It was a little hairy at first, figuring out the whole First Baptist Vacation Bible School gig. It's a huge process, dropping off and picking up- but man, the things I will do to get a break in the middle of the summer! Why First Baptist, you may ask? Well, they take 3 year olds and it's free. Bingo! Monday morning after drop off I drove out to the beach for a facial. It was glorious! That afternoon we rode bikes to my parents and went swimming. Tuesday, I met my friend, Ashley Hilley at the San Jose pool. She and her 5 kids are moving to Italy. Her husband is already working there. So, we got to catch up and say good-bye. It was fun visiting with all her friends, too. We went to afternoon swim practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. Voss and Abby did big rats practice, too. I'm so proud of them! Tuesday night, Matt came in town. He brought Phil and I McDs and we caught up. Wednesday morning, Matt and I went water skiing. It was awesome! It was a great morning. Skiing was way harder than I remember! I couldn't go no handed. I was able to drop a ski but, I busted shortly after. Thursday I got a massage, which was much needed after that morning of skiing! That evening was a swim meet. The girls did well. Friday I met a friend for coffee then we went for pedicures. I really enjoyed the week of Lucy! The kids loved this VBS, too. A win-win! We did afternoon swim practice, came home for hotdogs on the grill then back to the pool for Flick & Float, an awesome event at TCC. The movie was Finding Dory. The kids brought all their floats. There were glow in the dark beach balls, float races, popcorn and candy. So fun! Saturday, Abby went to her friends Birthday party. Phil and I played in a Wimbledon round robin. I won every game! Yay! That afternoon we drove out to the Safe Harbor fish market. It was really good, but I'm not sure it was worth the wait. Only a 45min wait! Then, we went to the Yazdiyas for dinner. They were so sweet to have us over! This morning we went to mass then the Hershorins for breakfast and to watch the World Cup. We were rooting for Croatia. Bummer! Later we went to the Suters for hotdogs and dinner. It's been a while since we saw them! 

On the first day of July we went to Hanna Park. It was Ellie's request to check out the neat zip line they have (although she never gave it a try once we finally made it to that part). We spent a long time at the beach- longer than usual. It was just the 5 of us, no friends this time. And it was very nice. We saw lots of dolphins and a tortoise digging a hole. The only bummer is that I had to do a trash pick up to clear a spot at first. Even a dirty diaper! It was grose. But, then we were good. The splash park left much to be desired and the park wasn't as glamorous as we remembered. Dreamette on the way home saved the day. Especially for Marly who accidently got a regular cone instead of the kids I had ordered for her! Tuesday was swim team in the morning, a lunch time play date with the Bentons then an evening visit with the Danes. Hanna, her daughter, Maj-Brit and her daughter, Maria and Mathilda came back to visit us again. Three generations of Danish cousins! We had a great visit! We did swimming and dinner with the Freemans at TCC that night. Smack in the middle of the week was the 4th of July. Abigail's favorite holiday! She's truly been talking about it for months. We relaxed that morning, I went running, Phil played golf. We watched old summer videos and braided hair in the shape of a star. We headed up fo festivities at TCC but there weren't any. So, we ate lunch and went to FYC where there was a real party. We went to my parents for dinner with the Danes then back to TCC for a carnival and fireworks. They really made up for the lack of party earlier. It was awesome! Late night but lots of fun! Thursday we went with the Danes up to Amelia Island for a boat tour of Cumberland Island. It was pretty neat. The kids weren't as impressed, though. Seafood lunch was delish- aside from a nasty bump on my eye thanks to wrestling Voss back into his seat. Late nights are no good for my kiddos! Friday was back at the pool for swim team. Then a very relaxing afternoon with a trip to Walmart and catching up on monogramming orders. That night was first Friday. The kids did the tennis party. We celebrated the Poe's Birthdays. Another late night which I payed for today with bad attitudes. Saturday I got up early and took the older two to a swim meet. It was actually a nice break, working the bull pen and watching Ellie and Marly swim so strongly. The meet was over in record time! We went by to say good-bye to the Danes then headed to Jack's Birthday. Another fabulous Freeman party that lasted all day! So fun catching up with that crew! I stayed up and finished this awesome Netflix series, The Five. This morning we went to mass with our church pals. We did a family breakfast at TCC then headed to Nocatee to visit the Barker fam. We remembered running shoes this time and traded clothes around so we could go zip lining. So fun! That water park is awesome. We loved meeting baby Marty, too. Hotdogs on the grill for dinner, family rosary, reading time then early bedtime for the win! Now I'm enjoying a peaceful quiet sunset. Hip Hip Horray!
