We have decided to remodel the boys’ bathroom.  We picked the contractor, met with the designer to shop for the materials while the permit was being obtained.  The demolition began on 10/19 and this project will last a few weeks’; the final inspection is scheduled on 11/18.  We can’t wait for this whole thing to wrap up.

    The first few weeks had been very busy for our new higher schooler Logan as well as mentally for us parents too, so having a week off now is quite welcoming.  The boys definitely are loving the time off and taking it easy.  We are trying to be productive too.  We have played tennis a few times as this is our current favorite sport.  Logan and I had also taken a long bike ride to the lake park.  Logan and Cole went to play at Golfland on their own one morning, while Connor and I went to eat dim sum.  Connor had been craving for dim sum, and he and I definitely enjoyed our meal.  Stuart and I both received our COVID booster and flu shot on Saturday, then today I took the boys for their turns.  As a reward, we went to play at Dave & Busters afterwards.  The games were 1/2 off on Wednesdays so we could play more games.  The boys were aiming for games where they could grind for credits; they had a plan on what toys they wanted to get at the end.  I had fun playing games with them and watching them too.  We also had a yummy unhealthy meal there too.  When we were all done, Logan wanted to buy the huge bouncy balls and Connor wanted a stuff animal; they also wanted to get a little something for Stuart as he could not be there.  We had a good time.

    For the rest of the week, Connor will have an orthodontic consultation.  Stuart and I will be meeting with the designer to go buy the materials for our bathroom remodel.  Logan will be putting in a couple of community hours doing some farm chores.  We want a relaxing yet productive week.

     Finally after being virtual for 2 years, we were able to have an in person Back to School nights.  Stuart and I went to the middle school one first on Wednesday, then the next day we attended the high school ones.  It was so awesome to be sitting in the classrooms where the boys spent their days, and be able to meet and listen to their teachers.  From both nights, we were quite impressed with all of their teachers and feel that they both will have a good year in their 7th and 9th grades.

    We continued our annual tradition and went camping last weekend.  We had reserved our favorite spot, Sunset Beach, this year.  All of the original families were able to be there for part of the weekend, thus this was perfect as it was our 10th camping trip. Theresa had planned our meals and everyone brought the components.  As usual we had plenty to eat and drink.  The kids warmed up to each other quickly and had a good time.  Connor seemed to play well with everyone; he had tons of steps running around the campsites both days.  They played tags and football often.  He enjoyed playing in both Washers and Bocci ball tournaments too.  Logan got along very well with Mckayla; the two of them seemed to have good conversations together.  Logan was less thrilled on the second day unfortunately due to allergies, so he spent some times on his own in the tent or in the car as he had a bad leaky nose.  In both evenings, the kids had fun playing with glowsticks, making shapes and spelling names.  Buddy was very good with everyone, calmly hanging out around us.  Fortunately all the kids were big fan of him, so he had the leisure being walked by them.  The adults had a good time relaxing and catching up.  Thus this was another successful camping weekend.  Here are the photos.

Our ten camping trips:

    Logan is now our 9th grader and Connor is a 7th grader.  On the first day, Cole came by and Logan joined him to walk.  Connor left quickly after and they all walked to the middle school, then Logan and Cole turned the corner to continue on the high school.  Wish that both boys have a great year at their own schools.

   During this summer, the neighborhood kids had gotten together several times for Kick the Can, and the boys were always excited to join.  Even sometimes when Connor would come back and complain of little things, we know that they had fun being out on the street for > 2 hours each time.  On the last Monday before school started, the Kick the Can had a big turnout, and it was nice to see the bunch of kids enjoying themselves before school start.  Unfortunately, one hour later Connor came home accompanied by Logan and a couple of his school friends.  Connor had a fall and a relatively bad one; he had multiple scrapes and some more deep than others.  He was brave and did not shred a single tear while we cleaned up all his wounds.  Sorry to see that Connor could not enjoy the full evening event and the injury also stopped us from going to the pool the next day.  I guess we should still look at the positive side; this was still one of the good Kick the Can summers.