The kids finished school and had pretty good school years. Bron did summer school, but only about half of it, as we'd already planned our vacation before finding out she was eligible.
Vacation was pretty good. The four of us flew out to Virginia together. We had a pretty early flight (6am out of San Francisco), so the kids slept for a good portion of it. The first flight was really empty, so the kids sat with Aaron and I had a whole row to myself. I think Bron sat with me towards the end of the flight. We had a layover in Minnesota, I bought a shirt for me and lunch for everyone else. I think this was the first year that Bert didn't say he wanted to go home as soon as we arrived.
We spent a lot of time with Rebecca, Eddie and Nana. Went to the pool several times. I got to have a massage, facial and Cracker Barrel for my birthday. We played mini golf a couple times. Took the kids to the trampoline park (I was surprised Bert wanted to go back, after spraining his ankle at his birthday party). And Rebecca had a splash pad that the kids enjoyed. The kids caught frogs and fireflies.
Aaron flew home after a week, and we flew home the next week. He, of course, got sick at the end of vacation. He got a few extra days at home for the summer cold.
I feel like I've been playing catch up wince we got back. The house hasn't seemed to recover. Partially because I went right back to work, and partially because the kids are home, which makes cleaning difficult. I've been making the kids do reading, and a workbook page everyday. And Bert also has to go on a daily walk. I probably should require this of Bronwyn too, but she's more active than he is, in general.
Also, right after we got back, Aaron left for a Boys' Trip to Oregon to see his group of friends and play games for 5 days. He and Scott drove, since Scott has a hybrid, and they decided that would be slightly cheaper than flying.
At the end of June, Aaron and I celebrated 20 years of marriage. We went to Black Angus for dinner (We were going to go to the nicer restaurant near us, but it was closed on Mondays), and we planned our anniversary trip. We're going to London! We haven't been on vacation alone together since our honeymoon (real vacation, not visiting family). I'm nervous and excited. The kids already either don't want us to go, or want to come with us. I told them, when each of them turns 15 they can choose a location and we'll go there. (Right now, Bert says Virginia, to see Nana, and Bron says Japan).
20 Years!
We found direct flights from San Francisco to London (that were cheaper than layover flights) and a mid priced hotel. We took care of our Visas last night (which was surprisingly quick and easy). Now we're trying to plan our literary, as we'll be there a week. Some things on the list so far: the national museum, the Tate gallery, possibly Cadbury World (which is 2 hours away), Gilwell Park, the palace, the bridge, the Eye, Harods, and Big Ben. Aaron visited London when he was 16 with his parents, I've never been, so it'll be an adventure. Hopefully we don't get too lost since we'll be using public transportation (or possible Uber) for all our travel.
Yesterday, the kids started swimming lessons. Bron was excited, Bert was not (as he "already knows how to swim"). They both had a good time, and did fairly well (though, Bron still won't dunk her head). We'll be having them M-Th for the next 2 weeks. We're going to the Open Swim this afternoon, before lessons and will probably be doing that often for the duration of the lessons.
