Similar to last year, I had the girls each create a list of things that would make for a fun summer.  Justin and I did the same.  Here is what our lists read: 

Harper:

• Muse Paint Bar
• Bowling
• Mini Golf
• Lots of Play Dates
• No fighting
• Sleepovers at Grandma and Grandma’s
• Not as many chores
• No forcing us to do workbooks or reading (unless it is for book club)
• Movie night with family
• Swimming
• Family Game nights
• Keeping the house clean
• Limits for screen time
• Hanging out with the siblings

Emerson:

• Likes print out lists for week days
• Swimming
• Surprises (i.e. cookies, going out to eat, etc.)
• No workbooks

Avery:

• Hang out with friends
• Limited reading and workbooks
• Going out to eat
• Going to Zava Zone
• Going to water mine
• Swimming at Papa and Grandma’s house
• No reading at the beach unless needed or wanted
• Get together with cousins and bbq
• Not having to do everyone’s chores when Emerson and Harper are at sleepaway camp
• One on one dates

Parental Units:

• FUN
• No fighting 
• Getting along
• Reading – daily unless schedule too busy
• Hands on learning, experiences
• Hanging out in the pit
• Eating outside
• In order to do that, need help keeping up with house
  • Keep current trash and dishwasher schedule
  • Breakfast, lunch dishes, etc. in dishwasher or hand washed, dried put away
  • Will learn own laundry this summer – that way not reliant on me
  • Help keep house tidy
  • Mudroom – can be cleaned at end of day if that will enable continued play outside
• Will ask for some help with some fun projects that can be made fun…gives us more time for those fun things….i.e. vaccuming cars, cleaning garage, art bin…..this is stuff to do on quieter days

WHAT WE DID: While we didn’t accomplish every single thing, we sure did a lot.  I think we had a fantastic summer…perhaps this is why I wasn’t ready for it to end!

