First week of July

Saturday: We picked up the girls from Elks. I drove so Thomas could enjoy the scenery. We stopped at Steak n Shake for lunch. Jack stayed home and went to cross-country conditioning. Then, he went to a friends house and out on their boat where he tried waterskiing, wakeboarding and something else I can't remember. He had a great time. He is also dog sitting for a neighbor. They are friends of the family, so at some point throughout the weekend, all of us popped in to spend time with the dogs. The girls and I watched the Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and I took them shopping at Burlington after a dinner of Huey Magoo's takeout.

Sunday: We took the girls back to camp. The drive up and back is around 2 hours and 45 minutes, so it takes up a lot of the morning. We stopped at Publix on the way home. Jack did more dog sitting. It was a pretty quiet day. We thought about going to a theme park, but it was a stormy afternoon.

Harley popped over to say hello

Monday: Thomas and I woke up at 420, exercised (separately) and were at work before 6. Luke ran a mile with Jack at 7, then Jack did another 3 miles. We talked to both girls during their break. Kara's counselor has covid, so Kara is on her own for now. Hopefully, the quarantine period is fast. Both girls like their campers. Thomas and I got home around 4. Luke went to a pitching practice. 

Tuesday: After work, Luke, Thomas and I went to Hollywood Studios. We rode Toy Story Mania, Star Tours, and Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. We also had dinner. Unfortunately, it started to rain so we only stayed a few hours. Meanwhile, Jack filled in on a tutoring session. 

Wednesday: Luke and Jack did a sprint workout. Then, Luke went to a trampoline park with Gael. Jack went to Sam's Club for lunch and then picked up a few things at Aldi. Thomas and I worked and walked to Tropical Smoothie for lunch. I am having an annoying time with one of my coworkers. I am her legal advisor and she doesn't trust my advice. My biggest issue is that she is nice and agreeable when we talk and then she goes behind my back to seek out other opinions; then she sent my supervisor and her supervisor an email asking them to direct me to do something! Fortunately (or obviously :), my advice was correct, but it is frustrating. I don't mind people disagreeing with me or questioning me, I am happy to explain my rationale or reexamine an issue to ensure I haven't missed something. I do mind people who say one thing to my face and then go behind my back. Not cool and not conducive to a good working environment! I will remain professional, but I have no respect for this person.

Speaking of troubles at work... we talked to both girls. Anna has to split her time between two cabins and one of the CITs is terrible. Anna said she won't do anything and this morning, she didn't even bother getting out of bed until after breakfast, leaving Anna to get everyone up and out the door. The girls in that cabin beg Anna to stay with them and it is stressful for Anna (she really likes the girls in both cabins). She said she has spoken to her supervisor, but they are super short-staffed. Meanwhile, two more people quit in Kara's track. Kara has no idea why. It seems like the camp is really well-run, so maybe these are common problems when you hire young teens? 

Thursday: Thomas and I only worked a half day. Luke and Jack went to lunch at Zaxby's. We went to Walmart with Luke to pick out fireworks. Jack did two tutoring sessions and then hung out with his friend, Martin. It is a very rainy day and I am typing this with the sliding door open while  listening to rain and thunder. Anna isn't feeling well, but one of the counselors came off quarantine, so she no longer has to split her time between cabins. Kara's counselor is also off quarantine.

Friday: Independence Day! We went to Leu Gardens, then Target. We watched two movies--The Goonies and Field of Dreams. We had burgers, corn on the cob, chips and watermelon for dinner. Then, we set off the fireworks we'd bought. It was a nice day, even though I missed having the girls at home.

We wanted to see the rose garden in full bloom. These pictures don't do it justice. 

I love the majestic trees lining the old driveway.

That is the end of our week. Thomas exercised every day, alternating between weights and running. The rest of us exercised most days.  I always start my day with Wordle (205 day streak), Connections (13 day streak, 87% win ratio) and the mini crossword. I sometimes try the full crossword, but I always have to cheat on that one, well except Mondays when it is easy. Anna calls everyday and it is always nice talking to her. I asked Jack how often he thought he would call if he goes away to college. Guess his answer??? He doesn't think he will call or text, but he'll send us letters!?!?! That kid is living in the 1800s. Hopefully, his tune will change. I am honestly surprised that our kids don't seem to like us more. Are we not amazing parents???