We try to be intentional about what we do during the summer to make the most out of it!  Often it is the small things such as family game night or an impromptu ice cream excursion that make for a good summer day.  I asked the girls for list, but none gave me any this year.  They told me their lists were similar to previous years.  How quickly we forget what we do each day…so this is my reminder to all of us of our fun filled summer days. 

June 17 – Last Day of School!  Cinnamon buns for breakfast!  Kona Ice Truck, Ameilia came home with Harper on the bus, Emily came home with Avery on the bus.  Avery had a dance rehearsal for the 1:00 Cuppett recital Saturday…Harper and Emerson watched some of the dances with me.

June 18 – First full day of summer. Avery had a dance rehearsal for the 4:00 and 7:00 Cuppett recital Saturday.  She got Chick-fil-a for dinner.  Harper spent afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa…lunch at Foster’s with Papa, followed by some swimming in the afternoon. 

June 19 – Juneteenth…mom and dad off.  Harper made pancakes for her and her sisters.  Morning hike at Wolftrap.  Afternoon showing of the movie Michael at Fairfax Cinema.  Dinner at The Maple Room with Papa and Grandma.

June 20 – Avery, Cuppett Recital Day…3 Recitals…CAVA meal and oreo McFlurry afterwards.  Emerson softball tournament.  Harper and Papa go to tourney together eating at Einstein Bagels for breakfast.  Harper has Camilla’s b-day party in the evening.

June 21 – Harper and Dad go to Church.  Emerson softball tourney.  Breakfast treat of Cold Spoon…smoothie and a scone.  Fathers Day takeout from Café Sano.  After dinner family walk and catching lightening bugs.

June 22 – Day 1 VBS.  Girls walk to Chipolte for lunch afterwards.  Harper sees Toy Story 5 with Ms. Pat….they share a big popcorn and go to PF Changs for dinner afterwards. 

June 23 – Day 2 VBS. Girls get ride home from Megan and her young kiddos, who like you girls!  Harper and I go on big grocery/food shopping spree at Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Pollo Peru, Willards in a total of 45 min and get lots of good eats.  Harper got a lollipop from the treasure chest at Trader Joes.  Pollo Peru takeout for dinner. After dinner family walk.  Family karaoke night!  Mom dutch braids Avery’s hair.

June 24 – Day 3 VBS.  Harper and Grandma go to South Block for lunch.  Avery babysits Adi and baby Steven in the evening.  Girls home alone for evening without parents while Mom and Dad at Wolftrap!

June 25 – Day 4 VBS.  Girls walk to The Sandwich Shop for lunch afterwards.  They walk around Vienna taking themselves to the dentist followed by the allergist (Emerson shots).  Followed by swimming at Papa and Grandma’s in the afternoon for a few hours. Family dinner eating outside at the table on a gorgeous night, followed by a family walk dodging horseflys and showing off touching our toes.  Then girls outing to Meadows for softserve and ices followed by a stop in safeway for lots of bubbly.

June 26 – Day 5 VBS.  Girls stay after for pizza. Girls play several rounds of Sequence and Hipster.  Emerson and Dad go to Chipolte and bring it home for dinner for them and Avery. Harper and Mom go to the mall to do dress shopping for Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah…we stop at CAVA on way home for dinner.

June 27 – A few 15 minute walks here and there alternating combinations of peeps through the day.  Harper goes to Sophie’s Bat Mitzvah and has a great time.  Dad grills steak and chicken….delicious family dinner.   Packing for Pittsburgh!

June 28 – Pittsburgh departure day! Explored Pittsburgh Cultural Downtown district and dinner at Proper Brick Oven Tap Room.  Dessert at The Butterwood Consortium.

June 29 – Pittsburgh full day 1.  Walked through University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Library, and Schenley Park (small portion).   Baby Loves Tacos in Bloomfield for lunch.  A few donuts from Peace Love & Little Donuts.  An evening cooking at Pitt Vibes a steak dinner eating outside on the patio followed by making smores in the firepit. 