• Tuesday, June 11 – impromptu CAVA with Harper on Town Green, impromptu Rita’s with 3 girls
• Wednesday, June 12 – KONA shaved ice truck and water balloons – last day of school, swimming at Cora’s after school.
• Thursday, June 13 – Papa Donut delivery, Emerson lunch with Papa and Grandma at Virginian, Harper Rock Climbing with Girl Scout Troop, Harper sleepover Papa and Grandmas, Avery dance rehearsal for recital.
• Friday, June 14 – Emerson and Avery hang out with Papa and Grandma’s during day…Don Pollo take out for early dinner before watching Avery’s dance recital; Avery gets take out CAVA for lunch, Friday night dance recital…4 dances!
• Saturday, June 15 – Harper joins Ian for 643 lesson and gets a mini throwing lesson. Avery helps with Advanced Combo in 11:00 recital.  Avery performs in the 3:00 and 7:00 recital; Avery gets a McFlurry after last performance and they forgot to mix it!  Emerson, Harper, and Daddy have at home baked potato bar.
• Sunday, June 16 – Father’s Day!  Ate breakfast together and talked about what summer fun meant!  Family clean-out of the pit including spraying one another with the hose…Emerson said “we should make this a family tradition and do it as a family every year”.  Papa and Grandma came over for dinner and Papa enjoys a homemade tie from Avery and homemade Oreos from Harper.
• Monday, June 17 – Avery and Emerson volunteer at VBS this week.  They walked to Chipolte on their own after VBS and ate lunch together.  Then they treated themselves to Ritas!  Dinner was a quickie tonight w/ Emerson having softball practice but we I whipped up some amazing chicken quesadillas. Harper had Coever soccer camp this week with Liza….it was 90 degrees today so treated them to McFlurries on way home!
• Tuesday, June 18 – Avery and Emerson volunteer at VBS in morning.  Harper and Liza go swimming at Papa and Grandma’s after soccer camp.  Harper has first Tuesday Jody book-club. Homemade waffles and bacon for dinner!
• Wednesday, June 19 – Avery & Emerson VBS volunteers; Harper soccer camp.  Surprise viewing of Inside Out 2 at RTC followed by dinner at Jacksons in RTC; Emerson helped Mom and Dad finish cleaning/putting together pit and cleaning garage.
• Thursday, June 20 – Avery & Emerson VBS volunteers; Harper soccer camp.  Avery & Emerson walk to Sandwich Shop for lunch after VBS and also treat themselves to Rita’s!  All three girls enjoy afternoon at Papa and Grandmas for swimming.  Avery, Harper, and I order Papa John’s for dinner and enjoy a dinner with lots of laughter.
• Friday, June 21 – Avery & Emerson VBS volunteers…last day is Vienna Pizza for counselors; Harper soccer camp…her team the Swifties won and she got a medal.  Justin and Emerson leave for Philly for overnight tourney and have some Daddy/daughter time; Avery, Harper, and I order Matchbox takeout and play Sequence. 
• Saturday, June 22 – Emme and Daddy at softball tourney.  Stefanie, Avery, and Harper go swimming at Papa and Grandmas for afternoon…order takeout with Papa and Grandma from Don Pollo.
• Sunday, June 23 – Avery, Emerson, Mommy go to VPC Church service so Avery can guide the littles…Maddy forgets to call counselors down!; Avery goes to Lions Camp Merrick and meets Vivia only for camp to be cancelled an hour after we got there.  Avery instead has Camp Sleepover at Papa and Grandmas….Avery opens her family letters in one sitting since camp is cancelled.
• Monday, June 24 – Avery has Grandma Camp and goes to see Thelma at Tysons Theatre followed by lunch (Turkey and Bacon sandwich and lemon ricotta cookie) at Nordstroms Café, followed by swimming afterwards.  Harper goes to Sewing camp with Callie in the afternoon.  Emerson has Day 1 of 643 Camp.  We prep, cook, and eat dinner together as a family followed by a nice leisurely walk on Hillington.
• Tuesday, June 25 – Avery and Vivia go to Tysons Mall for shopping and lunch at Nordstroms Café!  Harper has sewing camp.  Emerson 643 Camp.  We have family night at Muse Paint Bar.
• Wednesday, June 26 – Surprise treat…Pastries by Randolph!  Avery & Harper go to sewing camp!  Avery & Emerson go to Papa and Grandma’s after camp for swimming and they get take out from Social Burger for dinner.  Emerson goes to 643 Camp.  Mommy and Daddy eat a late sushi dinner in pit and Harper and Emerson join us. 
• Thursday, June 27 – Avery and Harper spend morning at home together….baking blueberry lemon muffins, making peanut Nutella pretzel bites, playing soccer and having fun.  They go to sewing camp in the afternoon and have a great time.  Harper goes to dinner at Vienna Inn with Papa and Grandma.  Emerson has 643 camp and practice. 
• Friday, June 28 – Avery goes to Amaya’s house.  Harper enjoys morning with Papa and Grandma at The Virginian and swimming with grandma followed by sewing camp in afternoon.  Emerson’s last day of 643 camp. Girls and Daddy enjoy evening at home together with Santini’s take out, a neighborhood stroll, and Avery gets her bulletin board put up in her room.
• Saturday, June 29 – Avery and Emerson have leisurely morning and help one another put fresh sheets on their bed with no fighting!  We take girls to Cold Spoon coffee for mango smoothies (Emerson and Harper) and a chocolate chip cookie (Avery) after Emerson’s softball games. We order Taco Zacolo take out for dinner and have family game night of Pictionary. 
• Sunday, June 30 – Pancakes for breakfast…Emerson and Avery help make! Emerson has softball tourney in Sterling….she goes 4 for 7 at bat, including a double, makes a double play at first and has a lot of action at first…great weekend…her team is runner up in close game!  During break, we get smoothies and ice-cream from Cold Spoon coffee!  We go to Fireworks Pizza for dinner after the tourney.
• Monday, July 1 – No IPAD and phone week….welp the girls thrived…there was laughter, getting along, harmony all day!!  Harper and mom had a date to RTC Peds…thanks to nothing more than a cough, we did some shopping at CVS and Whole Foods together and Harper got a yummy blueberry scone from Whole Foods for breakfast. Papa took Avery to her math tutoring session at Panera and treated her to a candy cookie, Avery came home with treats for Emerson (strawberry banana smoothie) and Harper (chocolate chip cookie). The girls enjoyed spending the afternoon together playing wiffle ball, making French bread pizzas for lunch, and playing tennis at the tennis courts.  Harper arranged Avery’s American Girl Doll collection.  Avery went to Chloe’s house for a small birthday party celebration.  Harper and Emerson cooked a beef taco dinner together for the family and had a lot of laughs while doing so.  We had family game night playing Harper’s “Who Knows Harper Hoops” Game. 