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We're in the thick of summertime. It's nice. The mornings are in the pool, then home for Voss's nap. It rains every afternoon. I've been reading a lot. Ellie and I finished the first Harry Potter book then watched the movie together. Lots of TV and youtube. We're still doing piano twice a week in the afternoons. We're increasing time for the older two. We had a swim meet on Monday afternoon. After the rain delay, the meet ran so slow. The moon was out when the last relay was going. It was a late night! Phil doesn't have an office yet so he's been working from the dining room table. It's nice to have him around. Voss has decided to join the swim team. He's doing so well! He just sorta jumped in there. We watched the Applegate boys on Friday afternoon. River swim then the indoor playground. Phil and I played with the Hollands at the wine and nine. So fun, even if we were 2nd to last place. PH at Lillians later. Saturday was lazy. More reading and a wasted trip to pick up the girls tri packets. We went to Trader Vics last night then up for the girls triathlon this morning. Thanks to all this rain, the fields were too soggy so they canceled the bike portion of the race. Marly was 2nd in her age group! They did well. Muddy morning. We went right to mass on the way home then home for lunch. We did a quick trip to Groveland for a surprise anniversary party for Phil's aunt and uncle. It was so neat re-connecting and meeting new cousins. We're headed home now. What a weekend!
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Man! It is hot! One day I started getting a little blurry. dizzy and had to lay down. I think it's the heat for real. Monday we did a MOPS Convention fundraiser with story time at Cool Moose. I think I was the only one who opted for the mimosa. It was a little chaotic, but still a good time. Next, we went to Jolley's for a pool party. It was so hot. I had to get in the pool. But when I get in the pool, my kids just jump and climb on me. So, it was not super fun. It is super nice having Voss swimming. I feel like I can actually take a deep breath. I've been enjoying R&R, which came as a surprise. I finished reading the book club book. I watched a thunderstorm come across the river and even took a little snooze this week. It's really nice. The girls had a gator-ade sale. They even went to the store on their bikes to buy their own gator-ade. Abby provided the capitol. Ha! Lots of river rats pool time. Everyone is looking good and swimming so well. I tried to burn some calories racing and treading water with someone climbing on me. Unfortunately, my FitBit still says I've had quite the sedentary week. We did kids eat free on Wednesday night. Happy to see the Smiths join TCC. Phil did an impromptu guys night. More piano lessons. Making take away crock pot meals for convention. We had a swim meet at Deerwood on Thursday. Rain delay was stressful, but my pal, John bought me a beer once the race began. Phil timed and older swimmers entertained Voss so I was happy. Late night for the kids, though. Friday after practice we went to the St. Mary's water park. It was nice to catch up with the Nixons. We stopped at their house on the way home for playtime and an afternoon cap. Perfectly timed with Phil's golf game. We did thai and Billions later that night for a date night in. Much needed. Saturday, Phil played tennis. I listened to a babysitter's knife presentation then took the older girls to Camp St. John to serve lunch with my book club at Camp I Am Special. I spent my teenage years at this camp. It really impacted my life. It was so cool to show this to Ellie and Marly. I even got to show them my pictures on the walls! Later, we met some of their friends at TCC to swim. It was so hot! I had to fight for the popsicle or unicorn float! That night we hosted wine club. The theme was California. I made notecards with fun facts about California wine production and put them all over the house. It was fun. Lots of tasty wine and catching up with wine pals. Bernie and Anita even came! Bit of a late night and then the clean up (worth it to use my china and cloth napkins!) Mass and breakfast this morning. Phil took the big girls to their friend's house to play in their neighborhood pool. Abby had a school friend, Emily over. Voss took a much needed nap. I've had a relaxing day! Now Phil has the girls at triathlon practice- theirs is next weekend. Sweet & sour meatballs in the crockpot. Happy mama!