June 30 – Pittsburgh full day 2.  Pittsburgh Zoo & aquarium.  Lunch at The Nook.  Dinner at Tessaros for the best burgers in town.  More making smores on the patio in the firepit after dinner. 

July 1 – Pittsburgh departure day. Family cooked ground turkey and chicken together followed by watching US in World Cup. 

July 2 – Girls go to Grandma and Grandpas for swimming and hanging out.  Grandma and Grandpa take girls Tysons for some shopping followed by Coastal Flatts for dinner.  Emerson and Harper have some cupcakes from The Bakeshop, a new bakery in Vienna.

July 3 – Early am family walk!  Mom, Harper, and Avery go to Tysons to shop for a little while…Harper buys two pairs of shorts at Aerie and Avery buys a shirt from Eukward??? We share a small gelato from Vinchi.   We have a yummy family dinner of chicken bites, Jasmin rice, and blistered green beans.  We watch The One and Only Ivan as a family.

July 4 – Avery and Mom have an early morning walk in the neighborhood…Avery’s idea to get up early and walk!  Harper goes to the gym with me and workouts – upper body and core!  Mom and girls go swimming at Papa and Grandmas on super-hot day….pool was very refreshing.  Plaka takeout for dinner.  AC breaks so we have a sleepover on first floor with fans and watch NY fireworks on TV.

July 5 – Avery goes to sleep away camp for the week!  Dad and Avery drive together.  Harper and Emerson go to Church…Bob takes them.  Afterwards they get mango buzz smoothies at Sweet Leafe.  Harper, Emerson, and I go to the gym together…Harper joins our account for a month.  Harper and Mom work out together…leg day!  We stop at Michaels on the way home and Harper gets fabric to make a shirt and a Steelers item.  We eat as a family of 4 bang bang salmon bowls with edamame and pickled cucumbers….delish.

July 6 – Avery Day 2 Sleep-away camp! Harper and Emerson stop bye to say bye to Ms. Pat before she left for Utah…they hung out with Jack too.  Harper goes with Mom to the gym after dinner – we do upper body.

July 7 – Avery Day 3 Sleep Away Camp!  We go to Pittsburgh (sans Avery) along with Papa and Grandma.  We stop at Peace Love & Little Donuts for a little treat, walk around Lawrenceville, eat at Picolo Forno, and Emerson, Harper and I go to Benson Boone concert at PPG Arena!

July 8 – Avery Day 4 Sleep Away Camp!  Pittsburgh morning walk to Third Space Bakery, where we purchased a few bakery treats.  Late morning visit to the Strip District (mom, dad, Emerson, Harper) with Papa and Grandma.  Awesome lunch at Industry Public House (got free nachos, ginormous salads and mac n cheese).  Late afternoon game at PNC Park to see the Pittsburgh Pirates.  

July 9 – Avery Day 5 Sleep Away Camp!  Papa and Dad bring bagels back for breakfast from Brooklyn Bagels.  Emerson and Harper make mom and dad yummy dinner of pasta, sauce (both from Penn Mac), turkey, parm, and roasted broccoli and zuhcini.  Harper and I read together.

July 10 – Avery Day 6 Sleep Away Camp!  Emerson and Harper sleep in!  Have slow day…go to the gym as a family of four before dinner.  Homemade quesadillas for dinner for girls.  Harper and mom read and cuddle late night.

July 11 – Harper wakes up to find she has been gifted a tongue scraper!  Harper goes to Papa and Grandmas for the day….swims and makes granola bars.  Emerson and I have softball tourney in Laurel. Emerson and I share a brown butter chocolate chip cookie that I bought at coffee shop/farmers market.  Avery comes home from Sleep Away Camp!  Avery has some of the brownie I bought at the coffee shop / farmers market.  Avery and Harper babysit for Adi and baby Stephen.  We have Lucianos pizza for dinner.  