• Tuesday, July 2 – Harper gets surprise free (on Starbucks) ham and cheese sandwich from Starbucks.  Avery and Emerson have middle school book club with Jody and Cora.  Harper spends afternoon at Hunter Mill Swim Club with Josie and Amelia.  Emerson spends afternoon with Alex…they walk on bike path to Chipolte and then go to Papa and Grandma’s for a little swimming.  Harper has 3^rd Ms. Jody book club.  Avery and Mom go for 30 min walk in Vienna between doctor’s appointments. Pat and Bill come over for dinner!
• Wednesday, July 3 – Girls start a puzzle….again no electronics and getting along great!  Emerson and I go to CVS together to get rest of items for camp.  Harper goes to driving range with Daddy.  Daddy makes burgers for girls.  
• Thursday, July 4 – Lazy PJ morning!  Went to Workman’s house for 4^th of July for swimming and BBQ with Whelan’s and had a great time.
• Friday, July 5 – Lazy PJ and TV morning again!  Some board games in Pit, wiffle ball, and  evening with Owen and Hannah swimming at their country club.  Hannah has sleepover with Harper.
• Saturday, July 6 – Hannah and Harper finish their sleepover with bagels for breakfast.  Emerson and Avery also enjoy a bagel breakfast. As a family, we go to Lake Anne Farmer’s Market.  Girls go swimming at Papa and Grandmas in afternoon.  I join them along with Becca! We have family dinner and finish prepping for Harper and Emerson to go to camp.
• Sunday, July 7 – Emerson gets new trail shoes from REI…last minute purchase before camp!  We go to Leesburg Public House for yummy dinner before dropping Emerson and Harper off at Camp, where they are with Alexis and Josie Kinney.  We surprise girls with Sweet Frog for dessert after dinner. 
• Monday, July 8 – Harper and Emerson at Camp Highroad. Avery goes to Day 1 of Cuppett’s SDI Camp. We make a quick stop at Whole Foods on our way home, where Avery gets a brown butter cookie.  We enjoy a yummy meal of grilled pork with Avery (Avery got a side of mac and cheese for herself at Whole Foods).  Avery and I attend the CDC Intro Meeting together virtually and let her know we agreed for her to do a solo this upcoming year. 
• Tuesday, July 9 – Harper and Emerson at Camp Highroad.  Avery goes to Day 2 of Cuppett’s SDI Camp and she gets her front walkover.  The Rowshandals come over for dinner…Avery hangs out with their two kiddos (Olivia and Matthew) and we order take out from Don Pollo…kids and adults have a great time.
• Wednesday, July 10 – Harper and Emerson at Camp Highroad.  Avery goes to Day 3 of Cuppett’s SDI Camp, her first Jr. A company choreo, and starts discussing solo songs and styles with Ms. Tory.  We stop at Whole Foods and Avery grabs nugs and mac n cheese for dinner.
• Thursday, July 11 – Avery goes to Day 4 of Dance Camp, goes to Papa and Grandma’s after camp and enjoys dinner with them (her personal white pizza from Luciano) and swimming.  Emerson and Harper come home from camp…they had a great time and are already looking forward to going back….Harper next year, Emerson next week!  We eat Cava takeout at 8:45 pm for a late dinner!
• Friday, July 12 – Avery and Ms. Tory finalize the song “Hold On” for Avery’s solo!  Avery finishes out a week of SDI – Week 1. Emerson’s Rehobeth Beach tourney was cancelled just before she, Justin, and Harper were going to leave.  They were both very disappointed and had a lazy day at home.  Justin took girls to Costco for a Friday night “date”.  They brought home takeout from Santinis.  We watched I am Sam as a family for family movie night.
• Saturday, July 13 – Emerson, Harper have 643 date followed by Chipolte for lunch.  Avery and I have MacPherson Optician date followed by CAVA takeout.  Harper spends afternoon baking a zebra cake.  Avery and Emerson spend afternoon vegging in front of TV. We order Papa Johns for dinner (3 pizzas, 2 pizza bakes and boneless wings) and enjoy an evening of eating and laughter.  The girls try and rate Harper’s zebra cake.
• Sunday, July 14 – Buttermilk pancake and breakfast sausage morning made by mom (sausage Harper).  Leftover Papa John’s pizza for lunch.  Leisurely morning for girls doing reps, playing soccer, and doing PT.  Emerson and Justin go to Firebirds end of year party at 2 Silos Brewing…Harper joins. They drop Emerson off at Camp Highroad camp for second week.  Avery goes to Papa and Grandmas for swimming and a sleepover. 
• Monday, July 15 – Avery is at grandmas and grandpas in the morning after her sleepover.  She gets a candy cookie at Panera after her tutoring session.  Harper has her first day of Madison basketball camp. Avery goes to Day 1 of Week 2 SDI Camp. Emerson is at Camp Highroad. We make chicken, veggies, mac n cheese, and rice for dinner and eat outside and enjoy a good evening of conversation. 
• Tuesday, July 16 – Girls all at their respective camps.  Avery, Harper, Daddy, and me enjoy a simple yummy dinner (Costco mac n cheese, cantaloupe, fruit, green beans, chick peas and zuchinni with parm) with good convo
• Wednesday, July 17 – Girls all at their respective camps.  Avery, Harper, Daddy go to Bear Branch for dinner while Mommy is out. Harper so tired she falls asleep on couch in her clothes for evening!
• Thursday, July 18 – Girls all at their respective camps.  Avery swims at Papa and Grandma’s after dance.  Harper swims at Hunter Mill Pool after camp with her friends. Daddy and Harper pick up Emerson at Camp Highroad. We enjoy steak and sausage dinner outside together followed by a short family walk (Emerson gets excused).
• Friday, July 19 – Harper last day of Madison Warhawks b-ball camp.  Her and Josie swim at Papa and Grandma’s after camp. Avery’s last day of the second week of SDI Camp.  Avery goes to Papa and Grandma’s after SDI Camp.  Harper, Avery, Papa, Grandma enjoy Luciano’s take-out for dinner.  Emerson has lazy day at home, staying in room to close to 10:00.  Emerson and Daddy go to CAVA for dinner before her Victory tryouts. Harper and I watch the WNBA All Star Night.
• Saturday, July 20 – Bagel and donut breakfast morning.  Emerson goes to 643 with Daddy and has Firehouse Subs for lunch.  Avery and Harper have leftover pizza and baked ziti from Luciano’s respectively. Girls go to Papa and Grandmas for swimming, though rain and Papa and Grandma not being home have them take a detour to Starbucks where Harper gets ham and cheese croissant, Avery and Emerson get strawberry acai.  Avery and Harper swim while Emerson and Grandma look at old basements in the yearbook.  We have Don Pollo takeout for dinner. Harper and Emerson watch the WBNA All Star Game.
• Sunday, July 21 – Harper makes yummy chocolate chip cookie bowls.  The Nowak and Tarr families come over for hanging out and eating.  Kids play Legos, Bingo, and go on hike in backyard.
