Summertime

A great summer weekend. Nell and Esmé spent Friday night at the Mason's. Zav, Chris and I stayed home. Then met up with Patty and Kevin and had some Ice cream. Then Zaven and I played soccer in the back yard- while using English accents- it was a fun and silly time. Zaven is getting to be so grown up it was fun to have some playtime with him. 

Then Saturday we had a nice long play date with. Hawley and Taylor Anne. We ran some errand and then had a great time at the pool. 

Sunday we had a nice morning at church

And had some playtime in the backyard with Mister

And down at Matthew Whaley

Then Monday we had a very hot swim meet. Everyone swam great Esmé swam freestyle and backstroke again and loved it. 

Then Mia slept over. We went to Baskin for some ice cream 

Two scoops! 

Lots of fun times! 

Swimming and haircuts

A couple of big things this week. 

Esmé swam freestyle 

and back stroke 

in the meet on Monday. She did a great job. Her freestyle she was very deliberate with her strokes but had very good form and swam with her face in the water. Her backstroke was awesome. First time racing in that stoke. Almost got 2nd. And had the biggest smile on her face the whole way down the pool. Nell was a great cheer leader and was walking along the edge of the pool cheering the whole time. She said after the meet "people knew I love that kid. They could tell the way I was cheering!" She was a very proud sister. It was sweet. 

Then later in the week Nell wanted to get her haircut again so I called Claudia and she stayed late to fit her in the results were great and Nell really likes it! 

Zav was scheduled to play in a tennis tournament tomorrow but no one else signed up:( so it was cancelled.

He has been having fun playing Pokemon go  and hanging with friends at the pool and Busch Gardens. He tells me the lifeguard at the pool is teaching him to do a gainer! Oh the memories!

 This morning Meghan had her 100th Pure Barre class! It was a fun celebration and we got to listen to the 80s playlist. 

Very fun!

Hot!

The weather has heated up this week. In the 90s everyday with heat index up to 100.  Zaven was off to soccer camp at UNC. He forgot his pillow and met a two time super bowl winner so far. So hoping he will have a great time. 

Nell is thinking she wants to go to sleep away camp. Because we can really only find a 12 day Chanco session so we are now regrouping and thinking a day camp here in town might be better. 

Esmé had a first this week, she jumped off the diving board! Nell has been eager for her to try and she did and loved it! So that is a fun new thing. I am sure we will spend some time at the pool tomorrow to beat the heat! 

Today the Mason's nanny and Grey teamed up and took the girls to the Historic Area. They stopped in the brick yard mud and then went to the museum. 

Nice long 4th of July weekend

In spite of the rain we managed to have quite a nice weekend. 

Saturday we had some sun that gave us time to go to the pool. Zaven went to Kingsmill with friends and the rest of us went to Kingspoint. Esmé showed us her diving skills in the deep end. 

Nell tried a flip off the board. We swam some races and splashed around. 

Saturday night we had dinner at the Oneills (we missed you Late-Kate!) Bitsy and her daughter Lauren were in town and Loretta and Rick. It was a beautiful night and we had a great time. Sunday we had a good time at church, had Duck donuts Nell got a haircut. She cut off many inches and got a really cute Bob style 

and then a great time at the Sunken Gardens playing Wiffle ball. Organized by Roy Geiger. A great time was had by all. 

Then Mister had a bath and we at Home. Monday I got up and went to Pure Barre before coming home and doing the 4th of July bake sale. 

It was quite drizzly so the girls set up on the porch. The ended up netting $30 selling chocolate chip cookies and slices of watermelon. Patty and John came by (we missed you Kate!) 

Then we went to the Terry's and Lamperts for a great 4th of July party.

 A nice group- the kids all played nicely and had a great time. The food was delicious and the weather cooperated. 

Chris and I marked 20 years since we were engaged watching the fireworks in NYC. A wonderful milestone. 

Today Chris Esmé and I went to the dermatologist. I ended up having a biopsy done on a spot on my face- now I am sporting this cool bandaid. 

Another beautiful sunset after swim practice tonight. 

Art Adventure

This afternoon we had. Super fun, unexpected art adventure. 

Around 4:30 I got a text from Ray Talamo in Rhode Island, telling me to check out the Instagram direct message he sent. I went and looked and it was this 

I knew right where to go. So I sat at my desk finishing up work and looking into who the artist is. Then I got excited and I went down stairs and told the social team and then came home. Got the kids and Grey- explained on the way. We got there 

Zaven was able to feel something behind the sign and got it to fall out. 

We couldn't wait to get it open and check it out. Right as Zaven was opening it a kid and his mom came up looking for it. They were disappointed to have missed out on finding it- but they stayed and saw us open it. 

It was a short burst of activity but generated a lot of excitement. The kids loved it and so did I!  

#octopusroadtrip 

Kingspoint Swim Team

This summer Meghan, Rebecca and I am co- co- co presidents of the swim team. So far we have had two away meets and things are going fine. I love Kingspoint! 

This year all three kids are on the team!

Esmé swam in her first meet last night. She swam exhibition with Grace Polizos in the water ahead of her, but not helping. She has been too scared to try. We were proud and excited. Monday night we have a home meet so I am hoping she will try again. 

Nell is having a great season. She swam up in 13/14 age group for IM and Butterfly last night. Earning points for the team in both races. So brave! 

Zaven is doing well in backstroke and butterfly and has been in some relays. 

Zaven is also playing a lot of tennis which is fun. He has improved a lot and gotten permission to practice with the Lafayette High team in the fall- he is excited. 

Esmé is FIVE!

Time flies when you are having fun!  And boy is Esmé fun. We had a great celebration of her birthday yesterday. She had all of her grandparents in town and some wonderful friends for her party. 

We started the day with donuts from Daily Donuts then the bounce house was delivered. No telling how many hours she jumped. 

It was a fun party. Esmé made the guest list so only her most favor for people were there and it was a nice party. 

She has grown and changed so much - such a joy. 

Here is baby Esmé 

And 5 year old Esmé