July 12 – Dad and Emerson have softball tourney.  Mom and Harper attend Church service.  Avery does as well but leaves after the Children’s Message to assist Maddie in Sunday school.  We walk to Walgreens to pick up a few things, spotting Meditation Man on the town green.  Harper and I clean out her closet.  I give Harper a hair trim.  Avery babysits for Adi and baby Stephen.  We cook dinner as a family making do as I realize we don’t have ground turkey, the chicken was open, and it was nearing 8:00.

July 13 – Avery has SDI Week 1 and Point A from 9:30 – 12:30 and 3:30 – 5:30. She stayed during the break and went to Chipotle with her friends.  Harper had Madison Basketball Camp carpooling with Ali.  After camp, Ali and her went swimming at Papa and Grandmas.  Family dinner outside of hotdogs and sweet potato fries (everyone was ecstatic about the hotdogs…lol).  Family walk after dinner. Mom dutch braids Avery’s hair.  Harper and mom have great bedtime cuddle.

July 14 – Day 2 of SDI and Point A for Avery.  Avery hangs out at Papa and Grandmas between her two sessions.  Harper has Day 2 of basketball camp. Emerson spends day baking lemon pound cakes and doing dishes. Girl dinner of salmon bowls (burger for Avery).   After dinner girl walk followed by dessert of Emerson’s lemon pound cake and vanilla ice cream.  Mom and Harper read together in bed.

July 15 – Day 3 of SDI and Point A for Avery.  Avery hangs out at Papa and Grandma’s between her two sessions and hangs out with her dance friends before the evening session, going to Whole Foods for dinner.  Harper has Day 3 of basketball camp and hangs out at Papa and Grandma’s afterwards.  They go to Pazzo for dinner and the Bake Shop for cupcakes.  Emerson and I go to the gym together, a quick stop at Cava for her dinner (finally…she had been wanting it for weeks!) before practice at the MVP facility.  

July 16 – Day 4 of SDI and Point A for Avery.  Harper has Day 4 of basketball camp. Girls have book club with Jody. We have family dinner of our weekly ground turkey, pasta, shrooms, broccoli, and parm followed by a brief after dinner walk. 

July 17 – Day 5 of SDI and Point A for Avery.  She stayed between sessions and hung out with friends…sitting at Ledo’s for a bit while friends had mozz sticks and drinks.  Harper has Day 5 of basketball camp, buying pizza for lunch and performing a dance routine for the last day…her team got first place for their dance. Emerson baked Greek yogurt banana muffins.  We ordered Andy’s pizza for dinner and had it delivered and had a family movie night…watched The Breadwinner!

July 18 – We ALL slept in….10:00 am and nobody had emerged from their rooms.  Banana pancakes and fruit for brunch!  Avery helped tidy/organize the art bin. Emerson made lasagna for the family for dinner.  Harper and Justin went to Michaels to buy some sewing supplies.  Family walk after dinner. 

July 19 – Emerson’s softball tourney was cancelled again. Harper, Emerson, and Dad go to Church…Avery does as well, and she helps out at Sunday school.   Harper, Avery, and Dad attend VPC Class and are officially members of the Church.  Emerson and I go for a walk in the neighborhood.  Girls eat leftover lasagna for dinner; Harper and Emerson pack and get ready for Boston. 

July 20 – Emerson and Harper leave bright and early for 8:30 flight to Boston with Papa and Grandma.  They eat yummy food, explore Harvard, other fun markets, and get souvenirs.  Avery has week 2 of SDI and Point A.  Avery, Dad, and me have dinner at home together and a nice walk in the neighborhood after dinner.

July 21 – Emerson and Harper in Boston with Papa and Grandma Day 2.  They go Whale Watching!  Avery has Week 2 of Ballet and SDI.  Avery, Mom, Dad go to The Maple Room for dinner – Avery has burger, garlic spinach and we share chocolate pyramid!  I make healthy protein waffles for Avery for breakfast for the week…she samples and says they are delish!

