It might be the tropical storm headed our way or this is just what happens this time of year. Lots of afternoon rain! Marly went to Ava Mae's on Monday and baked cookies to drop off for residents at an assisted living facility. We were supposed to have the swim team banquet that night (an outdoor pool party) but the lightening canceled that event. The kids were pretty bummed. Marly spent the night at AM's. I played tennis on Tuesday morning then took AM and Marly back to play at our house. Ellie has been begging to learn to ski. I got brave and took the kids out on the boat by myself- something I've been wanting to do for a while. She and Marly tried. Ellie was close. I finished reading a great book this week, "The Language of Flowers". It was a light, easy read- perfect for me at this time. That night, Phil and I went to a fundraiser for the Boy Scouts with my parents and sister. It was nice to catch up with them. It was a torrential downpour that night. So inspiring to hear of good people doing great things in town. Wednesday morning Ellie and I were up and out early for her middle school orientation. I am very impressed with all the COVID precautions. Half of the school is choosing to stay home and do virtual so class size will be amazing. The desks are spaced out, plastic dividers will be in soon. The school provides masks for all to be worn all the time except lunch and PE. No lockers, strict traffic patterns, lots of covered outdoor areas on a large campus. She's excited. We did some quick clothing shopping on our way home. The Mitchells and Norrises met us at the TCC pool for a play date. We got DCPS lunch and hung out on the porch. Tennis was rained out that night but Julie and I played singles after until almost 10pm. She killed me but I got in my steps! Thursday we headed to Summer Waves for the swim team trip. It was a little more crowded than I liked, but we kept our distance. The rain scared us away and we got ice cream on the way home. I think we're ready for the next level of water park! That night I went to my friend, Beth's pool party. I stayed way too late having awesome conversations. Friday, Voss went to Luka's for a play date. I took the girls on the boat for another ski date. Marly got closer. Ellie made it under the bridge! She's up! I'm so proud! We've just got to get Abby out there! Ellie's pal, Cora came over for a sleepover. We went to TCC for Yappy Hour. Spot was much better this time. I took him home then filled up the inflatables for movie night in the pool. Phil and I had dinner with new friends at the Grove while the kids watched a Goosebumps movie. Saturday we got up and out. Ellie and I did some water skiing then we met up with the Applegates and went to Pineapple point, a shallow area near Orange Park. The Freemans met us out there. We went to Whiteys for dinner. It was such a hot day! This morning we went to mass then breakfast. We're having a lazy Sunday. I took Marly on a walk and talk to discuss puberty. We ordered new school shoes thanks to Abu and Pops. Reading a legos is the theme for today. We needed a breather.