September Lasted About 15 Seconds

 It's officially FALL, and here we are again heading into birthday and holiday season.  Early morning and late evening walks are the best this time of the year.  The weather is perfect.  I love pulling out all of my seasonal things and adding mums and pumpkins on our porch.

Let's wrap up September...

While we’re not technically empty nesters, it certainly feels that way. Miles is in school full-time at SKYCTC, works two jobs, and spends most of his free time at the gym—he stays busy. Earlier this month, he was awarded a scholarship from the Warren County Licensing Board and recognized at their monthly meeting. We’re so proud of his hard work and dedication.  On top of that, he's just a good human being and always so pleasant to be around.

Karson was in town to join us, taking a much-needed two-week break from work. She spent most of it relaxing at home.  I'm thankful that being with us is a choice she makes to help her reset. Her job caring for high-acuity patients demands so much skill and carries a lot of stress. It takes a toll on both mental and emotional health.  We are so very proud of her, and I know the patients she cares for are in the best hands.

 

We had the joy of celebrating the wedding of our dear friends’ daughter. Haley feels like she belongs to all of us, being the oldest in our bunch of kids. Watching all our kids grow up into adults and move forward in their lives has been such a gift. It was a honor to be there and share in her special day. 

 

This summer brought the most brutal weather - blazing sun and brown, ugly grass!  Not one drop of rain until the week of Haley's wedding.  I was worried because her wedding was outdoor at Potter Historic Farm but so thankful that things worked out and the skies cleared up.  It was honestly one of the most beautiful nights - temperature and company.  Everything came together perfectly.

 

The weekend of Labor Day marked a special milestone—my 30th high school reunion.

We celebrated the Bowling Green High School Class of 1995 at The White Squirrel Brewery, and it was such a treat to see and catch up with so many folks. This reunion felt different than the others—in a good way. The turnout was awesome, and I think that has a lot to do with where we are in life. Many of us have grown children now, and some are even grandparents. We're in a season where we truly value time—and maybe have a little more of it to give.

Look at us party animals!

 

 

The TC Cherry bunch - my brothers and sisters from day one!

Family Weekend at EKU was last Saturday!  It was another beautiful fall day.  We arrived at Isaac's house around noon.  I don't know much about Greek life, but I think he lives in a "chapter house" which is a rental house that’s passed down from member to member in the same fraternity year after year.  There's lots of tradition inside the house with all the composites of former members all over the walls.  The outside garage has been converted to a mini bar with posters, twinkle lights, and mismatch furniture. His house was hoppin'!  There were quite a few families there mingling.

 

We grabbed our camping chairs and hung out in the driveway before heading over to the stadium for tailgating.

 

The sun was HOT, especially on the asphalt. The Kappa Sigma tent provided some relief but not much.  We were thankful for the clouds when they appeared but eventually moved to a more shady area.

 

I know Miles would not change his pathway or decision, he's exactly where he is supposed to be.  As a parent though, there is a part of me that is sad he doesn't get to experience the typical college scene - roommates, dorm life, dining plans, sports events, etc.  I'm glad he was able to join us, chill out with his brother, and blend right into the EKU campus life. I think he plans to go up there for a weekend or two in the future to hang out.

The only other campus tailgates I’ve been to were at UofL, but not during Parents Weekend, so I’m not really sure how things are typically done there. At EKU, they had an entire section of the parking lot set up just for families — completely free — with Kona Ice snow cones, nachos, funnel cake fries, t-shirts, bags, games, rides, and more. It was the full experience!

 

At the Kappa Sigma tent, one of the dads grilled burgers and hot dogs - there were chips and brownies for dessert.  We had such a fun day, but the highlight was being with our ISAAC!  It's hard to believe he will graduate next spring.  

October begins tomorrow, and Karson and I are kicking it off with a girls trip!  Stay tuned for our shenanigans!