We're trying to find a new normal. The first half of the week was tough. I lost my temper a lot. I almost lost my voice from screaming. We moved rooms around. Phil and I took apart the bunkbed and moved it to the playroom, which is now Ellie and Marly's room. Abby is happy to have her own room. I threw away lots of pieces of toys. Abby's swim team practice has begun. So every morning we go to her practice after Ellie and Marly's practice. Pool hopping has begun! Ellie and I are reading the first Harry Potter book. This is the series that began my love for reading. I hope Ellie likes it as much as I did! Monday we did a river play date with cousin, Alex. I blew up all the floats and just let them play in the backyard. That afternoon we got fancy and took the skyway to the library for the Fancy Nancy party at the library. I got confrontational with one of the librarians, which is not like me. She wasn't very supportive of the fact that I have 3 children who were into Fancy Nancy and one who was not. Tuesday and Thursday we started piano lessons. The teacher says we have good attention spans. Ellie is already playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on her own. I got the recall done in the minivan along with an oil change. I also got confrontational with the service guy at the dealership (twice in one week!) because we were there for almost 2 hours. An evening at TCC for dinner helped calm me down. Friday we major pool hopped from FYC, TCC, we paddleboated to the Hollands. I picked up my race packet then went to the Suters for a pizza pool party. I went home early to get rest for the tri the following morning. My brother, Matt picked me up and we did the Jax Sprint tri downtown. This year we swam in the river! It was quick with the current. Vanessa Holland was so sweet to let us borrow their bikes! The bike was 15 miles along the MLK parkway on a closed course, which was great. Then the run was on the riverwalk. That's always the tough part for me. But I didn't walk and it was fairly shady. A great race! Happy it's over- ha! Turns out I placed 3rd in the athena category! We didn't stay for the awards ceremony, though. We went to FYC to catch the end of the girl's swim meet. Team lunch at Tijauanas. I did a shopping trip to Walmart then headed to St. Augustine for a quick girls trip for the I love 90's tour at the amphitheater. So much fun dancing and singing along! We went to dinner after then spent the night down there. Today was Father's Day. We met the Freemans for a German lunch at E-street. Then, an afternoon visit with my dad. We went to the FYC pool then I took the younger two to mass (Phil took them all that morning, too). Busy weekend! 

We jumped right into summertime! We ran to the Weissed for a play date. That afternoon we had our first swim meet. I worked the bull pen in the second shift. I can already tell you this summer will be better than the last. Voss is for real swimming. I don't feel the need to hover over him. Tonight he was jumping off the diving board and swimming to the side with no problem. Whew! What a difference that makes! The littles swam in the baby pool while I sweat through my shirt during the meet. The girls did well. They are great swimmers! Tuesday we picked up the Suters and went to the Sawgrass beach club. It was nice to catch up with them. Wednesday we planned our summer movie with the rain. We saw Iron Giant, which was actually pretty good. We did a intro piano class. We'll start that up next week. That night we went to Carl's Birthday party. Fun night at the Freemans! Thursday we took the skyway to the library to sign up for summer reading. Then to Sweet Pete's for ice cream! That night I snuck out for a bit for TCC's ladies night. Not too impressive. Friday we did a pool day. We stayed and played after the morning practice. Then we went back for the afternoon practice. We did a mafia night that night. The rain helped create the perfect stormy night setting. An eclectic mix, perfect for the mystery. Super late night! Saturday morning's swim meet came early for all of us! Luckily, Phil was a timer. It got hot at the end. We went right from there to the Holland twin's Birthday party. Awesome day in the pool with water slides and lots of fun friends! My whole family was asleep by 6pm! Today was mass, breakfast, tubing with Mimi and Papa. I snuck out for a liberal ladies happy hour. We ended at TCC for a Massey Birthday party. We are having a fun summer so far!

