Let the Summer Begin

It's officially summer!  You know how I know....I got a text from Matt on Friday that said you might want to pick up some dish liquid because the boys used it all on the slip-n-slide. 

 After a quick trip to Dollar General, I now have about 4-liters of dish soap.  Of course after about three days of solid play, the "ramp" on the slip-n-slide is already popped.  Those suckers aren't meant to last.  Good thing it was on sale at Toys R Us.  The kids don't mind, the yard, however, is getting destroyed. 

The last two weeks have been a flurry of events.  Karson played in a 4-man "grass" tournament with some of her volleyball friends.  Because the weather was supposed to be crummy, it was moved indoors and ended up being a SWHS.  For some reason, CROCS have resurfaced in our house and Karson loves them.  I think they might be making a come-back.  Anywho, she asked me to help her team come up with a name for the tournament - I suggested "Four Tough Crocs" and told her to wear her CROCS to the tournament - guess they liked it.

The Four Tough Crocs took home the win for their division.  Karson had to shake off a little rust from not playing but thought did well overall.

A week ago Monday, Karson had awards at SWMS.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  South has no shortage of extremely intelligent children, and while she stood out in elementary school for high achievement, middle school is a different ball of wax.  Karson has a 4.0 and very high KPREP and assessment scores.  She took two high school credit classes this year in 8th grade and has a hard load (with a some AP) scheduled for her Freshman year.  The awards night is for high scores in individual subject areas along with recognizing elective classes and students that have achieved in certain subject areas.  She and about 100 other students were recognized for taking high school classes which is a nice recognition. 

Tuesday was packed with events. I got a text from my mother first thing that morning saying that my Memaw was in the ER.  She'd fallen and whacked her head pretty good.  They were going to get her stitched up and run some tests on her.  She has dementia, stays confused, is hard of hearing, and her health has gradually deteriorated over the last few years.  

 Isaac had 6th grade graduation at Plano that morning.  Plano also has a big family picnic afterwards.  I had planned to stay for graduation and lunch and then head back to work (was scheduled for a 1/2 day).  Mom was going to stick around for Miles's awards which were at 1 PM.  However, with Memaw being in the hospital, those plans, understandably, didn't work out.  Isaac was leaving school with some friends which meant I didn't necessarily have to stay long so I rushed back to work for about two hours and then came back to Plano for Miles's awards before heading back to work again. 

 It's hard to believe that I will have three kids under three different roofs next year.  Next year will be full of growth for all them - sort of being on their own and finding new paths without a sibling in the same building.  Of course, Karson has had that for two years already, but I think it will be really good for our boys who share a room and do everything together.  Sometimes separation can be a good thing.

Is SWMS ready for this crew?  Look out!

 Isaac and his squad doing some "chilly" swimming after school.  This group of four crack me up.  They have a rotation for "hosting" the monthly sleepover.  Apparently, we are down for June.  I like his buddies and hope they have some classes together next year.

 Miles and his buddies celebrating with classroom awards.  I was able to check him out of school which is the major excitement about the last day of school.  I also took him to TRU (for the slip-n-slide purchase).  When Matt got him, he took him golfing which is equivalent to Disney World for him.  He LOVES golf!

I've managed to squeeze in two concerts at Bridgestone the last two weeks.  Shannon, Lisa and I got tickets to see Boys II Men, Paula Abdul and NKOTB back in November.  Their Total Package Tour was heading to Nashville two weeks ago on Wednesday.  We got to re-live our childhood with some of our favorite songs. 

Hall and Oates were also schedule to come to Bridgestone last Wednesday.  I wanted to go see them too but didn't want to spend a ton on tickets.  Have a mentioned that all of our appliances in our house are revolting?  We had to replace our ice-maker, coffee pot and washer/dryer.  It's been a rather expensive May.  Anywho, I thought $65 was out of my price range, but my pal Jennie told me she knew they'd mark them down and they did.  I was able to snag tickets for both Matt and I for $16 and in great seats.  It was a no-brainer so I purchased them.  Daryl Hall is 70 and still rocking!  Tears for Fears was the opening act, and they were awesome as well.