July 22 – Emerson and Harper in Boston with Papa and Grandma Day 3.  They XXXXXX.  Avery has Week 2 of Ballet and SDI.  Avery has Chipotle in between first two sessions and Whole Foods nuggs and pineapple in between last two sessions.   

July 23 – Avery has Week 2 of Ballet and SDI…stays between sessions and has pizza and cantaloupe from Whole Foods.  Harper, Emerson, and I gym it together…Harper and I twin and debate over the color of my Viori shirt….blue or gray…gray it is…confirmed by running into the Goldmans on a family after dinner walk.  Family dinner at the table…orange roughy, schezen green beans and rice. The girls have their second and final book club with Jody.  Harper finished her book at the gym between sets and loved the book.  Harper, Avery, and I start The One and Only Bob

July 24 – Avery has Week 2 of Ballet and SDI.  Harper babysat for Megan’s kids…interesting experience, she made good money!  Emerson makes ground chicken pizza crust and pesto for our dinner….delish!  We eat a family dinner at the table followed by a short fun family dinner walk.  We top the evening off with a family trip to Sweet Frog and a late-night shopping trip in Giant for snacks and camp stuff. Harper, Ave, and Mom do some reading of The One and Only Bob.

July 25 – Leisurely family breakfast of homemade protein waffles, sausage, and fruit.  Emerson, Harper, Mom, Dad gym it together.  Girls get Chipotle as a treat for lunch.  Mom walks girls to Papa and Grandma’s for some swimming via the bike path. Emerson babysits for Adi.  Avery and Harper have fun gymnastics and paintings session downstairs.  Mom, Dad, Avery, Harper have Café Sano take out for dinner followed by after dinner walk where we have a laugh over Justin in short shorts. Harper, Ave, and Mom do some reading of The One and Only Bob throughout the day. 

July 26 – Harper, Ave, and Dad go to Church….Avery volunteers helping the young kids in Sunday school. Harper, Ave, and Mom do some reading of The One and Only Bob throughout the day. 

Emerson and Harper pack for Camp Highroad.  Early family dinner of burgers before Justin takes Emerson and Harper to Camp Highroad.

July 27 – July 30: Emerson and Harper Camp Highroad….Harper goes White Water Rafting and to a High Ropes course as part of the week.  Avery has dance much of the week.  Tuesday night, Mom, Dad, Avery have a delicious home cooked dinner of NY Strip, Flank Steak, jasmine rice, and sauteed garlic green beans.  The night Harper and Emerson came home we had Pollo Peru. 

July 31 – Avery finishes her last day of three weeks of dance.  Packing for the beach!  Taco Zocala take out for dinner.  Avery and Emerson get to open a few presents early including a Ninja Creamy (impromptu gift for all three girls birthdays), Kendra Scott necklace for Avery and Beach Waves curler for Emerson.

Aug 1 – Drive to Oak Island for our annual beach trip with the Brophys and the Nidays. Mom wins $80 by making a mad dash to get in the car by 9:00 am.  Subway stop for lunch.  Burgers, dogs, corn on the cob (off for some), beans, salad, and a soda bar.  Night swimming and quick night time beach trip.  Lady stole my shoes.

Aug 2 – First full day at the beach. Beach day….big waves, hanging out at house. Pizza and salad for dinner.

Aug 3 – Second full day at the beach.  Beach day…afternoon in ocean, hanging out at house.  Mac n cheese, grilled chicken, avocado mango salsa, green beans for dinner.  Eve of your birthday!!

Aug 4 – Avery and Emerson’s Birthday!!  Celebrating with the Brophy and Nidays at Oak Island.  Morning girl trip shopping in Oak Island. Afternoon beach session.  Taco Tuesday.  Birthday ice cream cake for Avery and blackberry pie for Emerson.

