So we started our day with a lot of rain, which wasn't too bad since Scott had his second book report to finish. This one had to be in a letter form, so he managed to do most of the writing/typing on the computer himself. Allison helped with the graphics(he needed to add a border) and I helped with the grammar. We also managed to pick up a few more pieces of his school uniform this weekend, so he should be all set when school starts next Monday.
Scott wasn't feeling too well this week so he stayed home with Tom one day. That gave Tom time to stain our French doors that he had installed between our family room and the old garage space that Dad Seitz helped us remodel and turn into living space. Tom was able to put in the larger door opening in the winter when we had a leak in the ceiling since he had lots of drywalling and painting to do after repairing the leaky tub upstairs. We still never got anyone to come out again and look at our skylight. We thought it might be leaking. Tom also spent the week cleaning out the gutters again and finished installing a non clogging foam in each gutter. Last weekend it looked like Niagara Falls out my kitchen window with all the rain and water pouring over the top of the gutters. Since we have had so much rain and heat, my flowers have been exploding(nice to look at but not nice for allergy sufferers). Anyhow, I was happy to sit in the kitchen and watch the butterflies and hummingbirds flying around for a snack.
I just can't believe the summer has come and gone. Scott has one more week of Y camp. He finishes off this week with a trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore(he should really enjoy that!). He was not too excited about last weeks camp at our nearby YMCA. The theme was State Fair, and the day they scheduled "the Fair" turned out to be an all day rainstorm. They moved the games inside and managed to rent one large inflatable slide which the kids earned rides on by winning tickets after they played the games. Scott was disappointed in the game selection since they mentioned several in the newsletter that did not appear that day. Scott would have just been happy going down the slide all day. It also sounds like the counselors are getting a bit burned out as Scott mentioned they don't really stick to a schedule and it sounds like they let the kids try to entertain themselves. He actually prefers the other Y camp, and I usually try to fill his day with the extra's that you can sign up for like extra swim lessons or science classes, but alot of that stuff fills up fast(back in February when I started this whole process!). He is actually looking forward to going back to school-primarily to see all his friends. I am sure the thrill will not last.
I also signed him up for another year of gymnastics at the same place he took summer camp. I did stop in and let them know he survived his flip a few weeks ago(I also owed them money for the before and after care). And I was glad I signed him up for the coming school year since last year we had to wait until the end of October for an opening.
Scott also spent the week dog sitting for our neighbors. He is saving up for a few motorized lego sets and lego computer games and decided to advertise a pet sitting service. Before he knew it, he had his first customer. He shared some of the work(and profit) with Allison since the dog was supposed to go out 3 times a day. Scott took the dog out before camp in the morning, Allison had the lunch shift and we all went for a walk in the evening, Cookie included. Scott is off to a good start saving for his Lego sets.
Allison will also start school next week, but she has been busy with Field Hockey tryouts all this past week. We are happy to report she once again made the team as goalie! The other goalie from last year did not return however, a new transfer student, also in the 10th grade made the team and she has experience playing the goalie position in Lacrosse and Soccer. She tried out for the team and made it as well. (She looks really good). So we are not sure how much Allison will get to play, but we are all very excited that she is part of a high school team once again. The girls worked very hard last week with two practices per day-two hours in the morning and two in the afternoon. It has been unbelievably hot and humid all week. Allison actually had a hard time breathing out on the field, especially on the day they decided to cut the grass 15 minutes before practice. And she has to wear all the hot goalie clothes. She is definitely getting a work out! She has added allergy medicine to her morning breakfast.
On Friday they took team photos and all the girls went out to eat lunch together after practice at Pizza Hut to celebrate making the team. Tom and I decided to tag along. Got to love the Pizza Hut promise-20 minutes or 1/2 off the price of your order. Tom and I ordered a whole pizza and two sodas and needless to say, because of the large number of orders from the girls, they could not get our pizza done it time. Our whole lunch with tip was about 10 bucks! Bet that never happened to you Eric!
After our lunch I had to get Allison up to church to practice one of her confirmation presentations. She still has one more to go. Her scheduled retreat isn't until October, but they like to have everything ready ahead of time.
Friday evening we decided to visit the Wine Bin in Olde Ellicott City for Yappy Hour(where you take your dog to the wine tasting event). This time we decided to take the kids so we could all eat dinner out afterwards. Tom and I were busy sampling wine while Scott was socializing with Cookie and all the other dog owners. Allison just wanted dinner. We were able to let Cookie curl up on a blanket in the car while we ate out on the patio at the mexican restaurant across the street.
Saturday morning we were busy all day with Field Hockey preseason tournaments. We missed the games last year since I took Allison and the girl scouts camping. I did not sign my troop up this year, but I still ended up being recruited to teach the scouts about OT and the use of arts and crafts in therapy at the camp this weekend for an Artistic badge. I managed to see one of Allison's Field Hockey games in the morning(they won) before dropping off Tom and Scott at the house and heading out to the campground about an hour's drive. Turns out I had to teach 3 classes, each one different, but I got a free dinner out of the deal. I didn't get home until after 8pm. Allison's JV team lost the second game 1-0 but they certainly look good this year. We hope Allison has a good season.
Our neighbor's son tried out for his HS soccer team again this year and again did not make it. He goes to a catholic all boys school and he said each year they have to cut about 30 boys. How sad. He will once again play for the county recreational teams instead.
We had to paddle practice in the rain this past week for the Dragon Boat races coming up on Sept 11th. At least it didn't rain too hard and it wasn't too hot. There was a big fuss when the mayor of Baltimore showed up to paddle practice for the city sponsored boat. She showed up in a big black SUV with a whole bunch of followers and photographers. It was quite the Kodak moment. She is actually the replacement for the last mayor, Shelia Dixon that was convicted of accepting monetary favors while holding the office after the last mayor, Martin O'Malley took the governor position. Not sure how long this stand in will last. But not much practice time left for the races. Should be another exciting year. I just hope we have good weather. One year they had a hurricane! With all the rain we have been having, I'm a little concerned.
Tom managed to get out and cut the grass in between rain storms this past weekend. And I finally finished most of my edging. Only one more curb to go! I actually took a break from paperwork on Sunday to get out and do some yardwork. It was supposed to rain all day so we did not make any outdoor plans. But the sun came out in the late afternoon so the kids did a little rollerblading while I walked Cookie, and then Allison and I rode our bikes up to the grocery store to get dinner. Tom was busy shooting zombies on the Wii.
Happy last week of summer! Kathleen and family