Our house decorated for Christmas and Hannukah brings a peacefulness and a sense of pride.  We waited years for our renovation and “real” furniture.  Scanning the room and seeing catalog worthy adult furniture exuberates gratitude.

Hannukah started the Sunday we unexpectedly stayed in New York an extra night.  Nights two through seven we celebrated at home by lighting the menorah.  Despite the girls’ activities, we always found a time to light the candles, even if very late in the evening.  The last night of Hannukah we celebrated at my parents’ house with latkes, sou-vide chicken, green beans, and chocolate mousse cake. 

The girls had a marathon baking day with Ms. Pat and made a variety of cookies that we all enjoyed for days!

Karolin came a few days before Christmas. 

Christmas Eve somehow became a little chaotic and instead of stressing, we took it all in stride, but that meant that we chose to not go to church.  We took our time and took pictures by the fireplace. 

Followed by a stroll through the neighborhood to see the luminaries.

Dinner was at PF Chang’s, an annual favorite.

While I was grateful we didn’t rush to church, I was a little sad we didn’t make it because we missed out on the reinforcement of the meaning of Christmas.  We’ll come up with a better plan for next year!

The morning didn’t start as early as some years.  Emerson wanted to sleep in; Avery and Harper wanted to start early; we settled on 8:30.

We saw what Santa brough first…a lot of shared home gifts this year.  He wrote the girls a letter about how wonderful it had been to witness the girls come together and be present.

Stocking time!

Followed by a delicious breakfast.  Avery made her delicious cinnamon rolls and Harper made citrus scones.  We also had bacon, sausage, fruit, and eggs!

We spent a lazy morning after breakfast drinking coffee (me and Justin anyway) and opening presents.

My parents came over in the evening for a delicious Christmas dinner of brisket. 

The following day it was almost as though there was no evidence that Christmas or Hannukah had even existed!  We started putting gifts away and taking decorations down and within days, it was all behind us. 

We spent an afternoon going to Gravelly Park to watch planes take off from Raegan Airport followed by a stop at the Torpedo Factory and then dinner out at Bear Branch Tavern.  

Karolin left a few days later.  It was great to have her spend the holiday with us. 

New Year’s Eve we stayed home.  We all cooked a yummy pasta and turkey dinner.  Justin went to bed at 10:00, probably the first time he hasn’t stayed up until midnight on New Year’s Eve in at least 30 years.  The girls and I completed our packing for Pittsburgh, where we were headed the next morning, turned on Ryan Seacrest’s New Year’s Eve Show and toasted with cider.  It was fabulous to stay home!

New Year’s Day we packed the car and headed to Pittsburgh for two nights, our first time staying in our place.  It was also the first time the girls saw it.  There was a combination of snow, ice, and slush on the sidewalks, so we didn’t walk as much as we wanted.  That combined with most shops and restaurants being closed on New Year’s Day allowed us to have some leisurely time at home.  We took advantage and did some house maintenance and deep cleaning.

We had some good eats: Driftwood Oven, The Pitch on Butler, Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream, Enrico Biscotti, Café Moulin, Peace Love & Little Donuts

Next time we want to try: Papa J’s for pizza in the Strip District, Frio Ice Cream on Butler, and Baby Loves Tacos in Bloomfield

We also had a fun pasta night at home.  We used pasta and sauce that we bought from Penn Macaroni Company.  Next time, we go to Pittsburgh we decided we would plan our meals more in advance so that on nights that we planned to cook at home, we could buy items directly from the cheese shops, sausage shops, seafood market, bakeries, etc.

We all enjoyed our time together and look forward to doing it as much as we can. 

We came home Saturday so that we had a day to get ready for school and work. Sunday night was rough…school seemed to be the enemy.  We got through the week though and its already mid-January and for the first time in my life, I think I have accurately written 2026 every time I have had to write the year so far. 

The Rockettes…a bucket list item for Avery.  She’d been asking to go the last few years…Justin and I decided THIS was the year!  I bought tickets through the accessibility service and was able to not only save by avoiding all services fees, but I was also able to get seats somewhat closeup with nobody in front of us.

Two tickets to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular!   It would be the big Hannukah present to Avery!  I had the tickets for a few weeks awaiting the right time to share the surprise.  During this time, Harper’s basketball schedule came out and she had a buy the weekend of December 14, the weekend of the show!  The plan and surprise began to evolve.  We would all go to NY as a family and while Avery and I watched the Rockettes on stage, Justin would go ice skating in Rockefeller Center with Emerson and Harper, their big Hannukah present.  

