Believe

Where have I been? 

Here, slugging along with lots going, but also watching lots and lots of World Cup soccer.  It's been fun.  The kids have played impromptu games in our backyard, taking on the names of their favorite teams and players.  I actually got to play in a tourney last weekend which was a blast.

We root for the United States and England in this house.  My father-in-law and brother-in-law were both in Brazil which made things even more exciting.  We've had lots of family over for each of the US games making it loads of fun.  The boys have been sporting their US jerseys every chance they get.

The US team just lost to Germany, but given the Portugal v Ghana result, we made it through.  If you don't know, the US was put in the "group of death" and weren't given much of a chance to make it to the final 16.  I have consistently been positive about our chances and spouting off to the kids that, "I Believe!!" the phrase coined by US goalie Tim Howard.

Lots of posts in draft.  Too negative and whiny given our mood today with the US result to post.

I believe and will be rooting for our boys come Tuesday.

Go USA!!

Graduates

We've had a lot going on over here in the land of graduations.  Sorry for the long writing break, but in addition to all the festivities we had unbelievable sports drama with D and the stress of these big changes in our family has made me (and everyone else) a bit of a basket case.

E's graduation was spectacular.  She graduated valedictorian and gave hands down the best speech I've heard (I'm a little biased, but seriously, she compared their high school experience to Chipotle...so funny, clever and touching).  She was so happy and our party afterwards was fun.

E with all the cousins.

E with the aunts.

E with her sisters.

 

 

Last night was 8th grade graduation for A and M.  They had a fun and emotional week leading up to the actual graduation mass.  A has been at his school for 9 years.  He has such great friends and it was tough on me thinking of my little boy all grown up.  We are so happy with the experience he has had at our school, and the way M has been embraced has been such a blessing. A won academic awards for honor roll and English. M won an academic award for Religion and the last individual award of the night for living her Catholic values.  The awards were actually big surprises for all of us. She was floating on air getting not one but two awards.  A was his usual chill self and happy to be starting summer vacation.  He's got lots of plans for herping and skating.

 

 

The graduates

Me and K with the graduates.

Me and my boy.

Big bro with little bro.

Me and my guys.

 

This morning I only dropped off D and L at school.  It was quiet.  It was strange.  I think sometimes in our family we brace ourselves expecting badness to come with change. Frankly, that has been our experience the past four years. In this case, I can only hope for positives.  I really can't wait to see what's in store for our three graduates as they start their new adventures.  I'll be there to support and cheer them on all the way.