Annual Panic

Because it was storming all day, yesterday the boys and I were content to stay at home. Robby and Timmy played games and watched television while I battled through my to-do pile. I know that the boys were both tired because neither one of them complained and both were happy to quietly entertain themselves. 

I hope that the boys continue to relax and rest, because next week everything changes. Their classes start on Monday, which will be another huge transition for all of us. Because of a myriad of reasons, both will continue virtual schooling for at least the first semester. They were successful with the format, but it is definitely more work for me. 

I'm already mildly panicking about how I am going to juggle my jobs, my household responsibilities and my role their as "academic coach." The prospect of having another responsibility to juggle feels completely overwhelming. I keep trying to remind myself that this isn't our first rodeo and that we will manage. 

It helps to recognize that I have felt this overwhelming anxiety and panic before the beginning of every virtual year. After the first few weeks, we have always settled down and fallen into a comfortable, albeit sometimes chaotic, routine. I have no reason to believe that this year will be different.  

At least, that is what I keep reminding myself...

Relaxing

After two solid weeks of travel and adventures, life is slowly returning to normal. On Friday I returned my niece and nephew to Pennsylvania. The house suddenly went from being active and chaotic to quiet within hours. I was sad to see them go, but I have to admit that I was happy for the solitude.

I spent the weekend unwinding and decompressing. We managed to fit so many wonderful adventures into a short two weeks. We were in constant motion and, although we had a fantastic time, I was running on fumes. The past two days I didn't do much of anything, and it was fantastic!

Today I am back to reality. Scott is back at work (students returned on Thursday) and the boys and I are adjusting to our new school schedule. Even though they have one week left of vacation before their classes begin, I feel like we are in full school mode.

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!