The Philmont Express

There were already 150 boys on the train heading west. Another 30 got on at our stop.

I just sent my oldest out west for 2 weeks to hike 82 miles in the mountains. He was excited and hopefully ready to be challenged.

I hope he remembers to look up and see all the stars.

The Book

You know the one I'm talking about. Did you love it? Hate it?

I'm reading it for the 2nd time.

I. Loved. It. Every chapter.

I had made some predictions. I was right on for some and way off for others.

JK Rowling thank you for sharing your gift. Harry and his world were a true delight.

Honey I'm Home!

Phoenix was beautiful. Tempe, was fabulous. We stayed in a resort that was amazing with great facilities and service. One of the many pools was right outside our door. It was open from 6am to 12 am. The boys were in the pool for most of the time we were in Phoenix!

The family reunion was great fun. It was nice seeing people in person and putting names with faces. The grandparents were in better health than they sounded on the phone so that was a relief.

It was so weird being in Tempe as an adult with family as opposed to my time there as a college student. The downtown has been redesigned and most people would say the changes are for the better. I, myself miss Hippy Town. This new and "improved" Tempe does not fit with the Tempe of my childhood or college years.

The boys loved the town. My oldest would move tomorrow if he could find a way. Middle and youngest loved swimming and the cousins but I don't think they're quite so ready to move. DH and I loved visiting but, much to our amazement, we were relieved when we pulled into town last night.

Phoenix... the Order and the Reunion

I just saw the new Harry Potter movie. I loved it. There are parts that I would have done differently, parts I would have included from the book.

We are counting down the days for our trip to Phoenix. There is a brother-in-law I've never met. Not to mention my father-in-law.

Tan lines and broken chairs...

What I did on my summer vacation.

And I couldn't be happier. Ü

I don't think I'm very good at this parenting gig...

*sigh* Remember growing up and all those times when a "friend" would say or do something that would cut you to the quick? I'm not sure what is worse... going through that or watching your children go through it.

Now that I think about it, it's way worse watching your child get their feelings hurt. Much worse.