1st of 1st

In blog land and Facebook world we can present whatever image we choose. And so, today, there's this:

But sometimes reality looks a little different, as it did at our house this AM.

On the morning of his first day at a different school, riding the bus for the first time and not knowing his teacher because we missed back to school day while in Wisconsin, Owen woke with a bloody nose and tears. He didn't feel good, he wasn't "up for the bus today".

Daddy patiently and encouragingly eased him through the morning routine,  and sweet big sister Cearra called to wish him a great first day (while Mommy held back her own tears and made his favorite breakfast) but Owen ... well ...

He clung to me every step of the way to the bus stop, and his little face crumpled (as did my heart, again) when it was finally time to board. But with the help of our wonderful neighborhood kids - especially Stephenson - our brave little boy shouldered his backpack and climbed the stairs to his first day of first grade.

And now the house is really quiet, and my eyes are a little puffy. So, is it 4:00 yet?

Get Your Boots On

Back in April, my brother-in-law Todd called to say he was buying tickets to a Keith Urban concert for Maria as a birthday gift, and would we like to go? Now, I haven't listened to much country music for a few years, but I always love spending time with Todd and Maria so I checked with Bob and quickly said "Yep!".

Last week, with Hannah having a wonderful time in Cumberland with Nanny, and Owen ready for a fun night with Nana at our house, we put on our boots and moseyed on over to Merryweather Post Pavilion in Columbia for the show.

And while just about the only song I could sing along with was a fantastic cover of The Who, I really enjoyed opening act Little Big Town, and Keith was pretty sweet to ogle, ... I mean, listen to ... as well!

But the best part of the evening by far was watching my beautiful sister-in-law's face light up when Keith strolled on stage and picked up his bango! She was even more excited when he came up the aisle and stood singing only a few yards from us. Her joy made all of us smile.

Thank you Nanny and Nana for allowing us a date night, and thanks so much Todd and Maria for including us!

Fun With Family

Five years ago my cousin Brenda and her husband Nick moved their crew across the ocean to Barcelona Spain. Recently they were in our area for their second oldest to check out colleges, and we were thrilled to meet them in Baltimore for a wonderful visit.

Regardless of time or distance, there is nothing like the love of family!

Bob was in India; Owen found a piece of
India at the hotel

Iron (hand) Cal

Owen and Jess hard at work at
MD Science Center

Nana, Jess, Alexa, Owen and 

 

Score! They smuggled in some Kinder Eggs!

Cruising the Inner Harbor

Bren and Nana