 We spent yesterday at Nolin lake - boat riding, tubing and hanging out with family.  The weather was a wee bit chilly, but that didn't stop Isaac from tubing for hours.  He's part reptile.

Chlorophyll more like Borophyll

Unless you’re living in a cave, which is quite possible in the state of Kentucky, students everywhere are testing this time of the year – AP exams, finals, KPREP.  Karson has already completed three full days of testing at South and both of the boys started their exams yesterday.  Plano usually kicks off testing week with awards from last year’s testing.  Isaac and Miles both got awards at the ceremony.  Isaac got Distinguished medals and certificates in Math, Social Studies and Language Arts.  He didn’t even place in On-Demand writing (7 pts. short of a Proficient) which is rather comical to me since he’s one of the best writers (been writing books since he was four).  However, if you try to box him in and make him comply with a certain set of criteria when writing, don’t hold your breath (thus, no award in test writing).  Karson got Distinguished earnings in her 7th grade testing as well and has an 8th grade awards ceremony May 22.  Our little Panther, Miles received a Proficient in Math.  He’s been nervous about this year’s tests and is hoping he does better.  Isaac gave him some perils of wisdom by saying, “make sure you read the directions carefully, that always helps me.”  I told him to take his time and do the very best he can and that he’s very smart.  In my mind, I know it’s hard for him to see both of his siblings get all these awards and school comes so easily and naturally for them.  He has to work at it, and I did too. 

I remember Karson’s G/T teacher telling me one time that she was so high functioning that, essentially, if she didn’t comprehend something, she would still know the right answer because of her general intellect. Isaac just got his acceptance letter to take Algebra I at South his 7^th grade year.  Karson wanted that opportunity so badly (but missed it by a few measly points), and Isaac has ZERO desire to take it.  We’re not going to give our consent for him to take it for a couple of reasons.  (1) He doesn’t want to.  (2) It counts for high school credit – in middle school.  And, being that Karson has been at the middle school the last two years – I’ve been privy to news that other students have had to drop out because it’s tough for them which leads me to point #3.  (3)  Isaac was one of those independent workers who worked ahead in (math) class with a small group because they we removing quicker.  However, I noticed some of his grades started slipping because he didn’t understand concepts.  When I reached out to his teacher, she said she was a bit concerned too and would like for him to rejoin the class.  (4) Because all high school students have to have four high school credits, I have NO idea what Isaac will have to take his last two years – probably Calculus or something that ends in ‘nometry’.  I think we'll pass.

Academics remind me of athletic or artistic kids – some kids are naturally gifted at it, and others have to work harder.  Miles is right where he should be and needs to be on the spectrum, but I know he’d like to do better.  Lots of emphasis is placed on testing and performance.  Miles is one of those kids who flies underneath the radar, doesn’t cause problems in class, plugs along, produces satisfactory work, loves sports and his friends.  He might not have the flash the other two kids do in the classroom and might not receive a gaggle of awards during his academic career, but he’s quite special, confident, well-adjusted and capable – and brings a lot of balance to any classroom no doubt.  I'm proud of both of my boys and all their hard work this year.  I know they'll do some amazing things with their lives!

Mayday Mayday Mayday

It's May(days) and another school year is almost under our belts.  This month might as well be a holiday month because of the flurry of activity.  From sports conditioning, awards ceremonies and school events, our days, nights and weekends are full.  April whizzed right by, honestly don't know that we even had April, but I do recall a couple of important events.  The main one being....

Matt Deaton has been named South Warren High School's new Dean of Students.  I could brag on my husband all day.  I truly am excited about the next chapter for him at South but have spoken to quite a few disappointed parents who have (incoming) 11th graders that are crushed by not having Mr. Deaton as their APUSH teacher next year.  It's a testament to what kind of teacher and person Matt is.  I'm honestly happy that he will be at South with both our kids - Karson as a freshman, and Isaac as a 7th grader (sigh).  We've still got one little duckling left at Plano entering the 5th grade. You can now refer to Matt as Dean Deaton and to me as First Lady to the Dean Deaton. 

