Several years ago I read Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming” and by read, I mean listened via Audible.  I was so into the book that I was listening to it in the basement as I worked out.  Walking up the stairs after my workout, with my arms carrying a full load, my phone dropped and found the small opening that led to underneath the stairs.  For several hours, until Justin got home, and was able to find a way to slide my phone out, Michelle Obama’s story in her own voice was coming from underneath my basement stairs. 

Just like Michelle’s story, Avery, Emerson, and Harper are creating their own wonderful stories and it fills my heart witnessing them becoming themselves. 

Avery – This past weekend was Avery’s first dance competition as part of Cuppett’s Dance Company. She performed a lyrical and jazz routine with her team and they danced both well, winning the Too Cute award for their Crazy Little Thing Called Love jazz routine.  When they placed second for Blackbird overall, Avery accepted the award on behalf of her dance team. The best part of the competition was Avery’s excitement and commitment to her team.  She has several recitals coming up and I can’t wait to see her perform.

Emerson – Emerson started CrossFit in January and while reluctant at first, she loves it now.  Not only is it building strength, but also its building confidence, which is making its way to the softball field.  She has been taking hitting lessons from Danielle and she has found someone that she has connected with;  she is showing drive to want to practice and improve. It’s just now the start of the season and I can’t wait to watch her on the field. 

Harper – In January, Harper began joining winter open practices with Vienna Travel Soccer, with the intent of getting noticed so that the coaches knew who she was when she tried out in the Spring for the Fall travel season.  Well, she was noticed and she got an offer to join the team right away, which meant she joined the team while still finishing out her basketball season (they finished in first place by the way and Harper really improved throughout the season).  She has been practicing hard and we can already see how much she is developing as a player.  I can’t wait to watch her on the field this season.

I spent a wonderful week in London visiting Lauren, the boys, and Gabriel, where my time was filled with…

• Walking around Barnes, a cute walkable cozy village
• Walking along The River Thames to Hammersmith
• Eating delicious dinners at home and enjoying a night at the pub
• Meeting up with Mila (first time I have seen her since 2018 I think) and Karolin (who happened to be visiting London), drinking some brewskis
• Visiting Kew Gardens, playing on the Kew Gardens playground, Noah’s attempt at taking our picture
• Reading books, the same ones repeatedly
• Cuddling on the couch
• Having bath time at home
• Exploring Knotting Hill area
• Visiting Mila’s apartment and enjoying a pub lunch
• Walking through Holland Park
• Eating and buying our way through Borough Market
• Getting close-ups with Big Ben
• And some not so close ups with The London Eye
• Making Peanut Butter Pie with Noah…he wanted to eat it warm!
• Watching Noah get a haircut
• Taking the ferry around the river on a rainy day
• Exploring The Tate Modern with Lauren and the boys

Similar to when I visited in 2019, the weather was cold…though this time I had a proper jacket (actually more than one). The weather was rainy too, though mostly at night. Each night, I would hear the splatter of rain as it hit the skylight in my bedroom and think the next day would be a rainout, only to find that the rain would clear up by morning. I had no obligations…no cooking, no cleaning, no laundry….just enjoyed the moment.  Noah couldn’t wait for my arrival and Elias warmed up to me within minutes, not wanting to miss out.  Noah and I read a lot of books, played some made-up games including Live Rubbish, and while he had a great time, by day six he began making his endless love of his Mommy and Daddy clear.  Noah proudly shared with me that he loved me only a very small percentage of the amount he loved his Mommy in Daddy.  In fact, I received a mere 2.5 compared to Gabriel’s 450 million and Lauren’s 21 million.  Now that is some rubbish!

As with most vacations, after a week, it was time to come home and get back to reality.  I had a wonderful week made even better when I got home to witness that Avery, Emerson, and Harper were truly getting along and showing mutual respect for one another, which continued throughout the entire weekend.  I guess I should go away more often on my own!’ (admin edit: no, you shouldn’t we or me Justin missed you so much!!!)