Just keep swimming...

The weekend before we left for our vacation, the boys had a swim meet in Greensboro, on both days. We got the arrival times (6:45am) for each day and just had to laugh. It was a solid hour and ten minute drive to get there, so we had two early mornings in a row.

As I mentioned before, Andy is new to this swim program, so this was his first meet in this arena. The place is HUGE and there are about 5 pools with a LOT of people in each one (for warm ups).

We arrived Saturday and Andy freaked the freak out. Like, wouldn't go down on deck (parents aren't allowed down there- just kids and coaches), wouldn't stop crying, whole body shaking...scared. So we told him he didn't have to do it! Just sit in the stands; it would be fine! But that upset him more because he really really wanted to do it. We finally got him down on the deck and bribed Cal with a milkshake if he would stick with Andy to get him where he needed to be and when. It was  cluster- I was in a full blown sweat and it wasn't even 8am.

Let's back up.

Driving to Greensboro at the CRACK of dawn:

When we finally got Nug down on deck. Cal was by his side, Andy was NOT having it. 

But I took a pic to show them how proud I was!

The boys' coach giving Andy a pep talk.....Andy crying. A lot. 

 His first event was 25 backstroke. And wouldn't you know it, the kid won the whole event. Not just his heat. Nope. The whole dang thing. Seriously.

He got out of the water after winning and burst into tears and refused to swim again. But his coaches didn't let him quit. They got him in the water for his next event- and Cal happened to be in the same lane in the heat after his, which was pretty neat.... the previous heat stays in the water until the next heat takes off....so Andy was under Cal as he dove in. 

 First day was super dramatic and difficult and surprisingly successful! It wore Bruce out!

 Day two, everyone was all smiles. Go figure. We told Andy he could skip warm ups and he was good to go! We figured out there are about 30 kids per lane all doing circle swim and basically running over each other and that scared him to death. So when we said he could skip it, he looked at us like this:

 The two stuck together again, which was great.

Cal had a BIG day this day. He placed in his events and his relay! Super cool. 

 It was an exhausting weekend in that we were up early each morning, but it was also super rewarding because the kids were really proud of their efforts when all was said and done. Thank goodness we had a week vacation to recover! haha

 

Grand Cayman

As I sit here and stare out at the snow coming down (?!?!?!), it seemed like the perfect time to post about our trip. Also, I haven't blogged in a million years. Whoops.

We left last Monday morning for the Grand Caymans. My sweet father in law flew in to keep the boys, and my parents assisted.  They are the BEST. So so so so thankful that they are willing to put their lives on hold to allow us to take  trip together. Amazing.

We were able to fly first class down there and let me tell you....I took full advantage. Drinks. Hot nuts. Lunch. More drinks. Cookies. It was amazing. 

 See that smile? I thank titos. And also heading south to warm weather!

We arrived and checked in and had a dinner and crashed pretty early. It was an early morning and we were worn out.

We did a whole lot of beaching:

 and relaxing....

 ....and eating out at fun restaurants (sunshine grill was my FAVE!)

We enjoyed time together with no distractions- it was lovely!

 Back to sunshine grill for breakfast- holy yum.

 I read 3 and a half books, drank a lot of vodka, and took naps whenever I wanted to.

We played tennis one morning on some gorgeous courts- their tennis facility was impressive! I love is in the fist set 6-0, which is don't usually do, so I had to go trade in my rented racquet for a different one. Thankfully it helped me- hahaha

 Eddie got to spend a day kite surfing, which made him very very happy. The spot to kite surf was not very convenient so we on'y did this one day.

I love this next pic- we look rested and happy and relaxed!


We were told we had to get the burger at sunshine grill- they are known for their fish tacos, but the burgers were to die for. And they really were. I don't want to think of how many calories were consumed in this meal. Holy yummmmmm.....

 Ed took full opportunity to relax.

 one last sunset dinner

 And then we were back home! We landed and it was cold and rainy and then today the kids were released from school early due to inclement weather.... and then the weather arrived. It is currently snowing and sleeting- crazy! I am not complaining though.... I missed these fools so it's good to get more time with them... all activities tonight were canceled: no baseball and no swim. Just us hanging out at home together. Love it. Clearly the trip refreshed me. Sheesh!

 

Life Lately

It has been a hot minute since I have posted! I hosted a book club at my house Wednesday night for a little neighborhood group, so I spent last week getting ready for that and, well, reading the book!

We read Lilac Girls and ohhhh, it was good. I'll save the review until I do a monthly book report (if that ever happens), but it was a good one. On top of book group, Cal's basketball team had the league playoffs and then the championship game, so we have been watching a lot of basketball! Here's a look at what else is happening right now!

Flag football was supposed to start and then it rained, and then it rained more, and then it rained the day before, but the fields were too wet to play.... so while we waited, Eddie and another dad took these four out to play a little ball. The came home FILTHY. Happy, but really really dirty. 

