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Back to school day is today!! Yipee. I love spending the summer break with my family and love when they are back in school - it is just different.

Walker headed to first grade. He has wanted to be in first grade since last year, so he is pleased with his placement. We met his teacher last week and tried to get to know her a little bit before the first day and ease the transition back to school.

After escorting Walker to his class, I joined the PTA for a cup of coffee -but ended up selling school supplies. Then, with three helpers, we spent 3.5 hours delivering bulk school supplies to each grade level. I twisted my leg/knee a bit, but it seems okay, just a little uncomfortable.

After a brief stop home, it was on to the gym. My first gym date since school was in session in June. I was thrilled to spend time with my friend and get some exercise. Yes, my knee was a bit sore afterward, but it's all good.

Reese called just after 5 to tell me his bus did not show. I told him give the bus 30 minutes to arrive and then call me. No need to wait in 98 degree heat for almost an hour! He reports that his day was "good". And, he came home with no homework - which surprised me.

All in all - a good day for everyone. Maybe I can get some delayed photos

One Week To Go

Our second to last week before school is complete and we are now counting down the last days of vacation.

Reese had a great summer with lots of activities and friends AND he has completed his driver's ed course. All he needs to do is wait for his 16th birthday and a drivers license will be bestowed upon him.

Walker has spent entirely too much time a home this summer and as predicted the more time at home the less he wants to leave the house. His favorite activity has been spending time with his cousin. He hated the camp - no surprise there.

A cold front blew through our part of Texas and the high yesterday and today is 83! Feels glorious. Yesterday, I went outside with my Ipod and started pulling weeds in the garden. Don followed me out and we ended up cleaning up the entire back yard. The yard looks fabulous but we (ME!) were shattered. I woke up in the middle of the night with bug bites itching horribly - yuck.

Now off to plan the rest of the week....

Chuging Alon

Summer is chugging right along. Two full weeks of school vacation remaining for the boys. I can say that I am looking forward to returning to the gym once they are safely back at school!

Walker tried Chess Club for the first time yesterday. Since Chess Club is Reese's domain, we asked him if it was okay with him for Walker to attend. Reese generously said it was fine with him! Reese is the one who taught Walker to play. Sadly, Walker remains a mess. He closes himself off to other people and did not try to make friends. The Chess kids are kind and accepting, but he was just mean. He seems to be trying to maintain a persona. So frustrating!!!

Restaurant Week has begun! Many restaurants offer a special menu for $35 with a portion of the proceeds going to the local food bank. We selected our favorite steak house III Forks and went with our dear neighbor freinds. Reese and their son joined us as well for this highly enjoyed treat. Next week we go again with another group to try another restaurant.

#1 Tenth Grader

Reese attend the US Open Chess Tournament's Scholastic Division. He would have prefered to have played in the "real" tournament.

Reese came home with a 10th grade first place trophy. He was very happy. Overall he was #9

In the third round he was the 5th place 10th grader and #20 overall.

Trophies were given to the top 5 overall and first place in each grade. The #1 10th grader placed top 5, but could only win one trophy – which gave the first place 10th grade to Reese!

Aren't They Cute?

The Greatest Show on Earth

The Circus is in town and we decided to go! Reese and I attended when he was three or four years old and Don attended during his college years. Definitely time to go again.

We have also never been to my city's new arena. The arena is nice and new. Concessions were pricey but that would be the case anywhere. They did have a large selection of food, which was nice.

What I do remember from years ago was all the souvenirs for sale. That has not changed a bit! We arrived for the pre-show - an hour before show time. On the arena floor, small acts were going on and performers were giving autographs and mingling with the crowd. Reese and I enjoyed walking around and watching the shows.

A great challenge Walker. He hated the large venue and despised being there. he begged to go home - often. The circus was too loud, too big, too bright and too dark for him. He was scared to watch the performances and afraid for the performers (the high wires really were high). Don and I need to be much more aware of his issues in the future. We are working on a diagnosis but just do not have one now. In the mean time, he needs to try to be flexible as do we.

Now on to the show. The Circus is quite a production. Not the three ring circus of from when I was a youth. The new sets were constantly being put up and broken down for the next act. Don's favorite were the tiger and elephants performing. Mine was the Bello the clown and performing dogs. Reese liked it all and Walker liked nothing.

The Circus is fun and we will go again.