Drama

H wanted to have a few friends over to watch High School Musical on Friday. J didn't want to have a huge party because we're leaving early the next day to go rafting. So she carefully chose a few girls and boys to come and issued the invitation. One of the girls who was invited wanted H to invite more people, but J said 'No". So of course, the girls who weren't invited are now having a party at the same time. God, I don't miss 8th grade, and the drama that goes with it. H hates to hurt anyone's feelings, but now she's worried that her guests will have to choose between her small get-together and a bigger party somewhere else. More to come, I'm sure...

We're so over Hilton Head!

Well, we had been in the mountains for a few days...hiking, jogging, playing tennis,walking Rosie, and most importantly, PICKING UP H, and then drove down to Hilton Head for the week. We were looking so forward to it...I had found a really nice beachfront home that allowed dogs, so we were excited. The last time we were down there was the year before H went to camp, so it was seven years ago. We had good memories of running and biking on the beach, relaxing by the pool, and eating at great restaurants, so it seemed like a no-brainer...more fun. I don't know if it's because we've gotten older and more finicky, but it was really a let-down. The beaches are so crowded...J couldn't even go on a good bike ride on the beach because of having to dodge all the people. The traffic is horrendous. Going 5 miles takes 30 minutes. It's so hot this time of year that going to the beach is just not relaxing at all. We'd rather be in the mountains! Woke up Friday morning (we were supposed to leave on Saturday) and it was raining, so we decided to go home a day early.

One more day!

We're leaving in the morning to pick up our girl from camp. She's been gone almost four weeks and I am finding it hard to concentrate on anything else. Is that bad? She's almost 14 and I know she loves camp, loves the independence and being with her girlfriends, so that is all good. I just personally have such a hard time when she's not around. If I could at least talk to her on the phone and hear her voice I think it would be much easier. There should be a support group for parents of only children when their kids are away for an extended time. When she's here I am not only J's wife, but I'm also H's Mom, which is the most consuming, and most rewarding job I've ever had. It's like I have to be at work with nothing to do!

If it's Tuesday...where are we?

We're at home for a little while...packing for the beach and North Carolina to pick up our girl!!!Yay! It's been three weeks almost, but it feels like a year. She's having a blast, though. We've gotten lots of letters from her, and it's all good. That's a big change from a few years ago with "the mean girls". It's amazing what a little maturity will do for you!

After spending a few days in beautiful Lake Toxaway and dropping H off at camp, we went on our 16th houseboat trip, then met T and PB in Colorado for a glorious trip to Denver and Aspen. It was amazing. Lots of exercise, running, hiking, biking and eating! Plus the shopping was amazing. We had a great time. But it is good to be home for a little while at least. We're still getting used to the new house so it still feels a little like a vacation here, too.