Thunder and Lightening

A couple hours ago it began to thunder and flash lightening. Since then, Audrey and I have been laying on the couch with all the lights out, listening to the storm rage outside. She looks at me with wide eyes at every bolt of lightening, and huddles closer at the rumbling thunder. Moments like these make me feel like a daddy.

Happy Father's Day

Audrey and Kim at Sarah's Baby shower

Here are some pictures of Audrey enjoying her kiddie pool in the backyard!

What do you MEAN it's time to get out?!?!?

5 more minutes? YAY!

I love you Mommy and Daddy!

It has been a quiet, enjoyable weekend in South Bend with the family. I am sitting here, stuffed to the gills, after a delicious lunch of grilled chicken and various desserts. We have been watching the impact of recent storms unfold over the last few days. Friday morning and evening were the times for some very nasty rainfall and severe winds (70mph in some areas). Besides endless tree branches and flooded areas, thousands have lost power. Fortunately, we were not in those numbers greatly impacted.





Audrey has spent a fun weekend with her Grandma Dixie and Aunt Beth. Between rounds of bubble baths in the sink and hide-and-seek, she has spent a considerable time out in the yard playing in the sandbox and soaking herself in the pool. Audrey has also spent time with her cousin Gail, Sarah, Grandma Flesher, Ann, Aunt Shirley, and Becky. It is comforting to me to see so many strong women in Audrey's life. I hope that she continues to enjoy her time with them and learn as much as possible from such wonderful people.



Tomorrow is the final day of my internship for the month, and then I will be enjoying a few weeks off with Audrey and the animals. Last summer was spent mostly walking and playing all day, and I hope for a repeat in days to come. It was so nice just laughing and exploring and learning with Audrey, and he naps were pretty awesome, too!


Today is Father's Day, and I have been thinking about a variety of things throughout the day. I think about how greatful I am for such a beautiful, happy, and healthy daughter. She inspires me in everything I do with my life now. I want to be the best for her, and be a role model for her. I am also so thankful for my family. Everyone continues to be supportive and very encouraging and gives me nothing but love.


I have also been thinking how lucky I am to have two outstanding father figures in my life: My father and step-father. Both of these men have taught me so much and shared so much of their lives with me. I know how special a father is, and I am so fortunate to have TWO. I will forever remember our adventures, lessons (easy and tough), laughter, and discussions. I know that I will spend the rest of my life attempting to live-up to their standards of fairness, humanity, and love. I cannot express my complete love for them in simple words. I hope that I can be the father for Audrey that they have been for me.





-a

Summertime

Audrey at Brookfield Zoo getting a hold of the face paint!

I must first apologize for the lack of postings as of late. The transition into my summer break has been rather hectic, as I have begun my internship for my educational leadership and been feebly attempting some housecleaning before the dog days arrive. My internship has proven thus far to be very educational and hands-on. I know that I learn best by doing, and I am getting many opportunities to partake in school operations and management. Tonight, though, is my first law class, which is rumored to "have some teeth".

Trying on a new sundress

VIDEO: Audrey reviewing some of her animal vocabulary after Brookfield Zoo!

The weather has not been very cooperative, raining and remaining ominous as of late. On the flip side, our family is anticipating a relaxed summer schedule, with trips to Brookfield Zoo and possible swimming lessons at the local YMCA for Audrey. Speaking of....Audrey is nearing the two year mark in her short yet stunning life! She is running all over, playing non-stop, laughing and talking to no end, and life is good!

TACO NIGHT!!! Nom nom nom nom nom.....

We are close to booking our tickets to Seattle at the end of the summer to visit family and drive to Portland for a wedding! It will be Audrey's first trip to the Pacific Northwest for any period of time, and it will be a special time introducing her to friends and family who have not yet had the "Audrey Experience"!

More later, but time to get to law!

-a

VIDEO: TACO NIGHT!!! Just munching.

Summer is Here!

