Project 365, Week 37

Back from a holiday weekend, we got back to school, work and soccer in earnest. We love this time of year when there are lots of games to watch and play and the weather is divine.

September 6

Labor Day soccer practice with Coach Dad. I give all of these guys so much credit for going out regularly on their own time to work and get better. There is often arguing, but Shaun perseveres, wanting to help them be successful at the things they set out to do. 

Aiden was delighted to find his gigantic Pokemon card purchase had arrived.

September 7

First day of school for this little guy. I wasn't sure how long he'd be staying with us, whether it was worth it to put him in, only to take him out again, but the social worker ok'd it.

He's way too precious!

The big kids were happy about it because they got a ride to school! Conveniently, the preschool, middle school and high school are all connected on the same property.

When I picked Dakota up after school, Aiden was at soccer tryouts. I wanted to stay and watch but knew I needed to give him his space.

First scrimmage of the season for the girls.

September 8

A long-standing end-of-summer tradition with my best girls...dinner on the water in Mystic. It was as beautiful as ever. We've weathered pregnancies, illnesses, job changes, moves, weddings, family drama. Together is better. 💜

September 9

Oh my goodness...so fun to get a glimpse of D throughout the day. Most days the teacher posts little videos and photos of the kids and their art projects. 

September 10

Crazy day but with a beautiful sunset. Even though I had a load of kids, I stopped off at the farm to take a few breaths.

September 11

Twenty years and so much of that day and the ones following are still in sharp focus. I took some time to read interviews and recaps, allowing myself to mourn and pay tribute to so many brave and innocent people who were part of 9/11.

But then...kids! We did respite for the weekend and these brothers were up early!!

Shaun and I made a trip to the store with the three littles and got back home before our teens were even awake.

Aiden had a town game (U15 now!!). There weren't enough players for a competition team but Shaun still agreed to coach.

Thankfully our home field has a playscape. :)

A 10-minute walk took about 45 because of all the important stops we had to make. The wonder of the world that toddlers have is both frustrating and a gift.

The girls organized a night with friends...volleyball, food and a movie. I was involved in about 5% of it, the rest was the kids. Love their group of friends and watching them be teens.

September 12

Sunrises on a beautiful morning and kids outside to preserve the still-sleeping house.

Another day, another game. Shaun coaching, Aiden playing, Amanda reffing.

September 13

First Football Sunday of the season!!

The way the weekend worked out with activities and such, I was solo with these three most of the time, two of them very needy. I returned two in the evening, tired but also knowing, it matters.

Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is 

about loving God and loving the people he has made?― Francis Chan