Valentine's Day was last week, and honestly, it isn't my favorite holiday. I enjoy a chance to tell my loved ones I love them, but I tell them that every day and quite often, so I tried to up my game a little on the actual day. Class Valentine's are not easy- Andy took on the task and fully enjoyed it, and Cal's class didn't exchange them (which I am totally bittersweet about.... he can't be old enough to NOT celebrate it, right?? But it was nice to not have to force him to write each name on the card...in legible handwriting.....

 Bruce loves any attention he gets- and these boys love to love on him.

 My tennis season is kicking off and we had a team camp on Wednesday the 14th- I gave each player on the team one of these wine glasses (we drink as much as we play)... I thought they were super cute and fun.

Andy's teacher is about the greatest person alive and has really helped him with a lot of his issues with his tummy. He was having a lot of anxiety about school and what happens if he has to go while there, etc... and she has just been wonderful. So we wanted to get her something for Valentine's day... I found this heart wreath stand thing and tied a gift certificate to the movies and her favorite candy to it so she could go on a date night with her hubs. He is sweet enough to share his wife with my son, so he deserves a date night! haha

I walked the boys in to help deliver Valentines and saw this writing assignment Andy did.  Skip to the last line: "It' will be a party in the USA." Thanks, Mylie. 

The glasses were a big hit with the team. We immediately went to the bar to have them filled!

The boys had swim Wednesday afternoon. Andy got a medal and two ribbons from his meet the other weekend- how great is that??? We were super proud of him! (please look at his tummy.... struggle town right there. Can you see how distended it was??? sheesh)

Some brotherly support. His tummy was distended because he HAD TO GO so Cal agreed to sit with him while he tried. Bruce wanted to join the party. My Valentines...all sitting around the pot together (just needed Eddie to join them!). Romance is alive!

I was on the stairs in the above picture because I desperately needed a shower. I decided to keep the romance alive by slipping into some leggins from wal mart and Eddie's pull over. I sent this picture to my friend.... allllll dressed up!

 Okay so funny story.... after wearing his pull over, I hung it back up, ready for him to wear. He went to put it on several days later and freaked out at the amount of dog hair on the jacket. I had no clue how it got so much hair on it.... then I started this post and looked back at the pictures. Perhaps this is how.......

 Whoops.

Fast forward to the weekend and Saturday Andy had a basketball game. My parents came and the amazing Corley family came too! I couldn't believe it. Andy couldn't either. He contained his excitement.... I think he was really really proud to have these people there to watch him. 

He spent the night Saturday night with a buddy and when I picked him up on Sunday, he had his hair all styled nicely. They used their gel on him- I think he looks pretty dapper.

Looking good to head to FLAG football! woohoooo, it has finally started! And it was a gorgeous day for it. 

 I say this every season, but Cal Williamson is in his element out there. He loves playing football and is so so so happy on that field. He likes baseball and basketball, but truly LOVES football. It's in his blood, I guess.

I tell ya, Mondays around here are HARD. Bless his heart. He passed out cold on the floor. 

Meanwhile this one was ready to never get up and just snuggle his dog all morning. Can't blame him.

A picture update from the best teacher... once again, we were having tummy saga, so she sent me this to let me know we were doing okay! 

And another of Bruce... just pondering- haha

I mentioned above about Cal's basketball tournament... he had a great little team and they were really fun to watch. Here are some of them during warm ups at the final championship game. Your team is assigned a seed going in to the tournament and it is single elimination, so you are out as soon as you lose. In the semi-final game, we were tired with like 10 seconds left. It was the most intense game of rec ball ever. We all left sweating- hahahahah But they won and advanced to the championship game. 

And here they are surrounding their coach after they won the game! woohoo! I love love love Cal's smile in this one. He was really excited and proud, which made me happy.

The BEARS! 

 They really worked well together and had a lot of fun. We had several strong players and I feel like our coach did a great job utilizing all of the players and find their strengths.

 This season did wonders for Cal's confidence. Last season was not so great, so I am thrilled this was a better experience for him (and us!)

And, Thursday morning, I had to get up for work and as I stumbled to the bathroom, I have never been so jealous of a dog. Think he needs a new bed??? sheesh.

Andy sometimes doesn't "get" a concept in class. But when he comes home and has a second to process it, he gets it fairly quickly. He brought home some extra practice for his math and he was SO into it. He asked me to come up with more problems to solve. Loved watching him piece it together. Also- common core is not easy. When adding two digit numbers, you don't carry the one or borrow numbers....you "regroup" them... uhhhh, huh? So we are both learning new things.

 This popped up on insta this week and I just love it. I sent it to my mom. I love that is is a mother daughter, I love that they are baking cookies together (something I love to do with my mom ), and I love that I really do think that about the memories. I totally agree!

(and also, I am hoping when I screamed at my kids today, that isn't a memory that will last a lifetime....)