Good Friends & Good Byes

I met Joy through a mutual friend (thank you Heidi).  The first time we hung out she had me laughing so hard I had tears running down my cheeks.  She's totally honest (which I love), smart, down-to-earth & very funny.  We've become good friends over the last 6 years.  She really gets me and what makes me tick too.  She's been there for me through some really hard times in ways I'll never forget.  Like the night I was home alone with the kids, Joel in the hospital with a blood clot, and Emily started running fever (which back then meant she would likely start to seize).  I called her freaking out & she drove over handed me a glass of wine, told me to sit down, and began to clean my kitchen.  She even scrubbed the floors...on her hands and knees.  It's an image I won't forget.  It was exactly what I needed right then & for some reason was very comforting to me and made me feel better.  So, that's what Joy's like - a fantastic woman & a great friend. 

Her husband (who also rocks, by the way) got an amazing job recently which is a huge answered prayer, but it's 2 hours away.  I'm so thrilled for the opportunity for their family, but am, of course a bit on the sad side for my sake.

The thing is Joy has a daughter Emily's age, Miss Joan, and a son Jon's age, the awesome Shane.  And...they get along great too.  In fact, so great that no matter how many weeks it's been since they were apart they pick up right like no time has passed at all.  The first time Emily met Joan they took instantly to each other and played and talked non-stop the whole evening.  And, if I'm being totally honest I was really hoping they'd remain good friends through their teenage years & start hanging out on their own later on down the line. 

They are all just great people & we really do love them.  They will leave an absence when the move.  The good news is that 2 hours away is totally doable for day trips.  And I very much plan to make that happen.  Like starting this summer.  ;-)

And yes, Joy, I do think there will be some Skype coffee chats going on from time to time.  Because I so want to hear about the adventures of you guys getting settled into your new town.  I know it will be told in a very amusing and totally you way & I really look forward to hearing about it and cheering you guys on along the way.  

Me & Joy looking pretty :-)

 Emily & Joan all dressed up before a tea party with their dolls.

 Jonathan & Shane playing Lego Star Wars together.  Totally bonding...boy style.

Basketball & Soccer

We had our first go round of sports with the kids this past spring.  Emily played basketball & Jonathan played soccer.  The basketball season was first.  While miss Em was doing that they started announcing the upcoming soccer season.  Jonathan said he wanted to play.  They also needed coaches.  Joel thought this would be a good opportunity & might even be fun.  While this turned out to be quite the opposite of what he expected the first several weeks (coaching 4 & 5 year olds - most who had never played - enough said) Joel did get in his groove toward the end & actually started enjoying it.  From a player's parent perspective I think he did a great job & the kids all thought he was fun.

Both Emily and Jonathan really enjoyed the experience and said they want to give it a go again.  For starting out having never played before Emily really improved as the season progressed.  She loved being part of her team The Jazz.  Jonathan did well too & even got to score several goals for his team The Rhinos.  As for Joel coaching again...this may have been his final season, but anything is possible.  ;-) 

Miss Em looking super awesome in her uniform.  Go number 12!

 Focused!

 Jonathan in action on the field.

 

"Coach" congratulating Jon on making a goal.

  After each game the parents/siblings made a tunnel for the teammates to run through.

 

 Pre-game huddle.

 The Rhinos and Coach Joel.

Summer!

Summer has officially begun here in our house.  I won't lie, the first few days were kinda rough.  Joel gently reminded me that there is an "adjustment phase" for me and for the kids each summer.  But, we're starting to get into our groove & had a really fun, laid back day today.  We spent the afternoon in the backyard.  It was just what we needed and so, so fun!  It not being 100+ degrees yet didn't hurt either. 

 Inspired by Facebook & Mr. Jim: a bucket, some water, paintbrushes & instant fun "painting" the fence.  They actually did this longer than any other activity this afternoon - almost an hour.  We'll be repeating this again later.  :)

 Water + hopscotch = good times

 A timeless classic - the sprinkler!

 

 Snack time on the porch.  Smoothies & pretzels - tasted extra yummy out in the sunshine.

Kindergarten Graduation Take Two

Jonathan just graduated Kindergarten last week.  Hard to believe the year is already over and that we've already done this with our second kid, but here we are.  He looked very handsome all dressed up with his cap on.  Now time for summer! 

Jon with his teacher Ms. Guertler.

 Emily with her beloved 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Chandler