Happy Birthday Robby

 Happy Birthday Robert (formerly known as Robby)!  

I cannot believe that 18 years ago I first met my sweet little Koopa. It feels like yesterday I was lying in the hospital holding my little baby. This morning he is waking up of legal voting age. Although in the eyes of the law he is officially an adult, he will always be my little boy. 

I feel overwhelmed when I think about the years that have passed and the adventures that we have enjoyed. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that his official 'childhood' has come to an end. Instead of feeling sad for the time that has gone, I'm choosing to bask in the wonderful memories and dream about all of the wonderful adventures to come. 

I've always loved every stage of his development and I thought I would mourn them as he has grown up. But I've learned that the next stage has always unraveled and introduced new elements into our relationship that have been wonderful. I can only assume that the trend will continue as he becomes an adult. 

I am so incredibly proud of the young man that Robby has become. I'm so grateful to be his Mom Mom.

Food Tour

 I was nervous walking into the Gala on Friday evening. Although I bought myself a new dress and Robby looked handsome in his suit, I worried that we were under dressed. Looking around at the other attendees it became clear that the audience was divided into two distinct categories: those for whom Gala attendance is a regular occurrence and those who went to Kohl's for the very prettiest 'fancy' dress they could find. I definitely fit into the second group, but so did most of the other chaperones so I was in good company.

Saturday morning was spent volunteering at a local elementary school. In the afternoon we were able to venture into the French Quarter by ourselves for a little adventure away from the group. We decided to use our free hours by going on a New Orleans Historical Food Tour. We had a blast!

I loved being able to try so many different foods in unique restaurants. Robby thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of each food as we chowed down. We weren't sure what to expect from a food tour. I worried it would be Costco style samples on a street corner. Instead we were led into private rooms in each restaurant where we were met with full place settings, food and water. It was great to be able to sit down for a few minutes as we ate our way through the French Quarter. 

Sunday morning we packed up, headed to the airport and flew home. It was a quick trip but one that will remain with me forever. What an amazing experience!

NOLA

 What an incredible weekend in NOLA!

The past few days have been a whirlwind of excitement and experiences that have provided memories for a lifetime. I can't believe how lucky I am to have been able to share this incredible weekend with Robby. The fact that I was able to spend that time with him, in such an incredible space, a mere week before his 18th birthday and graduation, made the weekend even more special. The weekend was busy and was hard on my body but my goodness, it was good for my heart and soul.

We arrived in NOLA on Thursday afternoon, excited for the adventures ahead. After checking in with the organizers and getting settled into our hotel, we prepared for the first event- the cocktail reception. We walked into the reception on a red carpet that was flanked by clapping staff. Talk about making an entrance! 

After doing some socializing, Robby and I took the opportunity to explore the museum which was open for the event. Going through the National World War II museum without a crowd and at our own pace was amazing. Robby was eager to show me all of his favorite exhibits so we spent the next 90 minutes crisscrossing the museum. 

On Friday we attended Robby's award reception.  Watching him cross the stage to receive his honor, flanked by amazing students from across the country, was incredible. I was so proud I almost cried. After his awards luncheon we were able to explore the museum some more before we changed for the evening's Gala event. Haven't never before attended a proper gala, I was very psyched for the experience. From hearing and seeing Steven Spielberg to enjoying the beautiful music from the Philharmonic, it was an evening that we will never forget.

Saturday morning the group rose early and went to a local middle school to volunteer. I worked with the other parents to unkit some hurricane supplies while Robby and the kids built a small playground. In the afternoon we were able to break away and enjoy a food tour in NOLA. 

More on the food trip tomorrow...

NOLA

Today is the start of what is sure to be an exciting, memorable and enjoyable weekend. Robby and I are heading to New Orleans where he will be recognized with the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award. One student is being recognized in each state and all of the recipients are being honored at a reception at the National World War II Museum tomorrow. I am so incredibly proud of him I may burst!

