Byrnwyck Blue Dolphins 2022

I wasn’t sure what summer swim team would look like this year without Clare around - and Laura was even less enthusiastic. However, we both agreed that it would be a good idea to have the daily activity for the month of June, especially since Meghan was also on board. I’m pleased to say we were both pleasantly surprised by the season. Yes, we definitely missed having Clare’s presence around, but Laura really extended her independence and thus her enjoyment of the team. 

Of course she and Meghan enjoyed time together, but they also spent more time reconnecting with neighborhood friends, which was so fun to see. Laura even finally learned to dive headfirst! It was all worth the hours standing at the meets with a stopwatch in my hands!

The season flew by, but I know we’ll be back next summer.

Country of Origin, Third Edition

Laura’s fifth grade class was lucky to experience the return of the CKS classic Country of Origin performance, after a two-year hiatus thanks to COVID. They rehearsed for weeks, and she was lucky enough to have both Clare and Grandma & Grandpa in attendance. A true entourage!

I love that she chose to focus on Germany which neither Clare nor Danny did when it was their turn. I suspect Clare’s impending study abroad tour there, as well also our planned trip, influenced her decision - along with her fondness for pretzels!

She was rightly pleased that her design was chosen for the dedication page of the keepsake book - she did a great job!

A Redemptive Travel Tournament

Laura’s year of club soccer has been exponentially better than a year ago, when anxiety made the sport pretty miserable for her. Thanks to an incredibly patient and fun new coach, her confidence has soared - as has her skill. He put her in a new position, Center Back, and she has come to really own this role.

Nevertheless, I wasn’t quite sure how she would take to our trip to Nashville for a tournament, given that last spring’s trip to Birmingham remains a very negative memory for her. 

Thankfully, Laura set off for our weekend simply eager for the time with her teammates and yes, ready to play some soccer. I agreed to check her out of school early on Friday so that we could hit the road and arrive at a decent time, which allowed us to have a lovely dinner, just the two of us. I got the lowdown on the 5th grade “tea,” and counted my blessings.

The next day was unseasonably cool, which just added to her enjoyment of the soccer - no blazing hot sun! The team played two games that day, and tied both, which wasn’t enough to get them in the finals. But we had a blast that night, both the girls with each other, and we parents. 

The weekend finished with a consolation game in the late morning, featuring two PKs scored by Laura to win the game, and then we hit the road in order to get home in time for Mother’s Day dinner with the rest of the family. I’m not sure Birmingham can ever redeem itself in Laura’s mind, but she’s a fan of Nashville for sure!

Danny’s First Varsity Soccer Season

To say Danny was elated to be selected for the Marist Varsity Boys team is absolutely an understatement. We were really excited for him, and knew he’d learn a lot and enjoy the camaraderie - but didn’t expect him to play much. 

Turns out, he did learn a lot, made some great friends, AND got to play a decent amount! I think it’s safe to say he earned the respect of the players and the coaches alike.

He was also given some leadership opportunities, acting as both the Team Chaplain and one of the six speakers on Senior Night, offering accolades on his teammate Gabe. Danny is a very composed, well-spoken young man, and it was a treat to see that dovetail so well with his athletic side.

I think we all look forward to the next three years of Marist Soccer - but no doubt Danny the most!

Sixteen Sweet Years of Danny Boy

I don’t hear the phrase “sweet sixteen” used in reference to a boy’s birthday, although I do firmly believe it applies to Danny! Despite the kitchen renovation, we managed to fete our boy in style. Saturday night a select crew spent the night (alas, no photos) and Tim smoked up a slew of ribs. 

Sunday we four went to dinner at The Capital Grille after mass - delicious all around! We greatly enjoyed the elevator, too :-)

Danny continues to defy our expectations, and his winsome ways make for an ever-growing fan club. It’s a joy to watch him grow into a smart, confident, talented young man, especially since I’m pretty sure he will always be sweet. And he will *always* be our Danny Boy.

Besties on Spring Break

When Laura and I got the news that Meghan would accept our invitation to join us for spring break in Sarasota, we were both elated! I knew Laura would have a lot more fun this way - as would I. Turns out the week surpassed even those raised expectations!

We had great visits to the beach - I loved hanging in the water, chatting with them about any number of topics. But I would say the pool was their favorite, as they whiled away for hours, creating routines, playing games, etc.

We also ate quite well all week, from brunch at Stoneybrook to dinners at Philippi Creek and Turtles, but afternoon tea was especially delightful. We enjoyed having a private space for we four ladies.

Sunset on Siesta Key is a must, and did not disappoint!

One rainy day foiled our plans for a water park, but Olaf’s and an amusement park were a decent substitute.

Our final day was lovely but a tad cool, so we saw exotic animals and then Donna and Larry challenged the girls to bocce ball. It was an epically close game, and SO fun. A wonderful end to a magnificent week. Thanks, once again, to grandparents’ fantastic hospitality!

Noonday in the Rockies

As our family’s summer plans took shape, I quickly realized that my plan to head to Peru for my earned trip with Noonday was going to be challenging. And that did not appeal. So, in a joint decision with my friend Sarah, and knowing that we would also be with other friends, I pivoted to the first-ever Noonday trip to Lost Valley Ranch! 

The trip kicked off in Denver, which meant I got to catch up with Breen! So awesome. We had drinks Friday night and then breakfast on Saturday, where I got to see her house and visit with Colin.

Around lunchtime it was time to board the bus and head to the ranch, which I would say surpassed our lofty expectations! Stunning scenery and fantastic accommodations.

On arrival, we enjoyed a scenic happy hour at the home of the current managers (Brooke is also a Noonday ambassador!), then ate the first of many delicious meals in the dining room. From there we just enjoyed each other’s company, and Sarah and I closed the evening with a glass of wine in our cabin - before hitting the hay in preparation for our sunrise hike!

It was early, but waking before the sun for the hike was 100% worth it! I especially love that I only knew about half of these women before we started hiking, but wound up loving each and every one. Probably the highlight of the weekend!

After lunch, a few of us decided to give archery a try. MANY laughs, and another great crew of women!

Before dinner, we obviously needed a photo shoot - that’s what we ambassadors do! (And laughing together is what Sarah and I specialize in.)

Obligatory, if awkward, photo with Jessica!

Lots of memorable moments went unphotographed, like our line dances, jazzercise, and so many conversations that dug deep. It was a brief but powerful trip, as is always the case with Noonday!

I absolutely look forward to the next opportunity to travel internationally with Noonday - but I’m so glad I went on this trip!