School Awards

Both boys were recognized at an Honors' Breakfast for making honor roll during the last semester of the previous school year. Both boys both earned all A's. Graydon also had perfect attendance!

And I thought I'd add a few Mabel pics.

She's started using Bella's bed more, but I think our best is still her favorite place to nest (but to Andy's dismay). 

My 44th Birthday

My morning started with eggs, bacon, toast, and fruit that Andy made me. I typically eat a granola bar, so this was a treat. 

Bella was away at college and Graydon had plans (I gave him permission the night before because I forgot about my birthday the next day), so Andy, Curtis, and I went out for a simple meal at Chick-fil-A. We planned to go out for a nice meal a few days later when Graydon could join us. I always get sad when my birthday ends anyway, so this gave me something else to look forward to. 

Such a festive, happy table. 

Time for cake and presents! I always feel like I'm shrinking whenever I am between these two. 

Andy made me a delicious ice cream cake with strawberry and chocolate ice cream. I love those two together. 

Anyone who does not work at an elementary school is really missing out when their birthday rolls around. All day long, kids were wishing me a happy birthday. I went to one classroom and the whole class started singing "Happy Birthday" to me. Their teacher said it was all them - she didn't even tell them to do it. And I had so many handmade cards. I felt so loved and special. 

A few days later, we went out for my official birthday dinner at Taku. Since it was just four of us, we were seated in a part of the restaurant we had never sat in before. I didn't eat any of the sushi (not a huge fan), but it all looked so pretty, so I took pictures of it. 

I got some sweet and sour chicken, which is my absolute favorite at this restaurant. 

Andy went to the grand opening of a new cookie shop in Columbus where he has one of his claw machines. 

Turns out he's 52 cookies tall. 

Bella Goes to College

College move-in day for Bella arrived on August 15th. Our dining room table was pretty useless for eating in those days leading up to it, but it was a great landing zone for all Bella's stuff. 

The boys had school that day, so they said their goodbyes to Bella in the morning. 

All packed up and ready to go!

The move-in process went pretty smoothly. It's nice that her dorm has an elevator. Shortly after we got everything in, Bella and her roommate had a meeting to attend. While they went to that, Andy went exploring on campus and I stayed back in the room and put some storage furniture together. Andy was so energetic, outgoing, and excited. I felt myself turn inward and get quiet. My emotions were just below the surface and I was using all my energy to keep myself from crying throughout the entire process. Putting together furniture was a good distraction for me. 

We were able to help her get everything unpacked. She would later do all the finishing decorative touches.

Bella and her roommate, Taylor. 

After all the unpacking and setting up, we went to dinner. I had envisioned taking her to a restaurant off campus, but she had another meeting at 7pm, so we just ate on campus. The minutes kept ticking by and before long, it was time for us to say our goodbyes. This is when I finally let myself cry. I knew this moment would be hard, and it was. But a good hard.

Raindrops started falling as we said goodbye. It was like the weather was feeling sad with me. The rain picked up as we drove home. 

A good friend dropped off some wine and chocolate for me. I appreciated those comfort items that night. 

We moved Mabel out of Curtis's room and into Bella's. She's found a new spot in the house to make a nest in. 

Later on, Bella sent me some updated photos of her dorm room. Since this photo was taken, she added a bulletin board above her desk.

I'm impressed with how level she was able to get her artwork. 

Her first day of classes was Monday, August 19th. She sent me these First Day of School photos. I think photos from her is one of my new love languages. 

There's a good smoothie bowl place near campus that she and Taylor enjoyed after making it through their first full week of college. 

I sure miss having Bella at home, but it also comforts my heart to know that she is getting to have this college experience.  

First Day of School

I think each summer break goes by faster than the last. Our lazy summer days officially ended the morning of August 7th. Well, not for all of us. . . Bella still had a little over a week before heading off to college. She left this nice note for us to read that morning. 

Sophomore!

Freshman!

And it's my sixth year as a school counselor!

Here we go again!