It is summer. Although I have three days of school left (only 3 hours remain with my students), the weather and mindset have shifted to warmer times. We are spending the Memorial Day weekend in South Bend. Here are some pictures of our cousin's (Emily) birthday party and Audrey's new water park pool at Grandma's house!

-a


Audrey in her new pool!



Seriously, this pool is huge!


Audrey in her summer flower dress and hat.



Audrey on the Trampoline with her cousin (And birthday girl), Emily.


Bouncing with Aunt Beth!


A video of Audrey in her new water park for the first time. Daddy couldn't help but get into the mix, too!

Rainy Day Friday

Looking Cool in her shades and backwards hat.

It is nearing the last week of school. I am in the process of taking things off the walls, collecting books, etc. It is a bittersweet time for me. I love watching students finish the year as young adults. It is rewarding to recall the year and think about the growth that everyone has shown and all of the social and academic accomplishments of each student. It is also sad to let go and begin the process of starting anew with a fresh crop of young minds. Before that, however, the summer awaits with all of its potential for adventure and relaxation. I am eager to begin my internship and gain some valuable experience as a future administrator. Graduate classes begin again next week for the summer semester. I am nervous about the law class, as it has a reputation for being "dense" and requires a very acute attention to detail, which is the complete opposite skill set of my traditional summertime mindset.

It has been raining on and off for the past few days, sometimes heavy, sometimes drizzly. Audrey has been fighting a cold that refuses to submit to her immune system. The cough is nasty, but does not deter from her happy outlook on life. I have stayed home with her a couple times in the last few weeks. Our "sick days" have been spent napping, snacking, going on walks, and watching the new baby rabbit that has taken-p residence under our air conditioner out back behind our house. She has named it "Hopper".

Audrey trying on daddy's shoes.

Spending time with Audrey on a sick day reminds me of my childhood a bit. I can remember times when my dad would bring me orange juice and would sit in a chair reading the paper while I lay in bed reading a book. My mom would take me out of school once a year and we'd play hookie and go to a movie or take a long hike and then get some lunch and spend the rest of the day reading or napping.



This weekend we don't have much planned. Our house is in desperate need of organization and we are going to attempt to straighten the closets and the space under the stairs, so that should keep us occupied for the next few days. If the weather cooperates we will also have the opportunity to get out and walk the subdivision a few times. Life is good in the Orelove household. I look forward to the summer, but am enjoying the last few days of the school year and recognizing all of life's blessings.

-a

Audrey and Sand Castles

Here are some belated pictures from Mother's Day. Audrey, Kim, and Grandma Dixie made sand castles in the neighbor's yard.

Enjoy!

-a

Soggy Sunday

Hello Family and Friends,

I sit typing this blog as the rain drizzles down in South Bend. It has been a strange weekend, as my car's transmission gave out Friday night, and both Audrey and I have been sick with fevers and colds the entire weekend. I am desperately attempting lesson plans and substitute teaching plans for tomorrow while I battle a runny nose and, more importantly, the runny nose of a 19-month-old girl! The weekend has mostly consisted of trips to the kitchen for ice cream or milk to soothe the itchy throat. While it is not the worst thing in the world, it is definitely not the way I intended to spend my weekend.

Fortunately, only a few weeks remain of the school year. It is always a time of mixed emotions because there is so much more that I want to do with my students in terms of their academics and projects. Too often I feel that I am just scratching the surface of their abilities when they move on to the next grade. However, it is also nice to see them advance and prepare for the next batch of young minds. It is a process and I do my best. I am looking forward to the summer with my internship. I believe that being an administrator for part of the summer will open my mind and bring many new and exciting experiences.

It is nice to have Grandma Dixie around to corral Audrey for a while while I recover. Kim attended the annual Vera Bradley massive blowout sales yesterday and returned with quite the bounty. Unfortunately, no new photos to post today. More very soon, though. Back to the salt mines that are lesson planning and runny noses! Happy May!!!

-a