Thanksgiving was approaching and the timing felt right to finally share the surprise and their early Hannukah gifts.  Avery couldn’t believe it…her dream was coming true.  The girls were all thrilled until we told them we would be shacking up in a one bed hotel room in NY.  Honestly it could have been amazing, but the girls preferred to spend the weekend outside the city staying with Mary and Russell.  They preferred family time over more time exploring the city. 

As the weekend of our upcoming departure approached, Justin began to experience flu like symptoms. Saturday morning arrived and we left him at home.  With a negative result for the flu and covid, he was going to grace us with his presence.  He was miserable though and I told him to go back to bed…he would be doing none of us a favor by coming in his miserableness. 

We packed the Pilot, Emerson especially was a huge help with that, and we drove off.  She sat shotgun and was my navigator, assisting me mostly with lane changes.  We arrived at Mary and Russell’s after a relatively traffic free trip and a quick stop in the bustling Montclair to scarf down some gyros in a parking lot before pulling into Mary and Russell’s driveway. 

I honestly had no plan other than exploring some Christmas sights prior to our 5:00 dinner reservation with the entire Friedman clan.  Russell drove us into the city, and we followed Mary as she showed us sights she thought we may like.  Caroline caught up with us at the New York Public Library. 

Bryant Park Christmas market was even more crowded than I could have ever imagined.  Surprisingly it was more artisanal than Christmassy in terms of the merchandise itself, and after we got through the market shoulder to shoulder, we were glad to be out of the chaos. 

We stopped by the windows of Sachs Fifth Avenue.

And one of the many decorated Christmas trees

We ate at Joe Allen Restaurant…family time was good…food was good, not spectacular, but good. 

Afterwards, we stopped at Schmackary’s, a cookie shop and I ordered four cookies and the girls and I sampled all of them!

On the ride home, Mary wanted Russell to take the long way through the city so we could explore more from our windows.  Russell wasn’t as thrilled about the idea and there was banter back and forth.  Meanwhile, the car started sounding funny…not the biggest concern at first but every few streets and lights (we hit every single one), the sound would intensify.  By the time we made it uptown (again went all the way uptown instead of taking a quicker way home), Russell was pissed (as he had the car checked out twice in the past two weeks and his guy Kenny had assured him all was good).  Let me tell you, all was not good.  The car started to have a burning smell; Russell and Mary thought it was the transmission.  As we approached the bridge, Emerson and Harper were sleeping in the backseat while Avery was panicking in the middle row next to me.  I think all the adults held our breath as the car made its way over the bridge.  Slowly but surely, we crossed the bridge and minutes later the engine light came on and the car stopped accelerating.  Mary and Russell were frantically calm if that is even a thing….and somehow maneuvered off the highway to an unknown exit with shops and a parking lot.  As the car made its way into the parking lot, it literally stopped…it was leaking fluid and burning.  Emerson and Harper awoke to Mary saying “get out of the car”.  They could smell the burning and popped out of their seats with their belongings and couldn’t believe they had slept through the debacle.  The man in the car behind us got out of his car to push the car with Russell while Mary steered into a parking spot, and I took the girls into Shake Shack to go to the bathroom and decompress. 

An Uber picked us ladies up while Russell awaited the toe truck with Michael.  Michael and Brenna live close to where we broke down, so Michael came to help Russell.

As we arrived home, snow started falling…fairly quickly which was interesting considering the forecast said that the total snowfall would be less than half an inch.  About an hour later, Russell, Michael, and the tow truck arrived.  As we waited for them, Mary had taken out snacks including some caramel covered popcorn and us girls enjoyed the coziness and craziness of the night. 

We awoke Sunday morning to close to five inches of snow…so much for a half inch.  Russell aborted the mission to get bagels and shoveled instead.  We also had to change our plans of how we were getting into the city…Russell was going to drive us originally; however, he didn’t feel comfortable driving my car, which was unfamiliar to him, in the snow.  I ordered an Uber.  When it was five minutes after our Uber was supposed to have arrived, and it hadn’t yet, I realized the Uber driver had cancelled.  I tried to get another Uber and realized it wasn’t going to be easy due to the snow.  I was starting to think we might miss the Rockettes…the whole reason for the trip.  By the grace of God, an Uber accepted and slowly but surely made its way.  We arrived in the city 15 minutes before the show was about to start…just in enough time to snap a few pictures in front of Radio City Music Hall, meet Caroline (who was now going ice skating instead of Justin) and go to the bathroom.  At 11:57 Avery and I sat in our seats, took a sigh of relief breath, and waited for the show to begin.  