• Monday, July 22 – Emerson and Harper enjoy morning at home making breakfast together, having Bible study and painting.  Avery goes to mall with Grandma for early birthday shopping at Lulu and Athleta Girl. Harper goes to PR Running with grandma and buys new sneakers for early birthday present. Grandma gets Harper a mango buzz smoothie from Sweet Leafe…they bring one home for Emerson.  Avery has her first day of her third week of SDI.  Emerson, Harper, and Avery work together to make beef tacos for dinner.  Harper and I go on a nice walk and talk after dinner on Hillington followed by a quick Shookie Shower (we had a few other of those this summer as well)
• Tuesday, July 23 – Emerson, Harper, Avery enjoy Bible Study at home.  Emerson and Harper continue their paintings.  Avery has SDI Camp in afternoon. Harper enjoys Lego time while Emerson watches (aka) naps in Harper’s room.  Harper and I enjoy a 30-minute walk in the parking lot while counting cars and waiting for Emerson at an appt.  I treat girls to a shared water at Whole Foods…lol.  Girls all go to Pazzo with Papa and Grandma for dinner.
• Wednesday, July 24 – Papa picks up Emerson and Harper in the morning for day spent at Papa and Grandma’s…it starts with a bacon and bagel morning…(Avery gets a bagel too), followed by swimming.  Emerson has 643 Lesson with Ian…Harper joins and is ball girl.  Avery has third day of third week of SDI Camp and Wednesday choreo.  I treat her to Chipotle take-out for dinner. Justin and I have sushi in the pit for dinner; Harper partakes in the sushi, while Avery eats her Chipotle and Emerson is in charge of the music play list. Harper and I finish reading Farmer Boy, a book we started reading together this summer. 
• Thursday, July 25 – Girls all walk to Ms. Pats in the morning to hang out.  Avery had SDI Camp in the afternoon.  Emerson and Harper spend afternoon with Ms. Pat…they go to Chipotle for lunch, play games, and hang out all afternoon.  We all go to grandma and grandpa for dinner and see Bernangos.  We have Don Pollo for dinner.  Avery sleeps over.
• Friday, July 26 – Avery spent morning at Papa and Grandmas with boys.  They went to Wolftrap to play on playground.  Avery had SDI Camp in the afternoon…her last day of her third week.  Emerson and Harper spent the afternoon at Papa and Grandmas with the boys…they went swimming.  The boys slept over and we made Naan Bread pizzas for dinner, played outside, and inside.
• Saturday, July 27 – Kids sleep in until 9:00!  We have pancake and sausage breakfast.  Girls spend morning playing inside and outside with boys. The cousins enjoyed a Rita’s outing in the afternoon.  Avery went swimming with the boys….Harper and Emerson were around but chilling.  Emerson had a babysitting gig at The McAllisters.  Daddy and I stopped by Papa and Grandmas and adults enjoyed some Taco Zocola. 
• Sunday, July 28 – Avery goes to Camp Easterseals Sleep away camp!  Mom, Dad, and Avery make the 4 hour trip to New Castle.  We stop at a Subway on the side of the road for lunch. Avery is there for the week!  Emerson and Harper meanwhile spend the day at Papa and Grandma’s with the boys swimming and hanging out.  We enjoy a BBQ at Papa and Grandma’s of burgers and steak….a fun time though we felt Avery’s presence missing.
• Monday, July 29 – Avery first full day at Camp Easterseals!!  Harper and Emerson go to Papa and Grandmas in the afternoon for swimming and hanging out with the boys.  The four of us have salmon and mashed potatoes for dinner, followed by after dinner walk and Olympic watching on the couch. 
• Tuesday, July 30 – Avery at Camp Easterseals!  Emerson and Harper have chill day at home…some Bible Study, Harper Jody’s book club, and spend the night at Papa and Grandma’s with Noah and Elias. 
• Wednesday, July 31 – Avery at Camp Easterseals!  Emerson and Harper spend entire day at Papa and Grandmas with the boys.  They go to the Library, The Vienna Inn for lunch, swim, and go to Bear Branch Tavern for dinner (Lauren and Gabriel join them).  We enjoy watching Olympics in the evening. 
• Thursday, Aug 1 – Avery at Camp Easterseals!  Emerson and Harper spend chill day at home together. Mom takes them to Whole Foods to pick up pizza slice and side of nugs for lunch.  Emerson and Harper do more Bible Study together and watch most of The Wedding Planner. In the evening, they go to Papa and Grandmas and hang with boys, Papa, and Gabriel…they swim and have Chinese Food for dinner.
• Friday, Aug 2 – We pick up Avery from Easterseals!  She had the time of her life…wanted to stay longer!! We bring Crumble Cookies, snacks, and a homemade scrunchie by Harper to greet her.  Emerson and Harper go to Papa and Grandma’s for the day.  Papa takes girls and Noah bowling, to the arcade and Andy’s pizza for lunch. Emerson and Harper go to the mall and CAVA with Auntie Lauren, Grandma, Gabriel, and the boys.  Avery, Daddy, and I enjoy take out from Lucianos.
• Saturday, Aug 3 – French toast breakfast.  Avery and Emerson have an early start to their b-day celebration…opening a few presents including Megan Trainor tickets and buying their birthday desserts. Elias and Noah spend day at our house. We buy Emerson’s apple pie and make Avery’s ice cream cake for tomorrow. Whole Foods “take out” for dinner, family eats together. 
• Sunday, Aug 4 – Avery and Emerson’s birthday!  Pancake and sausage morning.  Mini-golfing at Oakmont with Gabriel, Elias, Noah, and Lauren. Italian Gourmet Birthday lunch with entire Maddy, Bernango, Friedman families and Becca.  Swimming in early evening at Papa and Grandmas.  Social Burger take-out for dinner. 
• Monday, Aug 5 – Avery and Emerson go to movies with Grandma and boys (Despicable Me 4).  They eat Tony’s pizza for lunch.  Harper gets her nails done with Aunty Lauren, and goes to lunch at Caboose with her and Gabriel. Harper goes swimming with Gabriel.  Girls and boys eat dinner at Papa and Grandmas.
• Tuesday, Aug 6 – Emerson goes to Alex’s house.  Avery and Harper spend afternoon with Noah and Elias.  We order Mama Tigre for dinner.
• Wednesday, Aug 7 – Avery goes to breakfast at The Virginian with Auntie Lauren, Elias, and Noah.  Girls and I say quick goodbye to Lauren and boys before they head home to London.  Girls play with McAllisters…Harper spends much of the day with them.  Avery has last session of SDI Choreo.  Harper goes to Ms. Pat’s to hang out and for dinner. 
• Thursday, Aug 8 – Avery and Emerson tour Thoreau with their 8^th grade schedules in advance of students!  Harper goes to Quarter Deck for dinner with Papa and Grandma followed by Dairy Queen for dessert.  We eat salmon and steak dinner together as a family (Harper hangs out since she already ate).
• Friday, Aug 9 – Girls get mani/pedi’s with Ms. Pat as their birthday present!  We have CAVA take-out for dinner.
• Saturday, Aug 10 – Saturday August 18 – Beach, TopSail, NC – Ocean, buggy boarding, pool, beach family, Christmas in July, ice-cream, shell collecting, shark teeth and coquina searching, sleepovers, series binge watching, lots of sausage and dessert.

