Waking up slowly

 These are my favorite kind of mornings....waking up early with the dogs, enjoying quiet time while my family sleeps safely throughout the house, and nothing but seemingly endless time lays in front of us.  What a blissful way to awake from dreaming....to arise into my reality where I am so lucky to have a healthy family and knowing that we are fortunate enough to have a roof over our heads and food on our plates and a warm bed at night...the list goes on an on for the things we have and the life we live.  I know it is often cliche to tell others to give thanks for the things you have...but it is gospel, and we live in a society that tells us we are never happy and should be in constant pursuit of the coveted item that will bring us ultimate joy and contentment.  But after enough time, I am truly starting to see that my "ultimate joy" is already asleep all throughout this house that I am already in...so for me, today is about living within these walls with my family, and enjoying this time together, and keeping all of those other distractions out.

There is something peaceful about being given a large amount of time to do with what one pleases.  Summer now lays in front of us.  Like standing on a beach, staring out into the ocean that one must set sail..we are now allowing our toes to dip into the water and our school bags and lunch boxes are now in the closet until August.  I know that it will be an eye blink and we will be crying tears of self-pity that we have to prepare for another school year...but for now there is a sense of calm and serene and unlimited.  It is nice.

The summer of endless possibilities is a good theme this year.  Violet and I will be off to Juneau for a few days, but there are no other "plans on the books" other than that!  My personal goals include attending more to my own mental health and physical health.  I have a stack of books that need my attention, as well as some future running goals that require me to restart my fitness and begin training (slowly).  While back in Juneau, I am also hopeful to meet with my friends and plan another "Winter Boys" trip.  The last one was our gathering in Dallas for the AC/DC concert, and it was truly an amazing time all-around.  The other trip that is slowly-evolving is our "Family-Marching Band Disney World Adventure" for Spring Break, 2027.  Both Audrey and Violet will be marching down Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World during Spring Break in 2027.  This is different, though, because Kim will be chaperoning the girls, and I will be taking Sam separately to have our own trip at Disney!  So much planning and reservations and timing must be set for that one.  

One of the motivating things in my life is having items on the calendar and goals to strive for.  I have been raised in, and work in a world where goals are set and every measure possible is taken to meet said goals.  Some people seem to be able to drift through life and are content with their present conditions or are living within their own life system that works for them.  For me, however, I seem to require something on the horizon to set my sights on and plan accordingly.

I presented and demonstrated a lesson on gold panning and shared about my family's connection to panning in Juneau.  I miss them.  Think Gold!

My three Bruno Mars companions!  What a show!

So proud of Violet.  Goodbye middle school!

Violet got me out to go see a WNBA game.  We took-in the Chicago Sky vs. the Dallas Wings.  I enjoy taking the kids to see their favorite people, and Paige Bueckers is on of Violet's.  A great time and a fun game!

Violet and Kim cooking Marry Me Chicken.  

Sam dressing-up on one of the last days of the school year!

This was from Sam's teacher!  What a cool idea, and now a special treasure for our family.  He is growing up so fast.

Sam!

 

May Endings

 

We have been rising earlier and staying-up later with the sun.  Tonight we close our eyes and awake to our final week of school before the summer break!  It will be a long week, but we are all excited to take a deep breath and enjoy some adventures outside of the school year!

Below are some pictures to attempt to capture just some of the things happening these last few days! 

Kim and Audrey attend the Chicago Symphony 

Abel and Sam attended Clue, the production, in Indianapolis!

Abel added some new ink!

Rosie is getting bigger!  

Sam and his teacher at a school event!

Audrey on her way to Prom, and Violet on her way to winning third place in shot-put!

Bruno Mars concert in Chicago at Soldier Field!

White Sox game with the family!  

Violet performing at a recent school concert!  She is so talented!

April Beginnings

 As the song goes:  Time keeps on slipping into the future.

I can never seem to stand still in one place for very long before I find myself a little older and things keep changing!  At the current moment, I find myself in the middle of Spring Break!  We are truly enjoying a lot of down time, and decided to not travel this time around.  The kids seem to be savoring the break in their own little ways.  Audrey continues to keep busy by playing numerous recitals and is constantly practicing and working on her craft.  She is gifted, but seems to view it as a chore at the moment...although what teenager doesn't?  It is still too difficult to comprehend that she will be 18 a little later this year.  The original intent of this blog was to communicate and share in the life of Audrey, really.  Sunrise, sunset....

Violet has been visiting with friends, updating her bedroom layout, and even getting a chance to attend her first Hamilton performance in Chicago earlier this week with Kim!  Again, time has put Violet at the doorsteps of high school next year!  It will be quite the thing to have both Violet and Audrey in high school for a year.  Violet has already mentioned driving a couple times, so I am looking forward to getting her behind the wheel and beginning her driving instruction.  I have found driving to be one of my favorite activities and essential to a lot of my life.  It has allowed me to travel great distances across this country and the miles along the way have profoundly impacted who I am as a person.  

Sam loves intervals between playing with the dogs, some screen time, movies, and bike rides around the subdivisions with me.  I finally got around to snagging a new bike, and it has been enjoyable spending time outside with Sam on the trails and just getting to ride a bike like a kid again with him.  We saw the Super Mario sequel yesterday at our favorite, Hollywood Palms Theater.  Maybe we will find out way to the Field Museum or Science and Industry...still some time to manifest a few more spring break adventures.  

For now, everyone is asleep upstairs and a rainy Thursday presents itself, with the possibility of storms later in the evening....so not really a great night for the White Sox home opener!  Glad we got to see the Cubs earlier this week when the weather was nice!  Coffee calls from the kitchen, and the daunting task of cleaning out the basement awaits.  I guess a day downstairs with movies and organizing doesn't sound so bad.  After all, as long as time keeps on slipping, I may as well find my footing for now and be productive in the present.  