The SHOW…was truly sensational.  It was even better than I expected.  The dancers, the venue, the lights…ALL of it….WAS spectacular and I pinched Avery numerous times during the show to remind ourselves it was real.  

Santa graced us with his presence literally right in front of our seats. 

Meanwhile, Emerson, Harper, and Caroline were skating in the frigid temperatures at Rockefeller Center. 

We met up after the show and indulged in slices of NY pie. 

As we ate, I contemplated what to do…we were supposed to head out of the city and home that night, BUT with the snow, the early sunset, and flurries and icy conditions along the way home to Virginia, we decided to stay an extra night at Mary and Russell’s.  The girls were ecstatic.  I was glad to not have to drive home in the dark, but I wasn’t thrilled about the girls missing a portion of school the next day.  It had snowed in Virginia that day too, not nearly as much, but enough to create icy neighborhood road with the below freezing temperatures.  I was certain the girls would have a delay, which meant if we left early the next morning, they wouldn’t miss that much school.  Against all odds, school was not delayed.  

Since we didn’t have to rush on the road that evening, we enjoyed a little more time in the city, circling the same blocks over and over….sampling some more cookies and ice cream and coffee.

We took an Uber home, for the price of $225!  Yes, crazy.  We arrived to a homecooked meal of mac and cheese, salad, and green beans. We enjoyed the evening with Mary and Russell and while the whole weekend was filled with challenges, it made it that much more special and memorable.  I can’t imagine any of us will ever forget this trip.

Having the trip with a week before Christmas break started, helped get the girls through three full weeks of school in December.   While we missed Justin, nobody wanted to be around his germs or his miserableness. And without him, the girls and I turned the weekend into a girl’s weekend, one where they were looking out for one another. 

A truly spectacular Rockette’s show and NY weekend!

Blessed and grateful!

Harper created the Thanksgiving Grateful Jar four Thanksgivings ago and it’s become an annual tradition.  Once the jar is filled up, each person takes turns reading a handful of the jar’s contents.  I find myself oohing and aweing or saying “that’s I good one”, or “I should have written that” with each saying. From friends, family, money, to farting, chipotle, water, sleep away camp, dutch braids, sweatpants, and much more.  We are thankful for the “obvious” ones but thankful for the small mundane things as well…which truly are the big and beautiful things.  I love this tradition….such a great reminder of life’s beautiful blessings. 

Food was delicious, plentiful, yet fairly simple.  

Matchy matchy this year!  Not planned, we just all love brown!!

Beautifully blessed in brown!

The mission…four hours of shopping at the outlets hitting up at least 20 stores!  

My normal clothes shopping is typically from my phone and only visiting stores for the returns, so the girls were both shocked and ecstatic when I told them mid-week that we would be having a girl’s day at the Leesburg outlets on Saturday…and specifically what my mission was!

Mission was accomplished….we visited at least 20 stores, not missing a single one that we wanted to go to. 

Emerson’s opinion…she made out the best, Harper fairly well and while Avery didn’t get as much stuff, she did get the few items she wanted.  Apparently, I made out decently as well!

We ended the evening with dinner at Sweetwater followed by fro-yo at Sweet Frog making it just before the store’s closing. 

Justin played golf in the morning and then had the afternoon to himself.  The girls were all smiles and laughs as they retold him the events of the afternoon and displayed all the purchases.

Seventh and ninth grade and still going…maybe not as strong, but still going. 

Costumes were all free this year…as in I didn’t order any!  

Avery recycled dance costumes and turned it into Cinderella.

Emerson and Harper recycled last year’s costumes and wore onesies.

Avery’s best friend Emily came over and the two of them went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood.  Harper’s friend Amelia came over and they did the same. 

Emerson went to Marina’s neighborhood to trick-or-treat.

An abundance of candy was received…Avery and Harper received more than 15 full size candy bars each!

The girls are clearly not the young little ones anymore, but they are still out there!

Spirit Week 

Pep Rallies & Parades

A 42 – 6 Football Game Win against Marshall

Purchasing and returning a dozen Windsor dresses to get to the ultimate winners.

The Pre-dance Activities

Emerson went with a large group, taking pictures at Marina’s house followed by Chipolte catering.

Avery went with a small group, taking pictures at Emily’s house followed by Pazzo Pamodoro take-out.

Emerson’s group enjoyed the dance for a little over an hour while Avery’s group closed down the place. 

Since their getting ready at home didn’t overlap, they obliged my request to take a picture together at the dance making a mama heart smile.   My girls looking so grown up at their first HOCO!