While we have some exciting days ahead of us, yesterday was busy as well.  Timmy received amazing news from the doctor when his cast was removed. He has to be careful for the next month to avoid bumps and falls ( definitely easier said than implemented) but the bones have been healing well. He was nervous after the cast was removed but excited to be 'free' this summer. 

Today Rob and I head to NOLA while Scott and Timmy are holding down everything at home. I am so grateful for my Mom who is coming down tomorrow to choreograph and oversee Timmy's 'Bridging Up" ceremony. A big deal in the Montessori world, I was devastated to miss it. Although I am still sad I can't be there, I know that my Mom taking the lead will make it even more special. 

Stay tuned for NOLA pics!

Obstacle Course

 So far 50 feels fine. To be completely honest, I'm glad that the obligatory celebration period has passed. There is a lot of pressure to choreograph the 'perfect' golden celebration. In our family, celebrations extend to going to hibachi for dinner and enjoying the confection of your choice for dessert. 

With 50 in the rear view mirror, I'm looking ahead to this weekend. On Thursday Robby and I head to New Orleans. He is being recognized as the Virginia recipient of the Billy Michel Leadership Award and we are being flown to the National World War II Museum for the reception. Needless to say, we are both excited!

Our days in New Orleans are going to be busy so I'm trying to baby my limb as much as possible. The last thing I need is another prosthetic issue! I'm already fretting about the sudden heat that my limb is going to experience when we land in Louisiana but I'm hoping that my safeguards will help to keep me mobile. This weekend is going to be the first test of my summer suspension system and I know that failures are probable. In the worst case scenario, the best I can do is arm myself with supplies and keep working until I find comfort. 

Today we are busy with school and work. Timmy is thoroughly enjoying Spirit Week at school, although yesterday's track and field day was a bit of a bummer with his broken arm. Thankfully Friend volunteered to save the day by running the obstacle course for Timmy.  (I am not sure who had more fun, Timmy or Friend.) 

Big Weekend

This past weekend we celebrated several lasts and a few firsts. On Friday Robby had his final class at his enrichment school. I still can't believe that this season has come to an end! I have been driving that route, sometimes twice a week, for six years. I won't miss the traffic, but I will miss the time in the car with Robby. I'm grateful that I was able to snap a quick pic with Robby and his teacher before he left for the final time. 

Sunday was spent rocking out to Robby's final performance while celebrating my 50th birthday. I had a nice birthday. My Mom came down and took us out for Hibachi (a family favorite) before we went to Robby's band performance. Because of the weather the show was condensed, causing a few songs to be cut from the list. I was disappointed to not see all of the songs, but I'm glad we were able to rock on my birthday.

After the show everybody was tired and, because nobody would make a decision, I chose to order DoorDash from Five Guys for dinner. I suppose the benefit of ordering dinner for myself on my birthday is not caring what anybody else wanted to eat. The day was relatively quiet but very nice. 

That being said, I'm glad it is over.

Last Class

 Today marks the end of an era.  For seven years (with the exception of the lock down during the pandemic), Robby has participated in classes at a local enrichment school. The first class he enrolled in was 3d History- World War II. He has taken every class offered by that teacher over the past seven years. Today Robby goes to that school for the final time. 

Because of scheduling conflicts and an interest in more classes, this year I have been traveling to and from his school twice a week. Because his school is 45 minutes away, dropping him off is not a quite task. After driving the trip twice a week all year, I am surprised by my emotions this morning. I am going to be happy to save the gas, but I am going to miss taking him there. 

I loved watching Robby's face as he emerged from class. I could tell from his smile how well the class went. (He never had a bad class so a scowl was never seen on Compass days.) On the drive home he would regale me with tales from class and begin to lay plans for future challenges. In full disclosure, I still do not fully understand the game that he plays at school. But I have come to appreciate the joy that it brings to Robby, and for that I am grateful. 

Today is his last class at school and tomorrow marks his final band performance. On Sunday I turn 50 and next week we head to NOLA for Robby's award ceremony.  Everything is starting to happen very quickly!