Last day of School 2026!

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.

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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.

Stop and Smell the Rocks

(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.

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