The sunny side of the street.

 It is SUMMER and Chris and I are enjoying it fully!

We practically ran from the classroom to Puerto Rico. We spent three glorious days lounging by the pool, playing in the ocean waves, and sipping over-priced cocktails that were worth every drop. 

Kenny and I made a construction
 themed cake for Dad. 

We turned around very quickly and went to VA for a visit. It was timed to celebrate "Deedle Day" which is when father's day and Dad's birthday fall on the same day! We drove down on Thursday evening and spent Friday at a vineyard chatting with Lynn. Saturday we went to Lovettsville for an early family dinner including Beau, Lanie, and Max! We all got together again at the river on Sunday for Fathers' Day. 

July was spent doing a shuttle from Tarrytown to Rock Hill. I was working with the Hudson Scholars program while Chris did some wonderful improvements to our little abode. 

The three Wisemans came for the first weekend in July! While it was a chilly stay, we enjoyed our cozy cottage, puzzles, Lego, and games! Kenny showed off his mathematical prowess, and had a trip in a kayak!

I made a second voyage to VA to celebrate the Bitto/Shallard crew with a baby shower fiesta! The Wisemans were very sweet (as always) to host my friends and make sure I had a wonderful weekend.

Hudson Scholars enjoying
 emotion Jenga

We hosted the Kleinman/Lee Family and enjoyed a beautiful day by the lake. Poor Morgan was taunted by a newly opened pool that was cleared for thunder (but I think he still had a good time ;) )

Chris' mom came up for a stay, and she helped to refinish our dining table! She was a HUGE help! She and Chris got to have some quality time with her while I spent time with the Scholars. 

The Brumby/Keith crew came to enjoy the pool--and they certainly did! We splashed and swam for over an hour! (maybe two?!) It was pure summer. 

It took nearly two months, but we finally got Kristen to stay over! We lounged by the pool-- but the cool weather and some pretty big bursts of rain chased us away for some cozy book readying and naps instead. 

Chris and I have been trying to balance all of the chores at the house with play. There are some BEAUTIFUL hikes very nearby, and of course gorgeous kayak adventures. We are also painting, and fixing, and chore-ing in general.

I have been doing a bit of southern cooking lately using a cast iron pan to whip up some jambalaya, and shrimp Creole! I've also made lots of summer salads, pancakes, ratatouille, and vegetable soup.

We are on our way to Maryland to a luxurious hotel that Kelly selected to round off our wonderful summer. 

I may have one more VA trip in the works, there are THREE new babies for me to snuggle, and Max is far too cute to not spend a day focused on him. We also may finally get Kenny to Legoland! 

Meanwhile, I need to sort out a new SEL program for the Lower School and whatnot... werkwerkwerkwerkwerk. I have been spending mornings in my office with some wonderful volunteers who have been doing some office tasks to help life the burden.  Chris is about to do some PD for his new position as the history department head, and then it is time for cross country pre-season!

 I feel like I am back to living my best life again; I am a good kind of busy. It is a delicate balance between busy and overwhelmed, but I feel like I finally have the space to handle it. 

The biggest news is that Dr. Stein and I decided to stop the Inlyta (Axitinib)! I will continue with the infusions for now, and we will see how I do. I am hopeful that it will mean that I have much more energy and evidence of being better. I am both very nervous and excited to take this huge step!