In preparation, we got the house “Hotel Ready.” That was our mantra for the week… we laughed a lot about hotel ready…. especially after you and your friends trashed the place 😉 on Friend Fiesta day.

Okay, well the Brazilians came and left, and we had an AWESOME time with them!! This past weekend, Uncle Mark, Aunt Bi, Niklas, Bi’s sister Alessandra, her husband Rogario and their 12-year old daughter Bea came to stay with us. Bi’s family lives in Brazil, so there was a LOT of Portuguese spoken this past weekend. In addition to seeing our local landmarks, we played 500, Madey read Harry Potter in all her different Brittish and Scottish voices, we learned a new lawn/beach game, you threw up… all kinds of fun 🙂

Here are a few pictures from the weekend, followed by a few just other fun pictures of you this summer!!

Yesterday we bought you a new (used), awesome bike!!

And you L-O-V-E it!!

A mountain bike.
Owned by a 17 year old, who was once 10, and wanted a new bike.
After one season of riding it, and 7 years gone by, her Mom shared their gift with us.

And today, we were invited by one of my old students – Chris Y- to ride.

We had an amazing time riding through the park where Daddy Jim and I officially got married – where we said our vows to each other on April 5, 2008… ending up at a place for milkshakes. Thanks God for summer!!!

Super fun slide show from my friend and former student, Chris Y…
Click here – Big Ole Bike Ride

Someone asked us last night what we usually do on the fourth of July…

It was fun to ponder that.

We really, really don’t have a usual.

We have spent one 4th in Washington DC (we think you were 4). Last year, we were in a rented home for the weekend on Chataqua Lake. One year, Daddy Jim and I were flying to Taiwan on the 4th. When you were 3, we have pictures of you on your Daddy’s shoulders and Marlie and her Daddy’s shoulders at the local fireworks.

Here are a few pictures from last night. We spent the 4th with our friends, Make and Jagen and their small ones, Juliana and Gabby… Oh! And you made a pie with blackberries you picked from our back yard… Have I told you lately that you are totally a rock star?!?!?!?

Facebook shared this Memory with me from 6 years ago…. precious:

You and I miss each other a LOT when we don’t get to see each other for a whole day. During the school year, your Dad drops you off at my house in the morning, and I take you to school….

But now, in summer break, he takes you directly to camp. We might have to see about changing that for next week…

Tonight, while I as at Gospel Choir practice, you texted me “FaceTime?” and I said sure!! It was great see and get to talk to you…

But we worth BOTH TOTALLY craving a hug… hopefully tomorrow will come quickly!!

Maya (2015). “9th Anniversary! Thanks Ms. Julie!!” School Newspaper.

About a month ago, your teacher sent home an announcement that writers were needed for the final school newspaper. We talked about whether you wanted to write something and you decided on interviewing our neighbor Julie who works in the front office of the school. You drafted interview questions and we chatted about them… then we headed across the street, audio recorder (phone) in hand, questions clipped to a clipboard.

After asking her permission to record, you asked Julie what it was like to work in the front office, what she wanted people to know about her life outside of school and other interesting things like that.

I think you have a future in journalism if you want it Baby Girl!!
Mama

Here are pictures and story that were published.

9th Anniversary! Thanks Ms. Julie!

I decided to ask Julie, our neighbor, a few questions, because she works in the front office, and she and the rest of the main office staff provide a lot of the work for all of us at FRES. (Her puppy participated in the interview by sitting next to her. We could hear the panting in the audio recording when we listened later.)

Q: Is it fun working at the main office?
A: Yes, we have a lot of fun, because we all really like each other, and we love FRES!

Q: What is your favorite part of working at FRES?
A: The kids. We have some GREAT KIDS at FRES!

Q: What do you want to change about FRES?
A: I wish the cafetorium was closer to the main office ? (She laughs.)

Q: What do you want people to know about you outside of school?
A: I want them to know about my dog, because she is my best. Friend. Ever. This is my best friend, Nealea. She is a multipom, and she is two years old.

(Authors note: My dog, Jojo, is Nealea’s boyfriend. They play together many times a day!!)

Q: Do you and the people in the office get appreciated a lot?
A: Yes, we do. Mr. Principal, and Ms. Vice Principal are always telling us what a great job we’re doing. And some of the teachers do as well. I have a very nice note at my desk from one of the teachers. She didn’t sign the note, but I know who wrote it. Can you guess? (Ms. C! My teacher!!)

Q: What can we do to make your job more fun?
A: I wish more kids came to visit in the office. I also wish I could get out more often too.

Q: How long have you worked here?
A: Tuesday (the day after Memorial Day) is my 1-year anniversary at FRES!! I worked in Brighton ever since Veronica (her daughter) was in 4th grade… let’s see… six, seven, eight, nine. This is my ninth year working in Brighton.

I hope you enjoyed hearing a bit of my conversation with my neighbor, Julie. Now go share the stories with your friends. Let’s all bombard the main office with our cheerful “Hello’s! and smiles, as Ms. Julie asked us to.
Thank you Ms. Julie (my neighbor) and all your friends in the main office for all you do for FRES!

Hey there Peanut –

One highlight – perhaps the biggest – is that you turned double digits!! 10. Ten. Wow.

We had a 10-year old birthday party that was so much fun!! A red carpet premiere!! Highlights were shopping for your gown and shoes at a thrift store, listening to your friends sing all the words to Uptown Funk in the hot tub, and watching Dan run the concession stand for all of you on his crutches. 🙂 The cupcakes were yummy, the movie (A Night at the Museum #2) was awesome, and the night was totally fun.

And then you had an outstanding well visit to celebrate how great your growing and becoming!! Here are some fun pics from both!!