Monday was Memorial Day. I had lots of thoughts on the history of America thinking back to the Seeing White series and currently reading Gone with the Wind. It's unsettling. I don't know anyone who has died fighting for the US. But it's still such a sad thought. While we're swimming at the pool at TCC, going on the water slide, diving for beers- then I think of how many lives have paved the way. But war is so political. What's all this about? I hosted book club that night. I didn't read the book- Good Omens. And now I feel like a slacker. I just couldn't get into it. We still talked about something until midnight. An awesome night on the porch with the rain. Oh the rain. It's been a wet week. Perfect for hiding upstairs and reading Gone with the Wind! It was the older girls last week of school so a bunch of nothing was happening. Ellie had an awards ceremony and cleaned up. I'm so proud of how she's done this year- making the decision on her own to bring up her grades! We had a play date with Jude and brought Ellie lunch. We went blueberry picking then the indoor playground. We went to Pump it Up then the Suter's pool. We have Luis painting inside the house so I've been trying to keep everyone out of the house. It's no easy task. The girls had a triathlon practice. But they ended up moving the race to later this month thanks so all the rain. Friday I ran and swam. The girls had their last day of 1st and 3rd grade! We went to Dreamette then the pool. The rain kept us from spending all day there. The older girls spent the night with the Butlers. The younger two went to the Treehouse. Phil and I went to First Friday. Late night of fun. Saturday I tried so hard to sleep in. Voss is not a fan of that idea. Phil played tennis. The younger kids and I stayed in PJs until the painter kicked us out. I did a noon run before the rain. We met the Freemans at the new El Jefe restaurant then spent the evening catching up with them. We ended with a movie night watching the Greatest Showman. This morning was mass then bfast with the Applegates. We went to IKEA then Build a Bear then to Wicked Barley for a pre-high school reunion. It was so hot and crowded. We made it an early night with cold showers and a family rosary.

Whew! What a week! I made it! I don't usually get nervous as a stay at home mom. But man, going into this week, I was nearly shaking trying to figure out how I was going to do it all- the logistics, I mean. Thank God for my village, once again. Saving me every day! We began with a run to help my nerves on Monday morning after drop off. My pal, Anne split a beer with me at the ball game. We did a MOPS play date for a lunch time game of the Jumbo Shrimp. I went right from there to Abigail's dress rehearsal. That worked out well. I got a great parking spot. I left Abby with my fab pal, Laurie and raced back to get the big girls from school, meet my in-laws, drop Voss off, get the girls ready for rehearsal and race back downtown. I was super lucky to get a spot close to where I was and we were on time! Yay! It was a late night and my phone died but we got a pizza break for dinner. Tuesday morning was calm. My sister-in-law pushed me for speed on a morning run. We prepped for the evening chaos of the dance recital. Laurie helped me again with childcare for Voss until our babysitter could get off work. My in-laws helped get the girls ready with hair and make-up. My mom and sister came to help cheer them on. Who would have ever guessed my mother-in-law can throw some elbows to get to the front of the crowd and get amazing seats! Another late night. I'm so proud of all my dancers! What a wonderful recital! Wednesday everyone woke up ready to go so off we were! I had a dentist appointment then went to Jess's for a thank you lunch. Yum! Later, I lyfted to meet Phil at a fundraiser for EPS. I was shocked to see protesters! I got a facial from the silent auction and caught up with a childhood friend, Stephen. Thursday was busy! Marly had an awards ceremony first thing in the morning. She cleaned up! I'm so proud of her! Next, we raced to OPS for Abigail's pre-school graduation ceremony. She was so cute up there! We did an after party lunch at Mellow Mushroom. My in-laws went back to Miami. We did swim team practice and a super early bedtime. Deep breath! I got in a run and swim then met the Suters at the boat ramp and went for a boat day on our old boat. After a few typical boat glitches, we were on our way for a short cruise to a sand bar. It was a fun day! I picked up the girls from school then to swim team practice. It was a busy day at the pool. We stayed for dinner- another late night! Friday was a big day for Phil. He turned in his resignation letter! He's moving on to a new adventure as a bank owner! I'm so proud of him! It's going to be stressful for a bit with this new gig. But, this is an awesome opportunity for us! Yay, Phil! Saturday felt so nice to sleep in and have no plans. We did a girls run then a pool party at the Suters. Later, Phil and I went with TCC friends to Whitey's Fish camp. Lots of laughs with that crowd. This morning we went to mass then TCC breakfast. A rainy day inside reading and just relaxing. It's been nice!

