Luray

The past few days have been obscenely hot. I'm talking 110 degree heat index hot. Even with a pool, it was difficult to remain comfortable. With a houseful of kiddos stuffed into a warm and muggy house, I knew there was only one solution.

I packed up the kids and we went to Luray Caverns for the day. Inside the caves it is a constant (and extremely comfortable) 54 degrees. As soon as we stepped into the first tunnel, the humidity and the heat were broken. It felt like heaven.

Not only were we able to beat the heat for a few hours, the kids were mesmerized by the beautiful stalagmites, stalactites, and mirrored pools of water. I loved hearing them all discovered a new level of beautiful. If you have never been to Luray Caverns, I encourage you to visit. 

By the time we were finished exploring the Caverns, the heat was beginning to break and the humidity was lifting. We were able to swim in the evening, which especially delighted Timmy. Before bed all of the kids played Bomb, resulting in laughing and fully painted faces.

I am going to miss hearing the giggles in the house when the cousins leave!

Tight Pants

 He sneaked out of the house before I had a chance to wake up this morning so I don't have a photo of his first day of school. Today, Scott starts his 28th day teaching. According to his calculation, and assuming that he is not offered an early retirement option, he only has two more first days (after today) until retirement. 

It is also a monumental day because it is the first time he has worn dress pants since March 12, 2000. He sent me a text this morning, letting me know that they are a tinge snug after wearing comfy pants for nearly 18 months. I have a feeling that the next few days will be full of uncomfortable adjustments.

While Scott is busy in his classroom, I'll be taking the Cousin Crew on one final adventure. They are returning back to Pennsylvania tomorrow. Although their Virginia visit was short, it was nice having them here. With Robby's bedroom re-do, we now have beds for everybody so I'm sure they will be back!

Yesterday the Crew was content to swim and play around the house. Robby and Jacob completed the "One Chip Challenge" which was a lot of fun. (For us, not so much for them.) Even though their mouths burned, both boys were proud to have completed the infamous internet challenge.

In the evening we played BrainFreeze and Bomb. Instead of challenges, I was allowed to draw on their faces (with black eyeliner) each time they lost a round. It was silly and fun, which is the perfect way to feel on a summer evening.

 

Home with Visitors

Yesterday we packed up and headed back to Virginia. Unlike other times leaving, we didn't have to say goodbye. Robby's cousins (well, two of the three) came along for a visit in Virginia. Timmy was ecstatic and kept singing, "the whole gang is here babeeee" throughout the three hour drive. 

Last night the Crew settled in and got comfortable. Scott went to the grocery store and stocked up on obscene amounts of frozen snacks and other junk food. After everybody got settled and fed I raided our game closet. We spent the evening playing games and laughing. 

Today I have a lot of work to do, so the kids will probably spend most of the day swimming. I have something fun scheduled for tomorrow though. We didn't anticipate an extended visit, but I am glad that they are here.

Walking Down Memory Lane

 Gulp. 

Yesterday I took Tiffany and Robby on their first college tour. Robby is only entering his sophomore year, but he wanted to accompany Tiffany. She is a senior this year, which does not feel possible. She is starting to feel the stress of the future so I offered to take her to check out my alma mater.

My four years at Kutztown University were incredibly special and, in retrospect, almost magical. I created friendships that have lasted throughout my adult life. Although I am no longer in the career that I intended, the knowledge and skills that I learned continue to help me on a regular basis.

Driving onto my beloved former campus I felt overwhelmed with nostalgia. My days walking through the dorms and to my classes with my friends felt like it could have happened last week. It was as if 30 years had not passed since I was a student. In what felt like a blink of an eye, I went from being the student on campus to the middle aged woman walking around saying, "back when I was here...". 

Wherever the kids end up going to school some day, I hope that they make friendships that last a lifetime and fond memories of their experiences on campus. I hope that they all have the same happy college experience as I was fortunate enough to live.

 

Memories

After a wonderful few days, we are back from our Cousin Crew adventure. We packed up and headed home (or at least to my Mom's home) on Thursday. The kids were so chatty on our drive home that my throat became sore. I love hearing them laughing and joking for hours! 

When I asked the kids their favorite part of our trip, nobody could give me an answer. The fact that they had so much fun that they can't pick a favorite is a sign that the adventure was a home run. I have no doubt that each kid will hold onto the memories of our trip for a lifetime. I know I will always remember our trip and smile. 

I spent the weekend unpacking, resting and catching up on work. Robby and Timmy hung around my Mom's house while his cousins went to their dad's for the weekend. Today everybody will be together again, so I have no doubt that the house will again be filled with giggles and games.

I love summer!