A Month to Remember

It seems like the month of May has been filled with a copious amount of joy and celebrations. But, with that also came a sudden rush of urgent assignments, to get started, and completed. The kids had final book reports and projects due, exams to study for, soccer practices and games to attend. As any parent could relate and most likely agree...THANK GOODNESS the school year is almost over!!

Sweet Sophia turned 12 on May 5th! We finally had her birthday celebration with friends this past Friday. We took the "tweens" to the movies (Kung Fu Panda 2) and pizza afterward. She is at the age now where her friends are becoming a priority in her life. We are just glad that she has chosen a good group of friends that she enjoys spending time with.

Matthew made his First Holy Communion on May 7th. We had a small celebration for him with my family (which also counted as a family celebration for Sophia's birthday). He had been looking forward all year long for this day to come.

Ted's birthday was on May 26th and got overshadowed by Alex's 8th grade potluck dinner. But, we still ended up meeting with friends who were visiting in the area over the weekend and then went out to a dinner theater later that evening. My sister, Tina, and her husband, Chris, also had us over for a pool party on Memorial Day. We had perfect weather and got to celebrate Ted's birthday with a couple of games of cornhole, beer, and barbeque!

Alex had exams last week. He sure was thrilled to get it done and over with. He is so happy to be out of school earlier than his siblings...meaning he can sleep in.  His 8th grade class at OLMC had a mass and a graduation ceremony this evening followed by a reception. We are so proud of him and all his accomplishments! We can't believe we now have a high schooler amongst us.

On another note, the warm weather and longer days are a sure sign that summer is fast approaching. I found a new beach to go for a run or walk in Hampton. It is called Grandview Nature Preserve which is located on the Chesapeake Bay. I fell in love with this place because it was all natural...nothing built up. The sound of the waves, the tall grasses, soft sand, and ungroomed shoreline gave me a sense of peace, a sense of escape, and a feeling of calmness....even if it was just for a little while.

No matter how fast life seems to be going by, it is times like these where I have to remind myself to slow down every now and then, and to just enjoy these tender moments...the moments that make the memories, the memories we hold dear to our hearts. May your summer be filled memorable moments!!