Fish and Hermit Crabs

Today we were finally able to get back to piano lessons.  With our piano out of commission for the last month and Meg and Cam's tennis schedule, they haven't been able to practice.  Thus, we asked Mrs. Meek if we could wait until the end of the month to return.  That worked out with her schedule and everyone was happy to be back at it today.

After lessons we headed to Target, Game Stop and Pier 1 to do some shopping.  Doug had to work late, but told us that he would have time to meet us for dinner if we waited until 6:30.  That was alright with us as Cal had to work tonight anyway.  Buffalo Wild Wings was packed for a new promotion they had - buy one small boneless wings and get one free.  Meg and Cam took advantage of that deal while Doug tried their new loaded tots.

After dinner Doug headed home to finish working.  Meg, Cam and I went to Petco to pick out eight new fish and four new hermit crabs.  We did check out the guinea pigs, but that would more likely be a project for next week.  Once we got the animals set up and our groceries put away, Doug and I finished watching "Gone Girl."  Brett told us that it was intense.  It was, but we were glad that we rented it.  Plus the price was right as we found it at the library.

Let the Cleaning Begin

Meg talked about getting a job this summer, but with her sports schedule, two weeks at camp and a week in D.C. we realized that it probably wouldn't work that well for her.  Thus, I made her the same offer that I made Brett when he was 16 and was in the same situation.  I told her that I would pay her to help me this summer and she said she'd take me up on that deal.

After today she and Cameron may have decided that a job would be a better option.  We spent an hour and a half cleaning out the fish tank.  We have had the same fish now for over two years and every time we got new ones he would kill them off.  Thus, we first decided to move him to his own bowl.  From there we thoroughly cleaned the tank with the anticipation of getting new fish this week.  Once we were done we split up all of the rooms on the first two levels of the house and started dusting.  It felt nice to get everything done and I really appreciated the help.  Our plans are to clean the doors and windows later in the week.  After that I will take all the help I can get to set up the garage sale.

It wasn't all cleaning today as Meg and I have each started one of our favorite books - for her - Happy Golden Years and for me - Prisoner of Azkaban.  The three of us also made plans to do some crafting and sewing over the next month or so.  Cam played golf this afternoon and Doug got his bike fixed as well.  Thus, I see a lot of walks and bike rides in our future.  Summer vacation - can't ask for anything better.

Memorial Day Weekend

Doug and I took Brett to the Grand Rapids airport this morning.  He had a 12:10 direct flight back to the Baltimore/Washington airport on Southwest.  The drive was quick and the airport was very easy to get in and out of.  We had such a wonderful four days with him and appreciated him making the trip.  I was sad to see him go.

On our way home Doug wanted to stop for lunch in Kalamazoo.  His first choice was the Eccentric Cafe, but that was closed for the holiday.  He found another brewery across the street and we enjoyed some delicious appetizers on their patio.  After lunch we stopped at Lowe's to purchase a replacement shelf for the wood one in the garage.  I was more than happy to get rid of the one we had and Doug found a nice one to fill the spot.  Just as we crossed the Michigan state line, Brett texted to say that his plane landed.  We were amazed at how easy the trip was for him.  He took the train to the airport station and then a quick bus ride to the terminal.  The flight was only one and a half hours.  This was a great trial run in case he moves to D.C. permanently.

Meg, Cal and Cam had a fun day while we were gone.  Meg went to the Memorial Day parade in Milford with Preston.  They were extremely disappointed that the middle school band did not participate, but they did enjoy going.  After that they hung out at Mom's, walking to Subway for lunch and spending time swimming.  Cam slept in and then went golf with Grandma Jane.  He just finished as we got home.  Cal hung out with his friends all day, playing golf, basketball and working out.  We saw him briefly when he came home to change.

Doug spent the afternoon putting together the new shelf and by 5 o'clock we had an organized, cleaned garage which I was more than thrilled about.  We stayed in for dinner and grilled out.  Cam and I got in a game of Pay Day before we ate.  After dinner Doug and I watched "Dead Again."  It was a movie from the 90s that his Mom really liked.  We saw it, but I didn't remember it.  It was very good with a great twist at the end.  This was one of the best Memorial Day weekend's that I could remember.  The only complaint that I had was that it was over.

So Much Going On

Today was just as busy as yesterday and by the end of it Brett was able to do everything he set out to do during his visit.  He started at 9:30 a.m. mass with Doug, Meg and Cam.  When that was over he and Doug headed to Linway to see the new Alien movie.  They liked it, although, it was a lot like the previous ones.  While they were gone, Meg and I got some cleaning down.  Cam played golf with my parents until the storm hit and Cal went over to HM's to celebrate Robyn's birthday.

When Doug got home, he and Meg headed to a graduation open house for one of the soccer seniors.  They enjoyed it.  I spent my time visiting with Brett.  At five we all headed to Mad Anthony's for dinner.  It was great to have everyone together and the food was delicious.  Afterward my parents joined us for games and a bonfire.  It was the perfect way to end a fantastic weekend.  We all really appreciated Brett coming home and are looking forward to visiting him in July.

Twenty Four Hours of Fun

Brett started his day at Shopoff's having lunch and visiting with a friend from high school.  Brett has enjoyed eating at the root beer stand since he first went with my parents almost 20 years ago.  Unlike most customers he prefers the booths to sitting in his vehicle.  He had a great visit and enjoyed the food as always.  After lunch Meg and I went to the Round Barn at Amish Acres to see "Plain and Fancy" with him. We all enjoyed it as always although the character of Ezra was changed from the past.  It made for a different story, but as we had seen it so many times before it was alright with us.

After the musical Doug, Meg, Cam, Brett and I went to the winery.  We all got something to drink and Cam even tried the Korean tacos from the food truck.  They have games for the kids to play, so tonight's activity was Scattergories.  I was the big winner, but it was close.  From the winery we headed home for dinner.  Cal and my parents joined us for spaghetti and salad.  My mom brought the desserts and everyone tried a piece of pie.  Cam wanted to play croquet again.  Meg, Cal and I watched as Doug took everyone out one by one.

I started to wear out around 9, so I decided to enjoy Harry Potter weekend on TV while reading Prisoner of Azkaban.  Brett, Cam and my parents played Hearts.  Meg FaceTimed Preston and Aaron and Doug enjoyed a bonfire.  It was a wonderful day.  We are looking forward to another one just like it tomorrow.

School's Out for Summer!

It's official!  Cameron had his last day and so did I.  Thus, he, Meg, Cal and I are all officially on summer vacation.   Adding to our celebration was the fact that Brett came home this weekend to visit.  We hadn't see him since April 1st and my parents hadn't seen him since the beginning of February.  Last night we all went to Buffalo Wild Wings together.  Today Brett had breakfast with several friends from Warsaw.  Then he and Meg went to lunch at Maria's.  Dad and Mom joined him for dinner at Maria's and to top off the evening, Brett, Cam and I all went uptown to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie - Dead Men Tell No Tales.  What an awesome start to summer break.  We have been looking forward to this for quite some time.  We will appreciate the rest and enjoy the fun.

She Did It!!

Meg finished her last day at WHS with all A's and an A+ in Honors/Dual Credit Pre-Calculus.  She turned in her Chrome Book today and when everyone asked if she was sad to be leaving Wawasee,  she said, "No."  She did not make the decision to transfer to Bethany on a whim.  She weighed her options and in the end decided that a small, Christian based, academically challenging environment was exactly what she needed.  Proud of her for trying something new.  There will be new challenges in August, but Meg is ready for them.   We are so incredibly proud of her and all that she has accomplished these past two years.  One chapter of her life may be closing, but the story continues.