Aug 5 – Morning session at the beach.  Lunch in Seaport at Fishy Fish followed by a little shopping in town.  Afternoon beach session.  Make your own CAVA bowls at home for dinner.

Aug 6 – Early morning surfing session in Ocean Isle Beach…kids and dads.  Donuts and mango fruit bowls.  Late morning beach session.  Seafood boil…kids and adults!  “Slang” Game

Aug 7 – Last full day at the beach.  Morning beach session.  BBQ for dinner.

Aug 8 – Last morning at the beach.  Subway for lunch on drive home.  Evening at Papa and Grandma’s house seeing the boys!!  Mama Joon for dinner and cupcakes from the Bakeshop to celebrate Avery and Emerson’s birthday.

Aug 9 – Slept in, pancakes and fruit for breakfast. Walked to Papa and Grandma’s on bikepath.  Papa picked us all up…all 5 grandkids in the backseat.  Afternoon swimming (Noah, Elias, Avery, Emerson).  Harper had soccer event hosted by VYS and Washington Spirit. Papa, Grandma, Lauren, Gabriel, and the boys come over for dinner….grilled chicken, mac n cheese, pineapple corn salsa, green beans.  Avery and Emerson finish opening the last of their birthday gifts.  Elias and Noah sleep over. 

Aug 10 – Morning at home with the boys.  Afternoon at Papa and Grandma’s swimming. 

Aug 11 – Fosters for lunch with Papa and Grandma and the boys.  Swimming in the afternoon.  Boys sleep over. 

Aug 12 – Harpers’ Birthday.  Birthday breakfast of pancakes and sausage. Present opening.  Boys celebrate in the morning with us.  Papa and Grandma take grandkids to Andy’s Pizza followed by bowling and arcade games. 

Aug 13 – Emerson, Harper, Noah, Papa, Gabriel go to a Nats Game.  Elias and Harper hang out and Papa and Grandmas…doing arts and crafts. 

Aug 14 – Emerson meets her friend Grace at Starbucks.  Avery takes a milkshake to Emily and hangs out for a few.  Harper and Avery play Hipster.  We all meet Papa and Grandma and Elias at The Italian Over for dinner.  

Aug 15 – Mom, Avery, and Harper finish The One and Only Bob.  Avery babysits Adi and baby Stephen.  Elias comes over to spend the night.  Burger night for dinner.  We have Wegmans cake and ice-cream from Preet’s baby shower.

Aug 16 – Church for Avery, Harper, Justin.  Leisurely morning at home including Elias on a rainy day.  Avery, Harper, and Elias hang out at Grandmas.  Emerson and Mom go shopping at the mall.  Family game night of Pictionary. 

Aug 17 – Avery, Emerson, Harper go to Papa and Grandmas in the afternoon and swim with cousins. Dinner out at Mama Tigre with Papa, Grandma, Lauren, and the boys. 

Aug 18 – Harper babysits Durst kids.  Avery goes to Air and Space Museum with Papa and Grandma and Noah and Elias.  They have Chick-fil-a for lunch and swim in the afternoon.  Harper sews.  Emerson makes apple muffins.  Emerson and Harper help with dinner prep for Titus for tomorrow.  Lucianos pizza and salad for dinner.

Aug 19 – Girls volunteer at OES.  Girls walk to Papa and Grandmas to hang with cousins.  Papa and Grandma take all kids to Tyson’s arcade.  Swimming afterwards for boys, Emerson and Avery.  Boys spend the night.  Taco bowl night for dinner.

Aug 20 – Breakfast with the boys and hanging around the house playing outside and inside until lunch time.  Open house in the afternoon for Thoreau and Madison.

Aug 21 – Harper, Mom, (and Emerson) go to Michaels for fabric and laminating material.  Emerson gets strawberry lemonade refresher. Avery and Emily have hang date at our house…made pasta for lunch.  Emerson and Alexis have hang date at our house…made chicken quesadillas for lunch.  Harper goes to Leela’s for hang date and they go shopping at Mosaic. Mom, Emerson, Harper – blackhead party session.