From babies to toddlers to kids to tweens to teens. These two are somehow 13.  Thirteen years of being their mom, 13 years of loving them. 

The worst part about being a twin they say is sharing a birthday.  I get it….not having the entire day to yourself and having to make joint decisions on how to celebrate.  An extended birthday celebration is a must, especially when your shared birthday is on a weekend. 

They each opened a few of their presents Saturday. Emerson picked up her apple pie from Pie Gourmet – size large of course!  I made an ice cream cake, with Harper’s assistance, for Avery since Ben and Jerry’s couldn’t make her request on time.

Sunday, their actual birthday, started with a pancake breakfast and sausage.  

Mini-golfing at Oakmont with the boys was next. 

Some present opening followed by lunch at home catered by The Italian Gourmet.  Papa, Grandma, and Becca joined. Emerson had her lasagna!

The selection of desserts was scrumptious.  Emerson had her apple pie.  Avery had her ice-cream cake.

A late afternoon swim followed.

The day was capped off with Social Burger take-out. Avery had her burger!

A fun family day celebrating these two TEENAGERS!

6 Days, 5 Nights…that’s how long Avery was away at Camp Easterseals sleepaway camp.  She LOVED it and can’t wait to go back. 

While she was both excited and nervous about going, she swallowed her nerves and pushed through.  While the first night was a little tough, she said my letter to her that evening helped her get through the night, and by morning she didn’t want to leave. 

She didn’t call me the entire week; she said she thought of calling me the night before we were picking her up (we picked her up a day early) only to see if she could stay an extra day!

Picking her up was great…not only seeing and hugging her but seeing how she interacted with the wonderful counselors and friends she made; the hugs, special handshakes brought a contagious smile to my face.

She rode horses, canoed, swam in the pool, cooked, did artwork, climbed the rock-wall, ziplined, and “bunked” in the afternoons.  She showered occasionally, chatted for hours at bedtime, and most importantly proved to herself just how capable and independent she is. 

Camp Easterseals…Avery’s coming for you next year!

Three dress rehearsals, three shows, eight dances; and one more show as a stage assistant.

Five years ago, I sat in the audience and watched Avery’s ballet class perform without her.  She was paralyzed with fear and couldn’t bring herself to step on stage. There was no redeeming herself the following year as the world was shut down from COVID.  The following year, 2021, the world was slowly recovering; the “recital” was a typical class in costumes.  Avery had a foot injury in 2022 so while her Pre-point class performed in the spring ballet, Avery was on stage only as a tree and for her bow. Last year, 2023, four years after Avery’s stage fright incident, she finally performed on stage….I remember holding my breath at her first competition, praying that she would come out with her dance team. She did, and she did many times after that the remainder of the year with additional competitions, a spring ballet, and multiple performances in the recital. 

I no longer “worry” about her getting on stage.  She gets up on stage each time dancing her heart out and I just sit back and enjoy. 

Friday 7:00 SHOW

• Hot Lunch Jam (Jazz III)
• The Pridelands (Modern A)
• One Girl (Junior A Company)
• Broadway Bound (Junior and Senior Company)

Saturday 11:00 SHOW

• Stage Assistant for Advanced Combo

Saturday 3:00 SHOW

• She’s In Love (Junior A Company)
• Broadway Bound (Junior and Senior Company)

Saturday 7:00 SHOW

• Warrior (Junior A Company)
• Broadway Bound (Junior and Senior Company)

And while I thought this schedule was a lot of dances and costumes, next year, she is adding even more classes to the mix!

Keep up the great work and love of dance Avery!!