-a

We had great seats at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play the Washington Nationals!  

It was a special to enjoy time together with my children.  

Go, Cubs, go!  Cubs WIN!  

Sam and Dad and Hollywood Palms, ready to enjoy Mario!  

Rosie, Oskar, and Luna...always watching.

Oskar

Kim and Violet about to take-in Hamilton in downtown Chicago!  Violet loved it!  Kim's third viewing!

Audrey and Sam:  Time keeps on slipping

A Quiet Evening

 It has been a long, peaceful Sunday.  The dogs were up early, and the daylight savings had all of us a little jilted ad unsure of what time it really was all day!  Lots of cleaning including laundry and dishes has me feeling prepared for the week ahead.  Haircuts, a drop-off to Goodwill, and a grocery run added to the feelings of accomplishment!  The highlight of the day for me was a long 8 mile walk with the dogs before the house was awake, but I had already had coffee and the dogs were ready for some exercise!  There is something about walking with them that, after a short while, they call into a rhythm and we all just have a good runaround and an excellent rest on the couch after we return.  

The entire day was filled with warm sunshine once the morning winds died down.  There is something about the sunshine and increase in temperature that lifts the spirit, especially after such a bitter winter.  The day was filled with warm breezes and often I felt a little too warm when standing in the direct sunlight once the light winds die down.  The days give promises of spring (...and summer) break just a few short weeks away.  

It is a bitter-sweet time in that we are starting to talk more and more with Audrey about plans after high school, which are often difficult for me to even comprehend.  I see a few close friends who have already sent their children off to college and beyond...but there really isn't anything that can prepare ultimately for her first true steps away from her first home.  Sigh.  I am just so proud of her...of Violet, and Sam, too.  

Watching them find success in their own lives is just so special to observe.  Getting to watch Sam swim each week and get a little faster and a little stronger when he had a broken leg just a few years ago...

Seeing Violet perform amazing solo and duet pieces, earn high honors, and continue to be just such a unique person outside of school....

Sitting as I watch Kim direct meetings of significance for her company, and knowing that she loves what she is doing, and is superbly qualified at it...

I am just so proud of my family.  They will do so many things in their lives that will add value and beauty and kindness to the world.  I love them so much.  What a lucky man I am.

-a

Early Morning March

 This past February seemed to take much longer than the calendar would suggest.  I don't know if it's the darkness of the winter, the extended plateau of bitter cold days, the waves of flu and colds that worked their way through our family....but February was a long month for us.  There is something about reaching the month of March that is refreshing and invigorating in terms of planning and looking ahead towards warmer days, more sunlight, and appreciating the little things like birds chirping in the morning and Spring Break is officially later "this month"!

Speaking of adventures...some possible rough outlines of plans to return to Juneau this summer are beginning to emerge, so that is something to truly savor and begin to look forward to!  There are many possibilities and dreams, and we are fortunate to be able to choose our own adventures for the most part.  I hope that dreaming of adventures and looking forward to events and experiences is something my children continue to do all of their own lives.  It is important to seek the next experience and find the fun.  It gives hope and provides purpose.  

The sun has now fully risen into the morning sky and there is a crisp bite to the morning air as some of the overnight frost retreats from the moving line of sun on the back lawn.  A fire is going in the fireplace and pushes a comforting blanket of warmth into the room.  The dogs are enjoying their full access to the couch, curled-up on blankets and pillows, dozing in their after-breakfast glory.  

The day lies before us...as does the new month...as does the rest of the year....and so on and so forth.  How lucky we are.  

-a

The last few weeks...

 ...have been filled with lots of adventure and packed with work and family life, and the daily grind.  I was lucky enough to be invited on the 8th grade field trip to Washington, DC as a chaperone.  It was a fantastic experience and we got to see A LOT in just three days!  

    Audrey and Violet continue to dedicate their time to their instruments, hobbies, academics, and friendships.  I could not be more proud.  We are looking forward to more adventures as the weather finally seems to be letting-up and spring may finally emerge.  We remain optimistic from under our layers of blankets as we watch the Winter Olympics!

The US Marine Corps War Memorial / Iwo Jima Memorial

The US Capitol

Audrey performing

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

The Constitution

The Abraham Lincoln Memorial

One from Facebook Vault:  I love the look in Audrey's eyes.  

Doesn't get much cuter than these two as little kiddos!

Before 50

 So many goals and so little time.  A quiet and drizzly Saturday morning with dogs snoozing around me.  Time to think and contemplate.  Again, trying to envision how I will use my energy and where I will invest my time in the future.  I have always been a goal-oriented person.  Independence and discipline have never been my strong suit, but goals and projects and timelines truly help me structure my life and give it purpose and drive.  I hope living my life using some of these principles will help me find fulfillment and purpose in life moving forward.

With that in mind, I think ahead to the next few years.  Approaching my 46th birthday later this month, it makes me consider the goals and projects I can accomplish (and hope to do so) before I turn 50 in just a few short years:

-Another (and final) degree in my education and possibly a published book of some kind.

-Travel with my family including Ireland, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Hawaii (again), and as many visits to my hometown of Juneau as possible.

-Visit national parks, museums, and places of education with my children.

-Adventures and experiences including interactions with animals, zip-lining, skydiving, hiking, hot air balloon.

-Experience more live music, sports, and entertainment, and promoting my family to seek-out more live experiences with the arts.

So many adventures, so little time.  These are some of the dreams and goals to invest my energy and time into moving forward for the next few years.  What a nice way to rise each morning, with such things to look forward to...

-a