Aug 22 – Noah and Elias spend the night and girls babysit.  Pizza from Andy’s and Inside Out 2.

Aug 23 – Evening BBQ and Papa and Grandma’s and final visit with Bernangos before their departure home to London. 

Aug 25 – Mom and Harper go to Flower Child for dinner after practice.

Aug 30 – Emerson and Mom go to Starbucks to hang and make clothes and dress purchases.

Sept 2 – Mom and Harper go to DSW for new sneakers and Flower Child for dinner after soccer practice.

Sept 4 – Chipotle for lunch.  Emerson and Dad see The Odessey in IMAX Theatre followed by CAVA for dinner.  Mom, Avery, and Harper go shopping at the mall and have Coastal Flats for dinner.

Sept 6 – Evening pool party at the Workmans.  Harper, Dad, and Avery have lunch at Sweet Leaf.

Sept 7 – Tubing and lunch at The Rabbit Hole in Harper’s Ferry.  Ice cream afterwards!

While summer has unofficially ended now that school has started, fall just means a new season and new opportunities. 

Sixteen days.  Over two full weeks of Lauren, Gabriel, Noah, and Elias being in town.  They arrived the evening we arrived home from the beach.  Since that evening, the girls have hung out with the boys nearly every single day.  The second week Lauren worked in her office every day in Maryland and Gabriel was in San Francisco for work. While we didn’t see much of my sister or any of Gabriel the second week they were here, cousin time was still strong.

We had several meals together….Peruvian takeout (Cucos), Afghan takeout (MamanJoon), Italian (The Italian Oven), Mexican Indian Fusion (Mama Tigre), and homecooked meals at our house (grilled chicken and mac n cheese, beef tacos – twice) and Abbotsford Drive (burgers and dogs).  And one night out of the four adults at Agora.

We had a small celebration the night we got home from the beach for Avery and Emerson turning 15 since their birthday was while we were at the beach.  My parents got cupcakes from The Bake Shop.  

Harper celebrated her birthday at Andy’s Pizza and the Bowling Alley with Papa, Grandma, Lauren, Gabriel, Avery, Emerson, and the boys.  Bowling and arcade games.  We all celebrated with dinner and pie at my parents in the evening. 

There was swimming…a lot of swimming!  Though very few pictures of swimming.

There was hanging around Papa and Grandma’s house.

There were sleepovers!  I think five in total. 

There was hanging around our house.

Papa, Grandma, Avery, and the boys went to The Air and Space Museum. 

A Nationals Game was had. 

There was building, soccer playing, basketball shooting, Nintendo playing, jokes, laughs, and boys fighting and wrestling.

London certainly isn’t close by, but the long visits a few times a year allow for some quality time together. We will miss them until we see them again!

First Day of 8^th!  Last year in middle school not only for Harper but for the Maddy family!

Totally forgot to update the sign to 2026-2027!  Ooops!

First Day of 10^th!  Emerson realized the 10^th grade sign had old data on it, so she quickly created a new one. 

No group bus stop pics this year.  No other parents got out of the car to take one and so I decided not to force it. 

Neither Avery, Emerson, nor Harper were excited about going back to school. They were asked to rank going back to school on a scale of 1 – 10, with 10 being the best; Emerson and Harper gave a confident 0 and Avery’s rating was a 4.  We cheered for Avery’s 4!  

I am hopeful that the school year goes much better than their first day of school “excitement”.

10 years!  10 years of beaching with our beach family. It truly gets better each year. 

The weather was rainier than years past; however, it didn’t keep us from going to the beach.  We just shifted our beach schedule slightly some of the days.

The kids all get along.  There are no cliques, no grouping off…it’s truly heartwarming to catch the pairings and conversations – I often wonder what the conversations are about.  Not that it matters, but it does make me smile.  And Bear, everyone adores him!