Speaking of his wonderful-ness, we took 71 Juniors to Boston last week.  He asked me early in the year if I would go as a chaperone because he had so many students interested in going this time.  I went with him the first year and was quickly reminded that I'm NOT 16 so it made me a little resistant but...I eventually consented.  However, I told him that I would really like for Karson to get to come as well.  She's at the right age (14) to participate, understand and appreciate it. I also had a hunch that this could be his last year or at least one of his last year's teaching.  I didn't want to pass up the opportunity for her to get to go with her dad (leading the trip).  And, I thought it would also provide her with the chance to take a different trip in high school if she chooses.  The forecast for Boston was about as crummy as you could imagine.  Rain for most of the week and chilly.  We packed our raincoats, boots and warm weather gear and left 70/80 degree beautiful BG and headed north.  On Sunday (post Saturday night prom), we loaded up three buses of teens and luggage and headed for the Nashville airport.  *IF you don't have one of those nifty neck travel pillows, TJ Maxx has them cheap.  I bought three and they came in very handy. We had a 7:15 PM flight to Boston and arrived around 10:45 PM.

From the airport to the bus transfer, we headed to the subway where we had to purchase 75 sub-passes for the week.  This is not an easy task.  You can only purchase four passes at a time.  Of course, there were only two terminals that accepted cash and the one Matt and I were working with wouldn't allow for purchases without exact change.  75 people, two machines - one working accurately, 11:00 PM, one missing wallet (poor student lost it on the bus transfer over to the subway) - it's was a whirlwind.  We got all the passes purchased, handed out and headed for the trek through the subway to the hotel - tons of luggage in tow.  These 11th graders were troopers.  We stay at Residence Inn Tudor Wharf, and this Marriott chain could not be more accommodating and wonderful to our group.  Without going through each event, blow by blow, I'll focus on the daily highlights.  Monday was the best - beautiful spring day in Boston.  We started off with the Boston Duck Tours.  I loved starting off this way because it's seeing the city as a whole - land and water.  Some of the kids even got the opportunity to drive the boat.  After the ducks, we went to the Massachusetts State House for a tour but because there was a House budget meeting, we weren't able to see everything.  We lunched close to Harvard and ate at Tasty Burger and then toured the campus.

After Harvard, we toured Fenway Park and ate dinner at the Prudential Center.  Matt, Karson, and I crashed at The Cheesecake Factory - we put in around 9 miles of walking that day. Whew!

Karson writing down all her activities for the trip.  When you are out of school for an "enhancement activity," especially for an extended period, you are asked to keep documentation.

We decided to do some adjusting to our Tuesday plans because of the weather - 100% chance of rain (and it was accurate).  We went to the JFK Museum that morning, then headed over to Copley Square to eat and visit Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.  We were going to visit MIT and Boston University but because our group was so large, we couldn't secure tour guides for either (however, we still wanted to make a visit to the campuses).  We decided to take the kids to the Bunker Hill Monument and Museum and alter plans in hopes the weather would be more cooperative on Wednesday. I was completely water-logged by the time we trekked up to Bunker Hill, and I had NO intention of climbing up 294 steps to the top (and back down) - been there, done that, lesson learned.  Karson did it like a boss AND in clunky rain boots.  No wobbly legs or nothing.  Oh to be young again!  We decided to take the kids back to the hotel for a quick clothing change before heading to Improv Boston (that evening).  We made a quick trip to the Holocaust Memorial Walking Tour and to Faneiul Hall for dinner before Improv. The kids loved it and some even got to actively participate (we filled up the entire room) - Karson said it was her favorite part of the trip.  Nice!

