I wrote out a great blog on Sunday night (as usual) and then did a stupid, rookie mistake of closing out the wrong browser and lost it all. So, it's taken me a few days to go back and re-write. Here I am. Monday started early because I wanted to be at the school Meet & Greet early to get the school supply fundraiser organized. I think it went well for the first time but I know it can be better next time. Still so much better than me hitting the Walmart scene on tax free week for school supplies! In addition to getting all the supplies out (making my kids work), meeting the 3 Stockton kids' teachers, I took Ellie to get her braces on. She had to wait around after about a half hour for me, which was super not cool for her. I know she's a little sore but she's doing great with them. And of course we have the best orthodontist! Tuesday morning ran smoothly with the first day of school. Phil took Ellie. Marly rode her bike to get there on time for patrols (she worked the carpool line which was so sweet to see her) then I took Abby and Voss. That afternoon was not as pretty. The afternoon JWJ bus has been late and packed; trying to get into a groove, I guess. Ellie had an appointment to get her 2nd COVID vaccination. She was in a foul mood- overtired and hungry at the least. She threw an epic tantrum in the pediatrician's office as we waited. Happy to be through it and no, she did not get the first day of school ice cream after that. They are tired in the afternoons as we adjust to a new routine. It's been SO NICE having the house to myself all day (Spot, too). I played tennis with Julie. The last match she beat me 7-5 then we had to call the 3-3 game. So, we picked back up to continue. I won that game 7-5 then won the next game 7-5. So you know I'm feeling proud and cocky. I played that night with Anne Marie, Rachael and Aubree and didn't play as well. We had a nightcap in the Grove. I finished reading Murmur of the Bees and absolutely loved it! The Book Summit agenda is out and we're all getting excited! Friday I went to adoration with my parents, lunch with my mom and then drove out to Atlantic Beach to get the patrol polos that were sent to the wrong address. I got lucky that the girl was home and hadn't opened the box. I got them back to school in time to be passed out so the patrols could have them for Flag Raising on Monday. Phew! I picked up 3 extra middle schoolers to bring to youth group after school. Trying to keep that a cool thing. Marly's been hanging out with school friends on her way home after patrols. Trying to get this girl set up for success! Phil and I met up with the Napoleons and walked 9ish holes and then had dinner at TCC. It was a great night and fun catching up with them. Saturday it rained all day. Ellie had spent the night at Charlotte's. I enjoyed a lazy day of reading a great book. We really needed some family time. We played charades. Phil picked up Totinos and ice cream and we did a family movie night watching the Secret Garden. We walked to our neighbor's to watch the end of the Jags game and catch up with them. Sunday morning, Ellie and I read and Marly altar served. We met the VanWie's for breakfast at TCC. Later, they picked us up by boat for Sunday Funday.It turned into night swimming with a gorgeous view. Too much fun! Here are our pics from the week.