This year’s house had an enclosed porch….giving the kids their own separate area to eat dinner.  This year the kids got to partake in the seafood boil….something several of them have wanted to do for years.  

We celebrated Avery and Emerson’s 15^th birthday at the beach!  A rainy morning meant the girls went shopping at Mermaid Cove and Strands. 

August 4 was a Tuesday, so it was Taco Tuesday for their birthday dinner.  

For dessert, Emerson opted for a blackberry pie and Avery opted for a homemade Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream cake, that Harper and I made. 

The fact that they are 15 is truly mind blowing.  I remember the early years of beaching with our beach family and thinking how cool it would be if we kept vacationing together.  I envisioned the kids being in high school walking to get ice-cream themselves.  We weren’t exactly in walking distance to an ice cream shop this year, but if we were, I would say we reached that milestone. 

Time was spent at the beach….during the day….

….and at night….

In the pool…

The boil…

Surfing, now an annual tradition, and one of the most looked forward to aspects of the trip….

A family outing to Southport…

New this year…game night hosted by the kids!  

I learned that I am not so hip. 

And many more memories that will always hold a special place in our heart.  We all got a little sappy this year on seafood boil night…not only was it our 10-year beach anniversary, but it was also the Brophy’s 15^thwedding anniversary (we did not go to their wedding since I had just given birth to Avery and Emerson two days prior, but I somehow feel like I was there). There was a lot of reminiscing… we have been a part of each other’s lives for over half our lives; our kids have known one another their entire lives.  We have shared momentous moments and made countless memories…our beach family.

Harper had coach Jason again for the 7^th grade basketball season though the team’s dynamics were much different than the year prior.  

Harper enjoyed the season and towards the end tried out for Thoreau’s Cross Town Hoops 7^th Grade Girls team, which she made. 

She took a break from basketball for a few months in the Spring and re-engaged this Summer at Madison Basketball Camp where the highlight was doing MJ’s I’m Bad dance routine. 

The Spring soccer season kicked off with two back-to-back tournaments, in which they played well, placing second in one, a great start to the season. 

After the first week of the official regular season, they had tryouts for the following year.  Harper had a borderline birthday and was ecstatic to find out she made the higher age group.

The season seemed to go by quicker than normal.  Twice she played Hannah Brophy!

Fall season of SMASH followed by JV Season at Madison. 

Emerson played against some of her former teammates.

This girl can crush the ball! 

Action in the field was minimal in comparison to travel ball. 

Games were two hours, so they didn’t feel rushed; Emerson often got 3 – 4 at bats each game.

The season went by quick, and she had a few months break before summer season, which was only a total of three tournaments due to some rainouts and logistics with the team’s availability.

Dance competition season started out with quite the recognition in True Talent.

• Big Time – Second place, Platinum, Judges Award for Precision
• Rain to Snow – First place and Platinum
• Bring It on Home – Fifth place and Platinum
• Teen A – Triple Threat Award
• Honest, Avery’s solo – Platinum, 2^nd place in category, 10^th overall (out of 25), an invitation to Dance Wars at Platinum Nationals, Stand Out Soloist Award

Unfortunately, shin splints plagued Avery starting in February and a conservative approach (a boot) left her out of dance for a while and missing her last competition of the season. 

She healed enough to be able to get back to dance in time for the Spring Ballet….Peter Pan this year!

She finished the season strong with nine performances in the recital.   With eight dances and ten costume changes, Avery decided to invest in a dance suitcase to transport all her costume easily!

The production piece was a compilation of songs and dances from The Greatest Showman and it was absolutely fantastic!

Did I ever share that we bought a second property???  A few years ago, I got it in my head that I wanted to invest in a property that we would rent out.  Of course, we would visit sometimes and enjoy it as well. 

