Watch Out, Here They Come!

Watch out Loudoun County teachers, Jack and Ellie are coming!

Today was their first day of school. Jack joined the rank of the angst-ridden, smelly-pitted 7th graders at Brambleton Middle School, and Ellie is prepared to rule the school as a 5th grader at Legacy Elementary. In what was truly a first-day-of-school miracle, both kids got up without complaint and were ready EARLY. (Yes, I know that won't last, but let me enjoy the miracle.) Big Girl Ellie didn't need her mom to walk her to school, and took her scooter alongside her buddy Noah. And Jack got on what was likely a smelly middle school bus. And at the end of the day? Good reports from both kiddos. (And yes, they'll likely be complaining by next week, but again, people, let me enjoy this moment.)

Good luck, kiddos, with an awesome school year!

Ellie Earrings, Take Two

Ellie approached me to let me know that, since the last time she asked for pierced ears, she has grown and matured emotionally, and was ready to take on the responsibility of taking care of her pierced ears. (Yes, she said those words - some YouTuber must have suggested it.) I must admit I'm a wee bit skeptical, but you know, second chances and all. So let's hope that the second time is the charm in this case, because I'm not sure I'll go in for a third time around.

Better late than never!

Well, it took 9 years, but we finally got around to painting the house. It's hard to tell in these pictures, but the main color is a very light gray - and we love it. Jack got a blue room, and Ellie a purple. See, we EVENTUALLY get around to doing these things!

My Officemates

Jared spent two weeks with us in Virginia helping us set up the house, before he had to head back to Belgium for a couple more months. He worked like a dog getting everything set up, including my spiffy office, which now includes desks for all four of us. It also includes a couple comfy spots for my officemates:

The last days of summer

Even though we were rushing to get back to Virginia in time for school, we did have some time to enjoy the last bit of summer - including a weekend at Riverside. My folks were wonderful hosts, and the weather was perfect for swimming and exploring. The kids got to play with their cousins Craig and Brooke, and we also took a quick day trip to Charlottesville to see some of the family. It was all pretty idyllic - if you don't count Oliver trying to kill my mother's cat a few times. I would think it'd be a pretty awkward family dinner if your dog killed your mother's cat, so we left a bit earlier than expected. But, attempted murder aside, it was a fun end to the summer.

Cookies & Cream Fun

I'll tell you what's fun - having a brother and sister-inlaw who own a cookies and ice cream shop. Because not only do you have access to really yummy treats, but hey, they're family, so you HAVE to go and eat those yummy treats in order to show your support. It's about family, people, not yummy ice cream. And cookies. And ice cream sandwiched between cookies. Just family.

The other day, we got the chance to go and watch the Cookies & Cream team play kickball against the Haymarket police and city council. The Cookies & Cream staff are all young, healthy, active teens; the opposing team members, well, aren't. So let's just say the C&C "creamed" the other team. (Sorry, I had to do it. It couldn't be helped.) But it was all in good fun, and we enjoyed cheering them on - Jack even got to play an inning on the Haymarket team.

And of course, we HAD to try out some treats. Or maybe a lot of treats. But come on, it's all about family!


Hanging with cousin Paige

My healthy treat - can I tell you how awesome it is being back in the States and having ready access to chocolate-peanut butter goodness?

Watching the massacre, I mean, the game

Go, Jack, go!

And of course we HAD to do a taste of the various cookie flavors. Because...family.

So Long, Farewell to Belgium

I can honestly say we had an awesome, awesome time living in Belgium. What an amazing opportunity to travel to so many countries and meet so many cool new people. I'm so glad we had this chance. That being said, we missed Target, we missed all-night stores, we missed readily available peanut butter products, and we missed our family and friends. So back to the States we went!

Deer Meet Lydia's Car

Frolicking deer meet Lydia's car.

Poor, poor Lydia's car. Thanks to sketchy Belgian country roads and Lydia's questionable driving skills, it really took a beating during our time in Belgium. But really, people, did it deserve this treatment? Because no, Lydia's car did not hit the deer - the deer hit the car. Dang deer. I shouldn't say that - it had to have hurt to go barreling into the side of a small SUV. But still, poor car. Poor, poor Lydia's car.