10 years…that is how long Michael and Brenna dated before getting hitched!  

Michael had his “dream wedding” according to Caroline. 

It started with welcome drinks and apps Thursday night. 

Saturday afternoon’s ceremony was a full mass.  

Introducing Michael and Brenna Friedman!

There was time between the ceremony and the reception so some family pictures were in order.

The gardens at Hamilton Farm Golf Club were gorgeous.  It was the most beautiful setting with an open bar, a seafood station of lobster rolls, shrimp, oysters, and muscles, a charcuterie station, as well as passed hor de oeuvres.  It was spacious and watching people spread out enjoying the food, drinks, conversation, and gardens was true perfection. 

We ate more…the most delicious burrata with prosciutto and arugula first course followed by a second course of sea bass or NY strip.  I ordered the sea bass, but also tasted the NY Strip that Avery and Harper ordered as it was huge, and they were full as their first course was a massive plate of chicken tenders and fries.  They literally were served two huge meals!  

We talked…..with family, extended family, and neighbors. 

We had the most fun at the photo booth and since it was located near our table, took a ton of photos. 

We danced!  

While no Biggie Smalls played, Justin and I still pulled out our college dance moves and apparently it was those dance moves of ours that Caroline remembers so vividly about our wedding, which she claims was the most amazing wedding ever!  I don’t disagree!

While we missed the cake cutting (they must have done it quietly so as not to interrupt the dancing), the cake!  The cake was the moistest delicious almond cake with vanilla buttercream and berry center.  It was so delicious that I had a second piece and maybe a little bit of a third.  SO good.

When the wedding was over, a candy truck was waiting outside!  

Such a fun idea!

The bus ride home was rowdier than the way there, but calmer and quieter than I would have expected for a bunch of late twenty-year-old’s. 

The after party continued well into the morning at the hotel; however, Justin and I opted to stay in our hotel rooms with the girls and get a decent night’s sleep. 

It’s now been a few days since the wedding and I’m still on a high.  It was fabulous, fantastic, fun, family and friend filled…truly perfection in every way!  This is going to be a wedding that warms our hearts for a long time. 

The girls summer wish lists for 2025:

• Harper’s

• Avery’s

It’s clear that Avery is not a fan of unplanned boring dinners!

• Emerson didn’t provide a summer wish list, but did tell me …she didn’t want forced work/reading and she likes surprises. She also wanted to do some water event with the fam.