How do I write a blog when I am feel like I have no words?  Middle school is halfway over for Avery and Emerson.  Harper, one year remaining in elementary school.  I’m just speechless truly. 

Avery and Emerson both had a great year, each earning all A’s!  Harper had a great year as well earning all 4’s in the Citizenship and doing well in her academics. I am so proud of the hard work and dedication that they put into their classes and assignments this year.

This is the first last day of school picture where Emerson has noticeably gained some height on Avery. Both looking older and older with each passing year, though pretty sure Avery has been wearing that same jumper for at least 3 years!

The bus stop on the last day of school will forever be a childhood memory for these three….from water balloons, super soakers, and the Kona ice truck, to every other kid on the school bus who wishes they got off at our bus stop.  

Fun is just beginning.  Bring on summer!

27 Years…27 years since I graduated high school and I still remain close to my high school friends.  Being that I stayed in Vienna, I have been fortunate through the years to be able to visit with my friends when they have been back in Vienna visiting their families. We have stayed in great touch through these years; though the last time we all vacationed together was Beach Week 1997….

…Until this past weekend when we were Nashville bound!

We ate some yummy food:

• 12 South Tap Room
• Frothy Monkey
• The Food Assembly Hall
• The Hampton Social
• Epice
• One Kitchen Nashville

We explored Broadway:

We visited Ryman Auditorium:

We had mani/pedis:

We took a bus tour of Nashville:

We went to The Listening Room:

We explored, we reminisced, we laughed, we shared stories, and we continued investing in a long-lasting beautiful friendship. 

Another Spring Ballet has come and gone. A dance routine worked on all year in Friday’s Pre-point class and four Saturday evening rehearsals in April.

Four Woozy Bubbles took the stage for a matinee and evening performance in the production of Alice and Wonderland. 

Avery danced well; though my personal favorite was the big smile that manifested from ear to ear as she took her bow on stage during the finale. 

A year ago, I sat in my sister’s four story rented home and decided then and there our family of five would visit for Spring Break 2024.  I monitored flight prices for what seemed like close to a year, sadly never getting the great deal I was in search of.  Nonetheless, tickets were purchased and we took off Sunday evening March 24^th and spent eight full days in London…visiting family and being tourists. 

Departing Sunday evening made for a relatively stress-free time getting ready and packed. Taking the 11:00 p.m. flight left Justin and Emerson a little tired on Monday; Avery, Harper, and I caught a few z’s on the plane…enough so that we were able to push through the day.

Monday, March 25

We arrived in London at my sister’s by 11:30 am. We unpacked, went for a late lunch, and picked Noah up from school….he was so excited to see his cousins!  We took the boys to the nearby park, popped in a few of the local stores for some breakfast food, took some power naps before dinner, and ate a delicious homecooked dinner of Thai peanut chicken made by Gabriel before an earlier bedtime.

Tuesday, March 26

We woke up relatively early to get a decent start on the day.  The boys stayed home from school so they could spend the day with us.  We took the train and the Tube for the first of many times during out trip. First stop was Burrough Market where we met up with Mila, who we hadn’t seen as a family in 4.5 years!  We explored the market buying some cheese, salami, spices, cookies, bread and a brownie.  We sampled cheeses and chocolate covered strawberries.  As I was buying cheese, I got pooped on by a pigeon!  While the food from the vendors looked delicious and smelled amazing, coordinating what 9 people want at those types of places was a challenge; thus, we opted to go to a Mexican restaurant right across from Borough Market.  Food was okay but the fact that they could seat a table of nine of us so quickly was a win. 

Light rain started after lunch, the first of much precipitation over the course of our trip. We walked leisurely to Tower of London and Tower Bridge. With the rain and needing to buy time before our 4:45 entry into Sky Garden, we hung out in Joe-the-Juice and explored Leadenhall Market, which was a beautiful open air market dating back to the 14^th century. Sky Garden was busier than normal….that actually seemed to be the theme for all the tourist things we did as Friday and Monday were Bank Holidays in London. 

The heavy rain closed the outdoor area of Sky Garden.  Though closed, walking around the inside, we were still able to get a feel of the amazing views from every angle. The boys were being silly.

After Sky Garden, we said goodbye to Mila for the day and then headed back to Lauren’s home.  The four adults went out for dinner to one of their local pubs, The Brown Dog Café.  The food was good, ambience nice, and adult conversation even nicer.  Meanwhile, Jen (the boy’s babysitter) stayed home with the kids, giving them dinner and putting the boys to bed. 

Wednesday, March 27

This was day two of our tourist adventures, which we got to experience with our old friends Stacey and Cooper and their two girls Lindley and Brynn.  The last time we saw them was for a whopping 24 hours, 7 years ago and before that, 3 years prior. They just so happened to be vacationing in London at the same time so we booked a tour together for Westminster Palace and the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.  We followed Lauren’s transit directions and arrived via the train and Tube on time at our Westminster Castle meeting spot at 8:45 a.m. 

The castle was beautiful and the history amazing.  It absolutely amazes me to see the architecture and ornate details and intricacies of the design dating back to 1050, long before modern technology. 

Lindley just turned 12 and is 5 ft 9 in.  Brynn turns 10 this month and was the same height as Avery and Emerson.  Tallies!  Is that even a word….I say shorties all the time, I’ve never had to say the word “tallies” before!

