broken tile...it is BEAUTIFUL.....I want to make one of these in our house one day....- Maybe outback by a garden? Maybe inside in an office...I love love love it.
Kali and Tori....15 1/2 and almost 16 for Miss. Tori.....Just last night I was thinking of the days when they'd be in their car seats, and my sister and I would be out and about...and Tori would take her hair bows out...(as soon as they were put in..) and then she'd proceed to take Kali's out. I would have to remind her..."no no Tor Tor...leave those in her hair baby...." haha!
Go Griffins....Especially Lady Griffin Soccer Girls~!
She made it through the first day...after picking through my traditional breakfast...knowing it will be picked over..served while she flat ironed her hair....hovering in and out of her room not doing too much to help...just standing by in case needed....shuffling final papers, and lunch by the door...watching her check that first day outfit in my mirror a few times...she looked adorable. After heading to the door at 7am and requesting my traditional picture, which turned out super blurry because we were rushing out....I was praying for her...that the day before test run of class locations and locker all worked out....as it always does....The new shoes, the cute new bag...the fresh clothes...all ready. Pulling up to the school 15 min. before the other besties did...and we sat. In silence..we sat. I've learned...silence is golden to her when she's nervous. As she exited my car....I watched my 15 year old walk towards the school, realizing all along...this is the last first day of school I will drive her to.
Sigh....
As I left the high school after registration I looked up to see the super pretty tree...and I thought "what I nice welcome tree for the new comers"...the new freshmen...coming in..nervous..scared...
School is in session...with new classes...new teachers...Chemistry books, Geometry books....stacked high on our desk at home...the pressures she will endure. The emotions that will play out this year....the many rollercoasters in life. We will do this. She will do this. Thank you to every one of my followers for being patient through this week....as you read through Kris' Birthday posts' you will see how exhausted and busy I have been since Monday morning...I am so glad Friday is here...I'm especially happy that I haven't major plans this weekend. Just good time fun with friends in the sun....and on the sand....and in the water....Happy Labor Day to all of my friends and families that have and still continue to support your families.
Here's a little quote I recently read:
I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.
By: John D. Rockefeller
Before we started our Kayak races..the closer to the end of Happy Hour seemed....Welllll...somewhat cold, and maybe not worthwhile.....so we started doubting our Kayak races....LOL.(Above is my fav appetizer at this point in my life.....Smoked Salmon aboard a Flax Seed cracker with cream cheese and capers! This picture makes my mouth water just looking at it.....)
As we boarded our little boat to cruise over to Randy and Carmens...I couldn't help but smile at this cute afternoon family outing....these Gondola's are a bit pricey...and they ALWAYS crack me up to see the rowing skipper pushing along against the tide....with a boat full, enjoying their cocktails, or the lovers bound under a blanket...he's got the task...and he works so hard to make this trip special. These folks seemed to really enjoy that BEAUTIFUL afternoon.....They made me smile inside.
Our friends.....
Are we ready?
I gave commands while my rower was blindfolded. We won too! Guess I'm good at bossing around? lol!
I have to say at this point I was a little worried....not so much about us losing, but about our friends dunking or crashing into us! haha! My shirt spells out THUG. haha!!
Bringing in the win......YEAAA!!!!! Notice Randy to the left...nice and peaceful and DRY on his paddleboard.
Russ and Jodi. Our sailing friends that race as a hobby...of course took the rest of the wins...!
Larry and Bill decide to take a round....
Goodtimes.....
Buddies for many years...Randy and Bill
It took something rude to get Randy in this position on his board.
Yea...that longtime friend named Bill?....Rudely snuck behind the peaceful paddleboarder and knocked him off! LOL!
Good laughter for dockside!
Girls...."Go get em!"
Carmen, Jodi, Brenda and Cheryl
This is where you soak after coming out of the cool harbor water....into a 101 temp Jacuzzi....awwww......
An amazing dinner shared by our group. Longtime friends...coming together, breaking bread...toasting to the end of Summer....Thank you Russ for the amazing BBQ'd meats...the salads by Brenda and Vicky were amazing....The always perfect hospitality The Reynolds give. Carmen always makes the atmosphere just cozy and warm enough. Their beautiful place.....The perfect night........growing old together, keeping eachother reminded of what's really important. Bonds. Friendships. Family.
JD, Vicky, Larry and Cheryl.....and of course the other silly's in the background that you can't see too well.....Ohh, that'd be me!
My buddies...Carmen and Brenda. Both share the love for Helping the helpless, homeless and abused animals.......3 Big hearts scrunched together there.....
The wild bunch down yonder......look at that sun kissed sky......
These two lovebirds were celebrating their 3rd Anniversary with us.....Bob and Brenda..Happy Anniversary.....!
And THIS folksssss....is WHAT you get WHEN you mix Cocktails and dessert. I guess you can't seem to find your mouth with your spoon. Is he sotally tober? HAHA!!! Fun afternoon and evening with friends...along the water....with big cheers to the sunset.
