A mini-vacation and starting the school year

John has been home for a couple of weeks now. He decided at the last minute we would take a short (two-day) vacation to the beach the week he left work. It was a nice break from thinking about our school starting back the following week.

We had a great trip. John arranged everything, right down to an agenda. We usually just wind up doing nothing; this trip was filled with "firsts". We rode a banana boat for the time! We rode the Sky Wheel for the first time. And we ate Tai food for the first time. Of course there are the things we always do that had to be done: buying sweets at Wee R Sweet, walking along the beach, going to Donut Man, and shopping.

The following Monday, against the girls' wishes, we started back to school. I still find it difficult to believe Jesse is in 10th grade and will be able to get her driver's permit this summer. Chloe is in eighth grade and just as focused as ever. I think this year will be a good for both of them. We struggled at first with John being home, but I think we are finding a groove that works for all of us. He is kind of spoiling us. Yesterday, he prepared a picnic for us in the classroom. We had fried chicken, peas and mashed potatoes. I could get used to that! The girls and I worked on school and lunch was prepared at the same time. Awesome!

The girls are doing a play this summer, Shrek the Musical. And since you read the name of the show you know the girl's parts, while still principles, are smaller parts than what they have been getting lately. Singing is not one of their greatest talents. Rehearsals have started, but we are not at the crazy part where we are there all the time. At least not yet. But as always they are LOVING it.

Last night was our last taekwondo class until August. I am still amazed by the fact all the students have stayed since I have taken over the school. I was talking to a mom, whose daughter took taekwondo years ago, and she said I was running the classes then too; so there wasn't much change when I took over. I have heard that from current parents also. I am just glad they trust me enough to continue teaching their children and in some cases, themselves.