• June 12 – CAVA for lunch (mom, Avery, Emerson, Harper and Emerson) – Peiwei for dinner with Grandpa
• June 13 – Emerson goes to Alex’s…plays pickleball and goes swimming at Hunter Mill
• June 13 – M-Unit watches Avery’s Friday night dance recital, Avery gets Chick-Fil-A on way home
• June 14 – Emerson and Daddy in Richmond for Softball Tourney, Avery has two recitals including her solo performance; Avery gets subway for dinner (grandma takes her to get it); Harper goes to Italian Oven for dinner with Papa and Grandma and has a sleepover, 
• June 15 – Harper watches Thelma and bakes brownies; Emerson has tourney in Richmond with dad, stopping at Wendy’s for lunch in new car. We all go to Papa and Grandma’s for dinner to celebrate Father’s Day with Pollo Peru and Mandarin Fried rice. 
• June 16 – VBS for Harper and Emerson; Sewing Camp Harper in afternoon; Harper and Emerson have takeout from Sweet Leafe with Grandma
• June 17 – VBS for Harper, Avery, and Emerson; all three girls have The Sandwich Shop for lunch with Papa and Grandma; Sewing Camp Harper and Emerson in afternoon
• June 18 – VBS for Harper, Avery, and Emerson; Sewing Camp Harper and Avery in afternoon; Emerson grabs dinner with Papa between hitting lesson and practice
• June 19 – VBS for Harper, Avery, and Emerson; Sewing Camp Harper and Avery in afternoon; Emerson and Mom quick trip to the mall; power outage….family dinner at Hawk & Griffin; girls sleepover at my parents
• June 20 – VBS for Harper, Avery, and Emerson; Sewing Camp Harper and Avery in afternoon; Harper goes to Rita’s with Bakers; Harper makes special pasta with bacon and peas dish for sisters for dinner
• June 21 – Emerson goes to paintball party for Izzy with most her teammates
• June 22 – Girls swimming at Papa and Grandmas and BBQ at Papa and Grandma’s for dinner
• June 23 – Harper helps with Max Baker, Harper gets fabrics from Callie; Emerson goes to Salisbury State sleepaway camp with Izzy; Harper hangs out with Ms. Pat; Avery, Harper, Daddy, and I have takeout from Andy’s Pizza; Harper, Daddy, and me play Aerobe and go for a family walk.
• June 24 – Emerson Day 2 of Salisbury St. softball camp rooming with Izzy in the dorms.  Taco Tuesday dinner for Avery, Harper, Mom, and Dad
• June 25 – Emerson Day 3 of Salisbury St. softball camp rooming with Izzy in the dorms.  Max comes over to join Harper and Avery for a delicious homemade pancake and fruit breakfast; only to not have any.  At least, Harper, Avery, and I had a fun time making it. Avery and Emerson spend morning playing Monopoly with Max.  Avery and Harper swim at Papa and Grandmas. Avery and Harper have girls’ night and play Monopoly for 3 more hours in the evening. 
• June 26 – Emerson’s last day of softball camp…had a fun time living dorm life with Izzy. Harper spent two hours with Max. Avery and Harper had surprise chocolate chip muffins from Fresh Market for breakfast followed by surprise Chipotle for lunch. Avery and Emerson continue their marathon Monopoly game. 
• June 27 – Burger night at home – all five of us.  Harper makes lemon bars for Emerson’s softball team.  Harper gets a fun dalmatian apron, potholders, and sprinkles (lots) from the Bakers as a thank you for watching Max.
• June 28 – Emerson at softball tourney…goes 3 for 8 at plate. Avery and Harper go with Grandma to Becca Berman’s Purple Sky Bracelet making event and then swimming at Papa and Grandmas.   Charcuterie for dinner.  Lemon bars and ice cream for dessert.  Avery, Harper, and Emerson let Emerson in on the Monopoly action.
• June 29 – Wegman Muffins for breakfast.  We all go to watch Emerson’s softball game.  Frozen Yogurt from Sweet Frog after Emerson’s softball games. Peaches and basil fun family dinner pizza making experience.  Harper made fresh strawberry popsicles…gets idea for selling them.
• June 30 – Remaining Wegmans muffins and blueberry bagels for breakfast. Afternoon bracelet making session for Avery and Harper.  Harper had Session 1 HP Elite Soccer.  Harper made snickerdoodle cookies!  
• July 1 – Mom cooks sausage for breakfast!  Avery and Emerson play with Rylee McManus while Harper has her tutoring lesson.  Girls play Sequence. Harper has Session 2 HP Elite Soccer.  Mom made chicken quesadillas for Avery and Emerson.
• July 2 – Harper and Avery enjoy breakfast muffins from Baldacci’s.  Girls have fun bracelet making session.  Harper has Session 3 HP Elite Soccer.  Emerson and Mom go to 643 and enjoy time hitting in lane. Emerson and Mom make quick stop at Home Goods…Emerson gets new pillow and CAVA for dinner before practice.
• July 3 – Harper has Session 4 HP Elite Soccer…last session. Family movie night “Good Will Hunting” with Insomnia cookies and popcorn
• July 4 – Sausage, French toast, and eggs for breakfast made by mom.  Justin, Emerson, and Harper clean out the pit.  Emerson and Dad have good session at 643.  All of us go to papa and grandma’s pool for the 4^th and swim and play volleyball.  Uno in the pit.  Dinner of burgers in the pit!
• July 5 – Emerson has tourney in MD….her and Justin go.  Mom brings home bagel each for breakfast for Avery and Harper. Mom, Harper, and Avery go on fun shopping spree in Reston Town Center visiting Lulu, Anthropologie, South Moon Under, Francesca’s, Kendra Scott, Athleta, and Sephora.  Mom and the girls enjoy a scrumptious dinner of Pollo Peru in the pit. 
• July 6 – Mom makes French toast for Avery and Harper. Emerson and Dad to go 1 game today…Emerson hits a double. Avery and Harper swim at Papa and Grandmas.  Girls evening out shopping at J-Crew Outlet and DSW followed by dinner at Flower Child.
• July 7 – yummy ground chicken and pesto for dinner
• July 8 – Take out from Chic fila, followed by an hour swim at Papa and Grandmas.  Chicken with pesto and mozzarella for dinner
