The Summer in Review...a Picture Parade

Since I have been so remiss in posting this summer, I thought I would provide a recap of our very busy summer using pictures I have of the different events.

First up, after finishing kindergarten, Henry teamed up with a couple of girls from our congregation to host a "Let's Get this Summer Started" swim party. A fun time was had by both the old and the young in attendance. We really had perfect weather and enjoyed the company of our dear friends from Austin. Here is Henry with his co-hostesses in front of the fabulous cake the other mom made.

In the month of June, while we had an extremely busy month, I don't have a lot of pictures to show for it. Here is a picture of the "girls" from the girls only trip I went on to Disney World. We're missing Tammy, as she was taking the picture.

Here are some pictures of Henry from our District Convention. Henry did great. Someone had sent me a kids version of a notebook for the program and Henry enjoyed following along. Of course, the highlight for him was the drama on Sunday. (A funny side story here: When I reminded Henry on Sunday morning that the drama would be that afternoon, he declared: "There's two kinds of drama. First, the one that is like a play like we will see today, and then there is the drama that I create when I am in a crabby mood." Yep, buddy, you got that right!)

Before Henry and I took off for our month in Chicago, Leslie wanted a special day for her and Henry. She arranged to take him to a special dinosaur exhibit. She knows a way to a boys heart. They had a great time.

So Henry and I headed off to Chicago for the month of July. The very first weekend we were there we realized our timing would coincide with another JW family that I have corresponded with via email. Another single mom with a great little boy from Kaz was going to be in the Chicago area and we were able to coordinate our schedules to enjoy dinner together at the Rainforest Cafe. And thus, another great friendship was born. Amanda, it was great to meet you and your mom and your wonderful little Bo. We sure enjoyed our evening with you and hated when it had to end. Here's a photo of the new friends:

We also got to spend the day with a friend of mine that I had lost touch with a couple of decades ago. It was wonderful to spend a day with her and her husband while visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo. We had a surprise encounter while we were there with Ms. Lori from PBS Kids.

After we got home from Chicago, we had three more weeks until school started. So Henry attended a summer camp hosted by the park district in the town that we live. He got to do a lot of fun things while he was here, like go to the movies, go to the Museum, go to the Kemah Boardwalk, swimming, and a lot of just hanging out and playing with other kids. Here he is headed off for his first day:

He also got to attend Jack's "First Day of School Party" at Jumpin Jacks. This is a big room filled with an inflatable jumpie, a HUGE inflatable slide, and an inflatable bungie race track. Again, a great time was had by all. Here is Henry, along with the Host with the Most, Jack!

Henry also managed to lose two more teeth, both on the bottom, this summer. Here is a shot with a nice goofy grin that highlights those new holes in his head:

And finally, to celebrate the end of summer and the start of school, we had a small gathering at Chuck E. Cheese with Henry's best friend, Jack and family. In case you hadn't noticed, we celebrate at the drop of a hat!!

Look for "First Day of School" pictures coming soon....

June...where are you?

Wow, can it really be the 9th already?

Okay, I knew June was going to be very busy going in. But now that I am in the midst of it, I had no idea.

I probably won't get a whole lot of opportunity to post. And here is all of the things that are going on:

Last weekend, we had our Special Assembly Day on Sunday. Now, this would normally be a great photo op of the little boy. But, alas, he didn't even get to go.

My parents are (were) in town to help/participate in the activities that we had planned. However, due to happenstance, there was an unanticipated death in the extended family. This required them to travel back to the Chicago area.

As things would work out, I was (am) scheduled to participate in a "girls only" trip to the House of Mouse (Disney World)later this week. Henry was to stay home with my parents. After a mad scramble and an attempt to find reasonably priced airfare, it was finally determined that my parents would leave the next morning (Sunday) and travel by car. After examining all possible scenarios, I decided to let Henry travel with my parents back to Chicago. They fully anticipate to return to Houston the same day I return from my vacation. But it means 3 extra days of separation between me and my Henry.

I'm happy to report that they made it back to Illinois safe and sound. Henry is so busy hangin' with his cousins that he can barely carve out a minute or two to talk to me when I call.

When we each get home from our respective trips, a few days later, we will attend our District Convention. It seems like it has totally snuck up on me. I haven't even thought about what either of us will wear yet. But, after we get home, I'll have 4 whole days to figure that out, make sure they are clean and pressed, and start backing the bookbags and lunchbox.

The week after the DC, Henry is scheduled to attend Zoo Camp. He did this last summer and really enjoyed it. However, it does mean a drive downtown to the zoo each morning and afternoon. Fortunately, Nana and Papa are here this year to help out.

Next, we have an Astros game...no biggie, just a Saturday evening event. But nonetheless, something that we must plan around.

Then, during the last week of June/first days of July, it'll be a hectic time as I attempt to pack a month's worth of supplies for both Henry and I as we prepare for our second annual "Chicago in July" event. It went so well last year, that Henry and I will again be spending the majority of the month of July visiting in Chicago (well, Henry will be visiting, I'll actually be working from our Wheeling office).

So, you can see that we have quite a busy month of activities. I'll try to post when I can, but please bear with me when I don't.