Unfortunately, the rain did not hold off on Wednesday.  Two days of solid rain - round two!  We started the day at Boston Commons for The Freedom Trail tour.  This was actually the highlight of my trip.  I thought our guide Jeremiah Poope was fascinating.  In fact, I wrote the company and encouraged them to give him a RAISE - he's deserving, and they don't want to lose talent like that!  I wish I could recount every story he told, but there was simply too much information for me to retain.  Bottom line - he was the best storyteller ever and kept us captivated.  One of my favorite story's is here - not sure if it's true but I loved it!  We returned to Faneiul Hall for lunch and ate at Dick's Last Resort and did a little shopping at Poope's favorite store Newbury Comics where I got Isaac another fidget spinner and Bob's Burger's pillowcase.  After lunch, we took the kids over to MIT to look at their campus and visit the bookstore.  The weather was awful so that didn't last long before we headed to the Old North Church, where Paul Revere lit those two lanterns in the steeple to send a warning signal about the movements of the British army.  The last time I was in Boston with Matt we didn't do the "behind the scenes tour" so I was super excited about seeing the tower and the crypt underneath the church.  The tower/bell-ringing chamber, super cool!  The crypt, sort of a bummer.  I'm not sure what I expected - skeletons, bodies, caskets, tombs, I don't know, but it was super quick - we did a circular lap and popped right back out.  Nothing "crypt-like" about it - they need to talk with Alfred Hitchcock or something.  Post Old North Church was a visit at the famous Mike's Pastry.  Isaac had already asked for a chocolate chip cannoli.  Lugging a cannoli all over Boston IN THE RAIN is not an easy task, but I wanted my boy to have one.  We headed over to the Boston Fine Arts Museum afterwards where I basically collapsed into a comfy chair.  I was zapped - did I mentioned we walked around 35 miles over three days time?  I felt like I'd been hit by a Mac Truck - think I'd taken around six Advil.  I loved the art museum the last time and wished I had the energy to walk through again - just wasn't in me.  Thankfully some of the Juniors adopted my child and she walked through the exhibits with them.  We went back over to Copley Square for dinner (where I had to rescue a few of our guys at Wendy's from a persistent peddler) and then headed back to the hotel.

Thursday was fast and furious with a quick trip to Boston University and the USS Constitution before heading to the airport.  Of course, it wasn't until we got on the subway (on our way to the ship) that I realized I'd left Isaac's cannoli in the fridge of our hotel room.  Matt called them and they got it for us - again, best hotel ever. We were able to collect it when we returned back to the hotel to grab all 1,000 pieces of luggage and carry-on bags.

We made it back home around 8:00 PM and collected our boys who were eager to see us.  Isaac had a big night graduating from 212 Academy.  If our flight had been just a little earlier, I might have been able to make his ceremony which was at South.

 

While I'm chatting about 212, I might as well say that TODAY Isaac's Shark Tank team took first place in the Shark Tank competition with their Aqua Bot creation.  Today was also his last day there =(.

I wish I could say that Isaac enjoyed every bite of that delicious, two day old cannoli that traveled all over Boston in the rain, on the subway, on the airplane, bus ride home, but I think he took one bite, maybe two the next morning when he requested it for breakfast.  SMH.

Matt hangs up his Boston hat this year and passes the torch or "lantern" to the next APUSH teacher.

(The next part of this blog is completely unrelated to Boston but worthwhile April Highlights)

 Easter porch pictures and egg hunt with the family.  Easter morning, I did the traditional "hunt for your basket game" but Miles got off track and started finding the wrong clues.  The entire process was busted up so I relented in just giving the kids their baskets.  They really just wanted LARGE hollow bunnies.

Are you really ever too old for an Egg Hunt?

 Karson got to hear RL Stine at the Soky Bookfest while Isaac stood in line for hours to meet him. #goosebumps

 Miles, back in action, on the golf course - he has a love/hate relationship with the sport.  One minute, he's ready to sell his clubs, the next, he's turning PRO.  Thus, the sport of golf!  AND, he's still a roller skate rat - he suckered us into taking him last Friday (even though we were completely pooped from the trip). 

Jump Air is still a fun place to take the kids.  Miles made plans to meet some of his buddies there one night, and the rest of the family wanted to go too.