A New Year

Summer 2023 came to a close and while August was overall a very tough time for our family, there were lots of happy moments too as we prepared for the transition back to school.  It seemed like everyone in the neighborhood was done with traveling, so there was lots of time for play dates — many that lasted through group lunches or dinners and on. Nick remains in his cooking hyperfocus, so we're doing a lot of that.  Plus, we enjoyed a campfire too, some science experiments, helped wash Beth's car and went to the playground.  Cross country and football also started before school so Lukas got busy quick!  

This year Lukas is in 7th grade and then we have 3-2-1 at the Elementary school!  The first day went smoothly.  We spent the Labor day Friday off at Lake Tobias and then had Grandma and Pop up for a quick visit.... oh and let's not forget about King Cliffy ;)  We did an adoption family camp reunion at the Palmer's house in York and the kids and grown-ups had fun reconnecting and extending the support and friendship into the regular year.  
I’ve been busy with appointments for the kids and myself; laughing gas and fillings, therapy and regular checkups. I’m back to running and also seeing a personal trainer which has been a great gift to myself that I’m cherishing, and I have my eyes on a spring marathon. I’ve also been volunteering with Safe families and just took a new friend to a local food pantry for the first time, which was a huge blessing to us both as she got needed resources and I am expanding my sense of community and learned so much in a fun hands-on way. I also spend a lot of time researching and we’re signing up for some new programs that will hopefully help us understand and harness the big emotions that we’ve been experiencing here lately. 

So far, the hardest part of going back to school has been the homework.  And the best part has been remembering how to do third grade math… oops no not that… I mean the best part has been watching everyone get stronger, mentally and physically. Luke's athleticism sure continues to blossom!  He's certainly my vote for MVP on his football team so far, as he has scored almost all the touchdowns and pulled at least half the flags.  No downpour can stop that kid.  And his 2-mile cross country time has already come down by over 90 seconds on the second meet :)  He's having fun and juggling it all pretty well.  I guess we all are. 
Here are the highlights!