• July 9 – Mom made cinnamon oatmeal, somewhat enjoyed by Harper and Emerson. Avery spent the day with Emily at her pool. Harper spent a few hours at the pool with Liza.  Harper and Mom enjoyed some time together running a few errands (Italian Gourmet, Walgreens).  Italian Gourmet…make your own sandwiches for dinner.
• July 10 – Emerson has Alexis over and they made pasta lunch and brownies.  Grandma and Grandpa came over and brought Avery and Harper Santini’s for dinner. 
• July 11 – Emerson and Grandma go shopping together….big Lulu purchase…and lunch at Nordstroms café.  Harper, Avery and Mom eat outside…Yalla Pita for Mom and Harper, Chipotle for Avery.  Mom takes Harper and Avery to 7-11 for 7-11 free Slurpee day.  Emerson and Dad go to Melt for dinner. 
• July 12 – morning breakfast of sausage and pancakes before going tubing in Harper’s Ferry. Explored Harper’s Ferry historical town and ate a yummy late lunch at The Rabbit Hole followed by yummy Hershey’s ice-cream and snow cones for dessert.
• July 13 – Emerson goes to Liv’s party.  Avery and Harper go swimming at Papa and Grandmas and then out to eat at Pazzo.  Nighttime catching lightening bugs and playing Aerobie.
• July 14 – Harper has Madison B-ball camp.  Yummy pasta, ground chicken, pesto, and mozzarella for dinner. 
• July 15 – Harper has Madison B-ball camp.  Emerson and Grandma hang out together in pool/swimming. Avery, Harper, Mom play Aerobe.
• July 16 – Harper has Madison B-ball camp.  Grandma takes Avery to get her nails done.  Emerson and Harper have Yalla Pita take-out for dinner. 
• July 17 – Harper has Madison B-ball camp and then goes swimming with Liza at Hunter Mill Swim Club.  Avery gets Subway for lunch after PT.  We have beef taco bowl night as a family after Emerson’s softball games. Emerson has 2 Softball games for National Tourney…she goes 3 for 6!
• July 18 – Emerson has three softball games for National Tourney.  Emerson has kabobs for dinner with grandma and grandpa and spends the night.  Harper has her last day of Madison B-ball camp.  Mom, Dad, Avery, and Harper go to Phili for ANN Conference….night one of fun with friends including swimming.
• July 19 – ANN Conference for Avery and Emerson….fun time with friends ALL Day long including evening swimming; Emerson tourney, Pazzo for dinner, and sleepover with Papa and Grandma
• July 20 – ANN Conference for Avery and Emerson in the morning…last exploring of the hotel with friends. On way home, Dad, Mom, Avery, and Harper get Café Sano for lunch.   Emerson and Grandma swim for several hours.  We order take out from Mama Tigre and eat in the pit as a family.
• July 21 – Harper makes blueberry banana crumb muffins.  Harper hangs out with Ms. Pat…they go to Pazzo for lunch, sketch lips and faces, and go to Ritas for dessert.  Girls help me make dinner…we have ricotta meatballs, sauteed green beans, and homemade bread. Emerson and Mom and Harper and mom each go on a short, nice neighborhood walk together. A and E have Madison Bridges camp in the morning. 
• July 22 – Avery, Emerson and Cora go to Wawa after Madison Bridges for milkshakes and smoothies. Harper hangs with Amelia…they go to the Reston Zoo, Starbucks for strawberry acai’s and hang out at the pool till close.  Emerson and I play softball at Caffi.  We have family dinner of pasta, meatballs, pesto, and garlic bread.  Emerson and I watch The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 1.
• July 23 – Avery and Emerson have Madison Bridges camp again.  Family dinner of chicken tacos and chipotle chips!  Avery gets new sneakers with mom. Harper, Emerson, and mom go on a few walks in neighborhood together. Mom and Emerson watch Episode 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty.
• July 24 – Avery and Emerson have Madison Bridges camp again.  Harper goes swimming with Papa at Grandmas at their house.  Harper has lunchable there from Fresh Market.  Emerson, Avery, and Cora have book club at Jody’s.  Mom and girls go to mall…wedding dress shopping for Michael and Brenna’s wedding.  We eat at MamaJoon for dinner. 
• July 25 – Mom makes cinnamon buns for breakfast.  Avery and Emerson have Madison Bridges camp for last day and end it with a pizza party. Harper goes to Accenture Take Your Kid to Work Day with Dad. Emerson and Mom watch an Episode 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty.  Emerson, Harper, and Mom have fun trip to Walgreens to pick up items for camp. Mom makes fish without chips for dinner.  Dad, Mom, Emerson and Harper play Aerobe.  Avery babysits for McAllisters. 
• July 25 – Harper goes to Azzi Fudd basketball camp, has a good time, gets a ton of freebies, and runs into a few girls she knows.  Avery and Emerson go to lunch with Grandma at Vienna Inn and hang out and swim at Grandma and Grandpas. Family burger night!
• July 26 – Harper goes to the second day of Azzi Fudd baskbetball camp and gets her autograph and lot of freebies!  Avery and Daddy drive to New Castle for a week of Easterseals camp…they stop at Subway on the way there for lunch.  Mom makes Emerson and Harper a strawberry pancake and turkey sausage dinner before leaving for Camp Highroad drop off for 4 nights. 
• July 27 – July 31 – Emerson and Harper at Camp Highroad for 4 nights of sleepaway camp (buddying up with Alexis and Josie Kinney).  Avery at Camp Easterseals for 6 nights of camp!
• July 31- Emerson and Harper picked up from camp.  Dinner together at home.  Start packing for the beach!  Emerson and Mom watch Episode 4 of The Summer I Turned Pretty.
• Aug 1 – Beach Prep mode…everybody helps!  Justin picks Avery up from Easterseals…she loved camp….they stop at Buccess on the way home!  Harper and I run some errands carrying a cantaloupe into Walgreens, running a lap at Madison, and I treat her to guava mango berry smoothie from South Block.  Emerson has her first Smash practice.  We enjoy a dinner of Plaka Grill at home while packing for the beach.  Avery and Emerson start their birthday celebration early opening presents!