Well for a year or so, it was more my dream (maybe even a fantasy would be a better word…I think that is how Justin would have categorized it).  Somewhere over the course of the year, the fantasy grew on him and before we knew it, we began doing the research and exploring markets. 

In order to enjoy our property, it had to be in driving distance.  We looked at Outer Banks, Charleston, West Virginia, Richmond, and Williamsburg.  While those were all decent places, the cost of the purchase combined with all the other factors (reasons for visiting, seasonability, etc.) didn’t make sense.  One day, I thought back to our Pittsburgh family trip from a few winters prior and every morning upon sleeping on it, Pittsburgh still was the one. 

Once we decided on Pittsburgh, even more research occurred…if you know Justin and me, we are extremely analytical and rationale people, so this decision was well thought out. 

The house hunting began; we passed up many because the numbers didn’t work.  We put offers into a few that we didn’t get…with it being a second property being the highest bidder and winning at all costs was not part of our plan.  We looked at a lot of properties virtually and made a few day and overnight trips to Pittsburgh to see some places in person.  One in person trip we found our way to 4815 Dearborn Street, and we knew pretty quickly that this place had potential. It had been remodeled already and while it still needed some work, nothing major.  We put a contract in for list price and through negotiations got the price down to what we wanted. And just like that we had a 4 bedroom, 3 bath rowhome in Pittsburgh.  

From the moment we submitted the offer, everything went into fast forward…finding general contractors, plumbers, roofers, landscapers to come out to give assessments. And contractors didn’t jump to give estimates for a house that wasn’t even ours!  Between the time the offer was accepted to the closing date, we were in discussions with management companies and then designers who designed and furnished the place in just over a month!

It’s been nine months since launch date and our place is doing well.  It’s too early to say for certain as there is seasonality factor to the demand, and we haven’t been through a full year yet.  We have had a few things broken, a few things stolen, we are still learning, but overall guests are very pleased (at least the one’s that write reviews).

We have been up there three times so far…once in the snow in the winter and twice in the summer during an extreme heat wave.  Each girl has their own room, which they love!  Pittsburgh has so much to do, see, and eat and we are just getting started in our adventures.

Pictures of 4815 Dearborn, aka Pitt Vibes!

The countdown began months ago…I think the day after we got back from London, the countdown to London became the countdown to the last day of school.

Only one remains visibly shorter than me.  Harper and I are about equal.

The last day of school was a little bit of a letdown compared to years past   The girls, Amelia, and Emily went up to the elementary school bus stop to join the water balloon and super soaker celebration, but said it wasn’t the same feel this year.  Kona Ice, like years past, was a nice touch.  I asked them to take a picture, but they thought I was lame.

The girls received an invitation Wednesday for a celebratory day to recognize their achievements this year.

My parents received a similar but separate invitation too as they were a contributing factor to their achievements and success. 

Justin and I could not be prouder.  Perseverance!  Commitment!  Consistency!

Our morning hike was local…no complaints!

Afternoon chilling at the movie theatre!

Dinner was The Maple Room where Papa and Grandma joined us for the celebration. 

I kept thinking it was Saturday all day long and every time I remembered that it was only Friday, it made an already great day even more exciting.

(guest blog – Justin)

Today, Stefanie and I took off time from work to go on a hike. The weather was beautiful, but there was a twist.  We hiked Turkey Run, which we have a few times – however, they moved it!  

Stefanie was adamant that I drove to the wrong trail (which is a likely scenario), was trying to let it go, but just couldn’t.

It wasn’t until we found the stairs that she realized that it was in fact, the trail she had planned in her head.  She mis-remembered where it was though.

We had a great hike, and it’s been way too long.  We walked up on three deer who were just as surprised as we were – but then they scurried along to let us pass.

Right before we left, we headed down to the river because Stefanie said sometimes, you just have to stop and smell the rocks.

I was right, doesn’t happen often. I love you Stefanie.

This blog is a reminder that this trail is not right off 123 in Mclean, but off GW Parkway.