Monday, June 28, 2010

Begone Children.

School here ended last Friday. My eldest "graduated" from middle school and she cleaned up in the class awards: only middle school student to win two high school varsity letters (XC and track), named top orchestra student as well as exceptional achievement in almost every subject. I saw the awards and knew she would be annoyed that the program had her in the "average above 94" as compared to the "average above 97" category for Spanish (she has close to a 100 average and got a 100 on the state wide final). I wanted to see what she would say. Afterwards, of course, her one comment on the ceremony was how they screwed up the program for her Spanish award. The teacher later called our house and apologized for the mistake.

My kids are going to music camp until the end of July in Maine. Saturday was the day we blocked out to pack but I was able to get out early for a quick 30 minute open water swim in the perfect conditions of the Long Island Sound at Sunken Meadow (the Sound was like glass and they said the water was 70 degrees). I'm counting this swim as this year's first open water official swim trying to erase the nightmare memory of Eagleman. I still can't believe that I actually got in the water that day and I can't believe even more that my time in that non wetsuit swim was more than double my expectations. We followed up the swim with a little over an hour biking some hills around Kings Park then I had to get back to Operation Get-Ready-For-Camp.

The goal was to try to pack what seemed to be everything in one of many duffels for the two girls. We had some emergency shopping that had to be done but since we were strapped for time it was a buying expedition rather than a shopping expedition. I was able to sneak a new Mets hat for me in with all the camp stuff for them so all was happy. They went to bed about 2AM.

I was up early Sunday morning, loaded up the minivan and dropped the kids off Sunday in Chappaqua in Westchester County north of NYC (a little over an hour away from Casa Rockstar) to catch the bus up to music camp. The bus was a big win for us as the other option was to drive up 7 hours, drop them off, and then drive back 7 hours. My wife and I will still wind up doing this trip in a few weeks for visiting "weekend" in a few weekends.

When I came back home the inside of the house looked like a tornado hit it. What didn't get packed got scattered to the wind. Rather than immediately clean up, my wife and I went out for an unfancy dinner together last night as grownups. We also spent the afternoon together and actually spent time without one having to go one way and the other the other way meeting somewhere in the middle to swap kids. I was tired and went to sleep early in peace.

I'm sure we'll miss our kids soon.

10 comments:

Al's CL Reviews said...

School just got out? Wow! I think some GA counties start back in July.
And Atlanta starts the first week of Aug.

Congrats to the kids. You must be so proud.



And in answer to your question, I have counteroffered, and am waiting for a response. Regardless, yes I will take it.

Kathleen said...

I always went away to summer camp as a kid. I relly liked it and I bet my mother liked it just as much :)
"Parents/visitors weekend" will be here before you know it :)

joyRuN said...

Though having the house to ourselves would be blissful, I'd be terrified to send my kids away to summer camp. Who knows what trouble my two miscreants would create? GAH!!!!

Enjoy the silence ;)

Caratunk Girl said...

Have fun in the quiet!

Carly said...

You have a whole month kid free??!! Where do I find info on this camp and do they take toddlers? Enjoy your time!!

Patrick Mahoney said...

Does this mean we should expect a training spike in July?

Big Clyde said...

Rock, you have been kind about my daughter, so let me return the favor. How impressive that your daughter did so well in academics, athletics and music! Honestly, I think I was most impressed by her class in holding back her comment about the Spanish grade until after the big event! It shows that you and your wife have instilled in her a strong sense of self-worth...she didn't feel the need to make certain everyone knew she had truly done better than reported. Seems like a confident, yet humble girl.

As for the camp, I would really struggle to be without the kids for so long, but I am sure that this is a wonderful growth oppty for them. They will enjoy it and I know you will cherish your visits.

Now, go put in some miles and make some time to date your wife while the kids are away!

Julie said...

Congrats to your rock star daughter on her impressive accomplishments:) My daughter is also on the honor roll and plays the sax:) Neither my hubby or I were musically talented so seeing her want to play in the bad was a treat! It must be great for you to see your daughters be so successful in the music department with your musical history:) Rock on!

KovasP said...

Academics AND sports? Double threat! I am always happy when my kids leave and also immediately start missing them. Can't win.

Tri Mommy said...

Congrats on your daughter's super performances - it sounds like you have a rock star family!! Enjoy your time away from the kids too, although I'm sure you'll miss then in a day or two. : )