• Aug 2 – Day 1 of Oak Island Beach vacation!  Lunch at Subway.  BBQ Pool Western night. Rice Krispie treats for dessert.
• Aug 3 – Day 2 of Oak Island Beach vacation!  Late sleep in.  Emerson and Mom gym session.  Late breakfast followed by morning beach session.  Afternoon beach session…kiddos boogey boarded on their own.  Dinner of excellent pizza and salad.  Kids hanging out doing screen plays at night. 
• Aug 4 – Day 3 of Oak Island Beach vacation!  Avery and Emerson’s 14^th birthday!  Pancake, sausage, bacon, and fruit breakfast for all the kids.  Morning and afternoon beach session…calm waters and paddle boarding!  Pasta bar dinner including beef meatballs, ground sausage, ground turkey, veggies, and garlic bread.  Dessert was homemade ice-cream cake for Avery and Blackberry pie for Emerson!
• Aug 5 – Day 4 of Oak Island Beach vacation!  Emerson and Mom walk to gym for workout.  Avery gets a new rash guard and boogie board.  Morning beach session. Brief afternoon beach session of good waves before the rain.  Chill rainy late afternoon inside.  Taco Tuesday night cooked by the Brophys!  Nighttime walk to the beach to catch fish and a crab!
• Aug 6 – Day 5 of Oak Island Beach vacation!  Emerson and Mom morning gym session.  Morning at the beach.  Maddy family goes to Southport area…we eat lunch at Fishy Fish Café and then explored Southport town sampling desserts from a few bakeries along the way and then ending at Spikes Dairy Bar.   Mediterranean Chicken bowls for dinner.  Brownie Sundays for dessert.  Evening of hanging out inside away from the rain. 
• Aug 7 – Day 6 of Oak Island Beach vacation!  Emerson and Mom morning gym session…bought some peaches on the way home!   Surfing Day!  Boil Night…enjoyed by kids and adults!
• Aug 8 – Day 7 of Oak Island Beach vacation!  Emerson and Mom morning gym session…stopped and got a dozen donuts on way home from OKI Scoops and Donuts for everyone to enjoy.  Morning beach session. Afternoon shopping at Mermaid Cover and Eagles and a shared chocolate ice cream scoop.  BBQ for dinner and key lime pie and ice-cream for dessert. 
• Aug 9 – Day 8 of Oak Island Beach vacation! Departure Day Subway for lunch. 
• Aug 10 – Banana pancakes for Emerson and French Toast for Avery (made by mom for breakfast). Swimming at Papa and Grandmas.  Pazzo dinner with Papa and Grandma.  Family movie night of watching Blue Crush, a surfing movie.
• Aug 11 – Harper gets her braces off!  Mom makes Emerson and Harper cheese quesadillas for lunch.  Burger night in the Pit.
• Aug 12 – Harper’s Birthday!  Blueberry pancakes and an array of fruit.  Present opening.  Pasta and marinara for lunch. Ice cream Sunday bar.  Muse Paint Bar with sisters, mom, and friends.  Papa and Grandma come over for dinner – Andy’s Pizza, followed by more present opening. 
• Aug 13 – Avery and Emerson tour their Madison schedule with Mom.  Leftover Andy’s for lunch (Emerson and Harper) and Whole Foods nugs (Avery). Harper crafts much of the day. Family dinner of ground turkey…not the best but we all ate together.  Mom, Harper, Avery play Uno.  Mom and Emerson watch episode of The Summer I Turn Pretty. 
• Aug 14 – Madison and Thoreau Open Houses! Harper and I stop for mango smoothie at South Block. Emerson gets Wawa Sub for dinner before softball practice.  Avery gets Chipotle for dinner.  Emerson has surprise treat of Chipotle chips and guac awaiting her after softball practice.  Harper goes to Laurel’s 12^th Birthday Party.  
• Aug 15 – Two cupcakes and a piece of cake from Victoria’s Bakery for special surprise.  Harper spent day sewing on new machine.  Plaka Grill for dinner.
• Aug 16 – Gym sign up for Emerson!  Cousin Molly’s 3^rd Birthday Party!  Block Party on Hillington!  Out to dinner with Papa and Grandma at Hawk and Griffen for Harper’s extended birthday celebration.
• Aug 17 – Emerson goes to the gym for her first workout!  Emerson gets her nails done as part of her birthday present from grandma (tips and powder).  Mom, Harper, and Avery go to the mall for some last-minute back to school shirts; Grandma and Emerson join.   Family dinner of grilled chicken, pineapple salsa, Japanese sweet potato wedges, rice, and steamed broccoli.
• Week of Aug 18 – School started Monday so summer days were over, but we still managed to sneak in some “summer wishes” in the evening and on the weekends…a few good dinners…chicken meatballs, beef quesadillas, Domino’s pizza, burgers; Friday family game night (Pictionary and some Uno), Emerson and Mom watched The Summer I Turned Pretty; Walmart school supply shopping, mall shopping & smoothie/ice cream eating; Willards BBQ in the Pit, Harper and Emerson hanging out at Papa and Grandma’s, Avery CDC Boot Camp and Platinum In-house dance convention, sou vide pork with pineapple salsa at the dinner table.
• Week of Aug 26 – 2^nd week of school and again while summer days were over, we still managed to sneak in some more “summer wishes’ in the evening and on the weekends…Auntie Gus spends the night and plays “Mom”….weeknight dinner date of Andy’s Pizza and cherry brownie cookies with all the Nidays, hanging out with Papa and Grandma, Madison football game for Emerson and Avery, Harper and Mom impromptu date night at Flower Child, family rematch game night of Pictionary, Emerson and Mom watched The Summer I Turned Pretty; Harper makes snickerdoodle Pittsburgh home celebration cookies; Avery and Mom go to Cinnamon Tree; Emerson, Harper and Dad go to Chick-fil-a after soccer tourney.
• Week of Aug 31 – Sept 6 – Harper soccer tourney….team goes to Tropical Smoothie for brunch and team bonding; CAVA for girls on way home; Harper soccer tourney champs…Terra ice-cream to celebrate with team; Mom and girls see Freakier Friday at The Boro; NJ Trip for Michael and Brenna’s fabulous black tie wedding weekend with family.