After our tour we found a local pub.  Food was fine, service kind of odd as you ordered at the bar.  Service was also slow, but with it raining out, it was actually a perfect spot as it gave us more time to catch up.  The four adults sat together and the kids sat at their own table, which was less awkward for them as the minutes went on. 

The sun came out for a short time just as we were finishing up lunch.  The girls found a local bakery in Soho area that we walked to for some treats.  We then continued walking together through Soho to Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square and then finally Big Ben before saying our goodbyes. While the weather was crazy, the lighting at Trafalgar Square was amazing.

Wednesday evening Lauren and I went grocery shopping and picked up store made pizzas for the kids and grown-ups ordered pizzas from Base Face Pizza.  The pizza was good, but since it was the same type as Puppatella, we knew the girls wouldn’t enjoy it. 

Thursday, March 28

Thursday was our full day excursion visiting Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath.  Our tour guide made it clear over and over that it was going to be a very rushed and long day; she really knew how to sell it!  Similar to how Sky Gardens was packed, Windsor Castle was just as packed.  We arrived at 9:00 and waited in the queue for over one hour before we finally got in about 10:15.  That gave us less than 1.5 hours to explore not only Windsor Castle but also the town of Windsor.  We opted not to get the audio as time was already ticking.  The rooms, the décor, simply extradinary…I absolutely can not fathom being a part of or even associated with the royal family. The day started out nice and sunny and when we came out of Windsor Castle, it was raining so hard that umbrellas inverted as soon as they were opened and feet were drenched from walking in puddles.  We took cover in St. George’s Chapel for a little bit as we strolled the perimeter; St. George’s Chapel was the place where Megan and Harry got married.

We then darted through the streets in the pouring rain through puddles to head back to town to grab a quick bite to bring on the bus.  The food took so long that Justin almost left before it was ready so that we didn’t miss our bus. Meanwhile, I ran into a souvenir shop to buy two more umbrellas and a new pair of socks for Harper as her boot and socks were soaking wet. 

Our next stop Stonehenge was an hour drive away, though we got stuck in traffic leaving Windsor Castle, making the drive about 1 hour 40 minutes.  Upon arriving in Stonehenge, the rain had slowed down to more of a trickle, but the wind gusts were so intense that they literally could blow us away.  We had to again wait for a shuttle bus to take us to the monument and it seemed way busier that the average day.  We had basically five minutes to explore and take pictures before having to head back on the shuttle bus to get on our charter bus.  It was so windy and cold and rushed that it was comical.  It would have been nice to stay longer and enjoy the audio tour and a grab a few more pictures from some different vantage points, but we still got to go and experience Stonehenge and we can all say we have been there.  Again, crazy to think that those monuments were there over 5000 years ago.

We had another hour drive in torrential downpour and flooded streets before arriving in Bath.  We had less than an hour to explore the Roman Baths and grab a bite in town before having to head back for the three-hour drive back to London. We moved through the baths quicker than I would have liked, but again, we got to do it.  The town of Bath was absolutely extraordinary as we drove in…we are keeping Bath on our list of places that we would like to go visit again, this time for a few days at a time. 

Arriving home at 9:00, Gabriel had made pasta and meat sauce, which was awaiting our arrival!

Friday, March 29

After getting up early three days in a row, we all needed a slower day.  We had originally planned on going to Brighton, a town on the  coast, but changed our plans after seeing the weather forecast was somewhat rainy and very windy.  The girls especially enjoyed a leisurely morning eating breakfast and hanging out with the boys.   Gabriel and Lauren took the kids to the local cinema, where they saw a movie without talking.  Justin and I took the time and went for a nice 90-minute walk followed by some local shopping for fruit, yogurt, waffles, wine, and a Gail’s salad for lunch.  

Lauren and I took the girls and Noah for afternoon tea at Orange Peko, a local café in Barnes.  While we aren’t huge tea drinkers or sandwich fans, the idea of high tea was still very exciting.  We were given more pastries and sandwiches than one should eat in a week!  The scones with clotted cream were by far the favorite!  Doing high tea locally in Barnes versus going into the city where the price per person for a high tea was significantly more was definitely the right choice.  I am glad we did high tea, though I think the full high tea experience is probably a one and done adventure. 

Meanwhile, Gabriel, Justin, and Elias were at Whitehart, another local pub.  The ladies and Noah joined them for a drink after tea as the weather turned out to be beautiful, especially in the sun. 

We spent Friday evening at home…kiddos munched on some leftovers and what was around the house, while grownups ordered some Thai food. 

Saturday, March 30

Saturday was a beautiful day, by far the best weather day we had in London.  We spent the morning in Barnes first watching Noah play soccer, where he scored five goals. Watching him play is so much fun…he is eager and aggressive and knows how to celebrate a goal.  After his match, we walked through Barnes and the local market buying some cheese, bread, and some subpar sausage rolls. 

The glorious weather continued through the afternoon; we made our way to Whitehart again for the big Cambridge/Oxford boat race.  It reminded me of Foxfields….tons of people, lots of drinking, and very little boat watching.  The only difference between this and Foxfields was that this event featured kids!

We left the boat race after the women’s race, missing the men’s portion, and headed to Hyde Park to explore the park and meet Mila one last time.  The weather was still gorgeous as we walked the park taking pictures along the way including at The Albert Memorial, The Serpentine Lake, and the front of Kensington Gardens.  Mila brought us her famous chocolate balls and a few other of her local favorite treats. 