It's December's besty: May. It's crazy! Spring is ending and summer is beginning. I skipped the last MOPS meeting and went with the "TCC Bad Moms" to Orlando for the Justin Timberlake concert. We had such a great time. What a fun group of gals! We joked and laughed the whole time! The girls sure know how to spend some cash- shopping in Orlando all day Tuesday wasn't my fav. But it was sure a fabulous break! I took full advantage of my village! So many people helped keep the kids so I could go. Wednesday took some getting used to getting back into the swing of things. It was muffins with mom at school. I met a high school friend for coffee- he ended up trying to sell me life insurance. I had my first membership committee meeting at TCC. The girls had a crazy week of studio rehearsals prepping for the recital. We made it to the last 15min of their last religion class of the year. Thursday my brother Matt came with us to the water park again. We beat the rain just in time. My other brother, Erik flew in that afternoon. They came over for a drink that night. So fun having them both in town for the weekend! Friday I got up early to run and swim. April hosted a Royal Wedding coffee club to talk about the relationship between the US and England. So fun! We visited Uncle Erik after school then went to swim team practice- oh it's begun! That night was the MOPS & POPS End of the year party. Lots of new friends, PH and pool basketball. Saturday was a bit rough. We started the Birthday party circuit at Velocity. Then we did a water slide in Hallie's front yard. We hung out at Mom and Dad's. Phil and Matt played golf. We went kayaking. That night the kids did a movie night and we went to Terry Vereen's 65th Birthday. It was a great party with a jazz band. We ended up doing a family power hour! This morning we powered through and sat with the Applegates for Pentecost Sunday. My parents and brothers met us for breakfast at TCC. It's been a rainy day. We went to the Kane triplets awesome Birthday party with swimming, a water slide and snow cones. Vanessa took the girls to the tri practice at the pool. That gave me time to go through the girls closets and get semi organized for tomorrow's dress rehearsal chaos! It's going to be a big week! 

A lot is going on with Phil these days. Turning 39 doesn't slow him down. He was promoted at the bank and moved to not only a new location but a completely different role. Change is a'comin' for sure! Work is crazy for him- and it will be for a little while. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime we pretty much celebrated him all week. I even used the hashtag at least once this week: #makingPBsBdayworkforme Oh yes, you know I had some fun, too. On Monday we went to Adventure Landing water park for toddler time. I love that place! The orange slide about did me in! So fun! That night I did a double hitter movie night. We did apps at Fridays and then Tully. It was a little too much for me- a little too real or too soon. Then, we saw I Feel Pretty, which was a great ending to the night! Tuesday was park and story time with park and dance in the afternoon. Wednesday was Phil's Birthday. We had chick fil a for the Birthday boy's lunch- ha! Voss was thrilled! I did a mad dash to the Town Center and Costco for gift shopping. That night we did a family dinner at TCC for kids eat free and some Birthday cake. Thursday I got to go the TPC with Phil. We had so much fun on a gorgeous day! We met up with my parents and brother, Matt. I left in time to pick up kids from school and do the afternoon routine. Phil stayed and played and went to dinner with TCC friends. I went to the final MOPS Leadership dinner. We ended up going to Lillians and then Amy's front yard- wow! Late night fo sure! Friday I took it easy. Laurie took Abby and a bunch of kids back to the water park. Voss and I paddle boarded to the Hollands for a pool play date. That night I rallied and went to the Tomahawk Havana Nights party at TCC. Such a fun night! Great food and music and another late night at Lillians! Saturday Phil played tennis. I took the older girls to a butterfly camp and the younger two to the pool. It was hot! We did Burger Fi for lunch and then took a break. I took the kids to Elliott's Birthday party. It was a relaxing night. Phil and I got sushi. Today is Mother's Day! The kids did a sweet morning for me. They made a fort and made me coffee and gave me lots of cards and homemade gifts. We went to mass and raced the Applegates. We raced to breakfast after just in time! Then we hit the pool- so hot! Matt took us tubing. I took the girls to their biking tri practice. Baked fish for dinner a boat ride and the rosary. It was a great night!
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