Summertime

So this summer went fast. With so many trips planned, I knew it would be over in a flash. But, boy, did we have a good time! We started the summer with a trip to Athens for the Member/Guest tournament sandwiched in by two trips to Orlando. Athens was great and Lee and I got to play in a tennis tournament together. Both trips to Orlando were fun also. The first trip was with friends and the second was more work related for Robert. Both visits to Orlando included trips to the water parks and after our last visit, I think it's safe to assume that we are done with our yearly pass and will not need to go back anytime soon. Let's just say that in 2 days and 2 separate parks, I managed to lose a kid and watch a lifeguard stop the wave pool because one of my kids "appeared" to be drowning. Slightly embarrassing and I now know that 2 kids and 1 parent is not a good ratio for Disney's water parks! O.K, so moving on, we did spend a lot of fun filled days in Naples with boating adventures and beach time and, of course, with many friends.

In July, The kids and I headed up to Wilmington for my 3rd annual art show at Figure 8 Island with a 2 day pit stop in Jacksonville. While we were in Jacksonville the kids got to see cousins and also had a day at the Yacht Club tennis camp with Wade. We had our usual fun in Wilmington and Nana and Papa made the trip too. While I was busy at my art show the kids indulged in 2 days of camp at the Figure 8 Yacht Club. Robert flew up at the end of our visit to drive with us to DC. Now, DC deserves a post of it's own but, after our visit in DC, we took Harrison, Brooks AND Davis to Athens for a week with Lee Lee and Bill...while Robert and I cruised back to Naples. Then the kids went to Jacksonville to be with Nana and Papa for a couple of days. That's right, the kids were with grandparents for a week and a half and Robert and I were on our own! On our own!!! Don't get me wrong, I love my kids so much that sometimes I think my heart will burst, but I'm not gonna lie, that week was amazing! Not worrying about kids' schedules and doing whatever I want..... Fabulous!!! I even notice myself being a better parent after that.

After getting the kids from Jacksonville we only had a week left until school started. Now, for the most part, I love the summer. Sleeping in and not being bound to a schedule are two of my favorite things but, this year, both kids are going to the same school for a full day. This is groundbreaking. So I was fine to say goodbye to the lazy days of summer and hello to no more driving all over town for two completely different school schedules. What made the last week of summer even better is that Carter, Leigh, James and Christine all came to Naples for a long weekend. We had sleepover, fun at the pool and beach, and the boys got to go fishing at the pier. Great wrap up for a busy summer!