Mila lives in Notting Hill, which is where we exited Hyde Park.  Last year when I visited Mila, Karolin, Mila, and I went to a pub The Prince Albert for lunch that had the best fish and chips.  Since last year, I wanted to take Justin there for the fish and chips.  We showed up at dinner time on a Saturday…we hovered around a few tables and luckily didn’t’t have to wait for more than 15 minutes before we snagged a table.  Justin, Mila, Emerson, and Harper ordered the fish and chips.  Three fish and chips came out; Justin is the one who decided to wait for the other; the other never came.  By the time Justin asked about it, they had NO fish and chips left.  Silence.  Silent explicatives had never been louder.  Speechless.  

Justin was hungry hours before we went to the pub; he was so hangry.  We cut our time with Mila a little shorter than we probably would have to get home; a juicy burger and brewski awaited him. 

Sunday, March 31

Easter Sunday and another day in Barnes!  The UK Easter Bunny left some Easter “bags” filled with chocolates for the kids.

Noah had an Easter Egg hunt at the nearby park with some of his school friends; the girls set up the hunt and Avery was in charge of giving the instructions to the kids, the last of which was to “have fun”.

We enjoyed a lazy afternoon hanging out with the boys.  Late afternoon Lauren and Gabriel’s American friends Christine and Bryan and their kids Analyse and Julian came over and we enjoyed another Easter Egg hunt, a delicious lamb dinner, and several bottles of wine. 

Monday, April 1

Our last full day. I always get a little sad on our last full day of vacation.  Vacations always go by too quickly and this one was no exception. Monday was a Bank Holiday so we all got to spend the day together.  Our destination was Richmond Park, a huge park with a playground and deer, who we mistakenly got very close to!  While there were many signs indicating to stay away from the deer, we missed those until after we got up close and personal with them!

After strolling the park and letting the kids play on the playground for a while (while me and Justin snuck away for a walk), we had a very nice lunch at Petersham Nurseries, and while a beautiful atmosphere and good food, we almost had to remortgage our house just to pay for the meal!

Tuesday, April 2

Departure day….never any fun to leave, but always nice to get home and back into the normal routine. We had a 12:30 flight so thankfully did not have to get up at the crack of down or rush to get ready.  Noah especially was very sad about his cousins leaving and since we have gotten home, he has sent the girls some very sweet messages about how much he enjoyed his time with each of his cousins.

This trip had been a long time coming.  I’m so glad we were able to finally make it happen.  And so blessed to have spent eight full days with Lauren, Gabriel, Noah, and Elias.  

The Maddy tradition carries on…..this year Harper won not only first place in two categories (yes, two) at OES, but also won 3rd Place, Award of Merit in the Visual Arts category for her artwork “Wonder of the Water”.
 
“Wonder of the Water” and her Language Arts submission “Rise Against Hunger” both placed in first at OES.

Wonder of the Water

Rise AGAINST hunger  

    The parking lot was full at 9:00, there were multiple stations and most were full  (even though we were early), but we finely found our station. 

   I arrived at my church for an event called “Rise AGAINST Hunger” ; my mom, my sister Avery, and I signed up. Avery and I have done this in the past and it was very fun and helpful to people who don’t have access to food, so we did it again!

   We looked around said hi to a bunch of people, then we heard a loud voice that started to greet everyone and introduced himself too. He told us that he worked for “rise AGAINST hunger” and he demonstrated all of the stations that made bags of food that were going to be shipped to kids in countries who don’t have access to food and might not have three meals a day. Each of the bags included: vitamins, vegetables, soy and rice. (There we’re instructions how to cook it on the back).

This event made me hopeful:

• So many adults and kids showed up on a Saturday morning to give their time and fit it into their schedule.
• I felt happy doing this because me and a lot of other people felt good about helping kids and adults without access to food.
• There are good people in this world who are willing to help.
• This event inspired me to participate in more things like a “Rise Against Hunger”.
• Gives me hope thinking of the four talented chefs that put in time to do a competition to see which meal would be sent around the world to kids and adults who need food.
• I feel good knowing that people are constantly donating to Rise Against Hunger.
• The people that work at “Rise Against Hunger”make sure they are feeding people healthy and nutritious meals, which is so important because if you do not have healthy meals you don’t have as much energy.

This event made me feel hopeful about the future. 

Twenty-two hours. 

That’s how long Avery and I spent at her Platinum Dance Convention and Competition this past weekend. 

The first seven hours Saturday were spent at the Convention where Avery took ballet, musical theatre, contemporary, lyrical, and improv classes. I popped in the ballet session for a few minutes and man was Ms. Georgia scary!

The competition started at 3:30 and during the course of the next three hours, Avery and her dance team performed One Girl, Warrior, and She’s in Love. All three received Platinum scores and Warrior received 1^stplace award and was asked to dance in Sunday’s closing show. 

The first four hours Sunday were spent at the Convention where Avery took Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and an Audition class. I popped in the Audition class for less than two minutes and in those two minutes, I saw her up front asking a question!

While she didn’t receive any individual awards, she received more than a handful of pins for the entire weekend and on Sunday, Warrior won the award for best choreography; Avery took it upon herself to go on stage to accept the award where she proudly stated her name, her dance company and thanked Ms. Natalie for being such an “awesome dance teacher and choreographer”.  Girl loves the stage and spotlight!!