Endings & Beginnings

It is that time of year, and I guess, that time in our lives, for endings and beginnings. At least that is what it seems like to me.
The soccer season ended a while ago. It was a pretty good season (other than the whole, Truman punching a teammate in the stomach during practice, debacle). Truman had some really good coaches this year and I feel like he learned a lot. He, of course, is still more interested in goofing around, but he is improving. Jack feels that we should try a martial art class next fall. So I guess we will see how that goes and maybe come back to soccer next spring.

Today was the last day of school for Trummels. Also his last day in first grade. And his last day at Bel Pre Elementary School since we will be in Wisconsin next fall. It was a little sad for me today. Trum of course was just happy for summer to FINALLY start.

There are some nice beginnings right now of course, like the beginning of summer, the beginning of swimming at the pool several times a week, of sleeping in and of not wearing stockings to church. We also have the grand beginning of Truman's ability to ride a bike to be happy about. That's right, it finally happened. Through Jack's determination alone and with no help from me and against his own will, Truman can now ride a bike. And of course now he thinks it is great and is so proud of himself.

This is kind of a beginning. We got new playground equipment at the park by our pool. It is, according to Truman, totally awesome. I think we also got a batch of young hoodlums to go with it. I heard some not so new and not so welcome swear words while we were there earlier. If Jessica had been there she would have given them the what's for. But I just decided to go home, wimpy and lazy.

And this is sort of a combo of a beginning and an ending. We are starting to sort through our stuff and decide what to leave and what to take with us to Wisconsin. So we are "beginning" to pack, but it is the "ending" of our time in this apartment.

Anyway, I am a big, mixed up, combo of happy and sad right now.

Visitors

Usually when we have visitors from out of town I don't bother to take any pictures. Because we are generally just showing them around to sites that we have visited many, many, many times. We just don't need another picture of Trum in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Sometimes I may take one just to remember the day. Like this one of Jack and his little sister Mandy.

Aww, isn't that nice?

 But last week Jack's older sister Trina and her son A.J. came to visit and we did something NEW!!! Hooray!
We went to Hershey Park for the day. We had beautiful weather and great fun!

Here we are. All fresh faced and ready for a day of fun.

Oh, the rides we rode! Notice A.J.'s bored face on the little motorcycle ride, he was a good man to ride on the "kiddie" rides with Truman. We did go on some more thrilling rides but I didn't want to lose my camera on them, so no pictures.

Like father, like son. If you think their closed eyes in this picture were an accident, you are so wrong. They are both punks and like to pull faces in pictures. Also notice Trina in the background enjoying her treat. Classic!

We had a grand time. Truman even won a few games and brought home a souvenir or two.

I brought home a souvenir as well.

Did you know?

That I love this song.

And I have loved it for a looong time. Waaaay before you even heard it.

I'm just cool like that.

Also....

I can play the Flute.

Just not very well.

Also....

I love SMARTIES.

I mean, I really love them. 

As in, I steal them from my child if he has them. As in, I will steal them from your child if the opportunity presents itself.

Truman loves SMARTIES too.

But he loves this kind.

Just thought you should know.

The Great American Road Trip

So it's been a while since I have posted anything. I have been busy but mostly I am just lazy. Still cool adventures have been pursued by the Rowe family in the last month. And I have a lot of pictures so get ready to feast your eyes upon them and turn into a jealous green monster.

White Sands National Park &Three Rivers Petroglyph Site

Chaco Canyon

Blue Skies over New Mexico & Old Town Albuquerque (I bought a bracelet from that woman in the middle picture).

Monument Valley, Utah (just a word of advice, if you ever visit, drive a Hummer.)

Mesa Verde & A New Junior Ranger

Along the way: Dodge City, Kansas; Mountains in Colorado; Camping in a canyon in New Mexico with wild turkeys and coyotes; Lincoln, New Mexico (hang out of Billy the Kid); Lubbock, Texas (home of Buddy Holly); Four Corners; Missiles & Cacti; Aliens!!!!

Easter ( & some heathen spring celebration) with the Isaak cousins in Iowa.

See you're super jealous now aren't you?

Luck O' The Rowe's

March is almost over and we still have an infestation of Leprechauns!!!

Lunch

Are you ever so sick of eating a turkey on wheat, with baby spinach, lite miracle whip and a slice of medium cheddar cheese sandwich, day in and day out, that you just can't face it one more time, so instead you just eat 2 string cheese sticks and a handful of tortilla chips?
Just wondering.

12 Years Ago

And I am still so happy to be married to him!