Two new schools.  Two new wake-up times;

A flip-flop of schedules;

Elementary school, the past;

New beginnings;

One in middle-school and two in high-school. 

Harper now has the earliest wake-up call with a bus stop time of 6:39 am.

Avery and Emerson gain 45 minutes in the morning with a 7:20 a.m. bus stop time. 

When they arrived home, I asked them each their thoughts on the day.   Harper described the day as “very boring”; Emerson “boring”; and Avery “I don’t know”. 

Hoping those words are not a portent of how the upcoming school year is going to go. With implacable determination to keep their comments succinct, I’m hoping their comments are typical terse comments to Mom and secretly they are bluffing with their real thoughts and soon will be engrossed in the exhilaration of all middle school and high school have to offer. 

Harper turned 12 on the 12^th…her Golden Birthday!   We had an all-day celebration starting with blueberry pancakes and a colorful fruit plate for breakfast. 

Followed by present opening, which we further scattered throughout the day. 

Harper’s friends Liza, Amelia, Ali, and Laurel came over at 1:00 for an afternoon birthday celebration; present opening and ice cream sundaes were the first and second order of business. 

We all then hopped in the Pilot, sisters included, and ventured to Muse Paint Bar.  I got a fantastic deal on the seats, $13 a seat, which is a bargain!

The girls were smiling throughout. 

I loved how each of the girls had their unique spin on the painting. They all turned out awesome.

In the evening, we ordered Andy’s Pizza and Papa and Grandma came over.

It’s not often that we have been able to have a girls birthday party on their actual birthday; it was a nice touch and made the day extra special.