The Accidental Boilermaker

 Evelyn asked to see the butterflies at the botanical gardens today. It sounded like a fun idea to me. We packed a lunch and spend the morning enjoying the butterflies and flowers.  I thought the botanical gardens would be our only outing but in the afternoon we picked up a friend who is without a car right now and drove her to Kohl’s. I didn’t really need to go to shopping but it was a good afternoon to help her out. And we did get Nate a new pair of needed swim trunks. Our friend was very appreciative and Evelyn and Jameson were good sports about having to stop playing with the neighbors to go on an errand. 

 The weekend was a little extra special because Oma made a trip back to Fort Wayne. On Friday we met Tamber and Natalya at the zoo. A special surprise was the new red panda exhibit was open to just members.  The rest of the weekend was spent doing lots of yard work. Nate and I worked on our flowers beds, cleaning them up and adding mulch. Evelyn and Jameson were very helpful too. Jameson spent a lot of Saturday reading his book outside.  Monday, Oma left and we kept working outside. Jameson and I took time to play our board game from the library one more time. Nate took each kid out for a ride on the road bike too. 

 The 2022-2023 school year has come to a close. It was a good year. Evelyn and Jameson had great teachers. They both learned a lot and did some fun things. I’m ready for summer break but it’s always a little bittersweet when they move on to the next grade. We arrived at school a little early this morning because I was given a coupon for a free drink from Tom’s Traveling Coffee.  The truck was primarily there for the teachers and staff but the PTA treated parent volunteers too. Anyway, it was quite chilly outside so Evelyn and Jameson ended up with a hot chocolate before school. 

 Jameson had his last soccer game on Saturday. He did a great job when he was in as goalie and he scored one goal. Sunday was the girls on the run final 5K. Evelyn and I went early to help set up.  We set up some stations and did some chalk art.  I also signed up to help with the bling your bib station. Evelyn found her friend Mandy and they planned to run together.  And they had a good run. It was pretty warm by the time the race started so they didn’t run too fast and I was able to stick with them. 

 I volunteered with field day today. Third through fifth grade was in the morning and I helped at frogs on a pond.  The kids jump on poly spots across the grass. Evelyn was having a great time dancing the music. Kindergarten through second grade was in the afternoon. I helped with the 100 yard dash which was also lots of fun. 

 The weekend started with a block party at school on Friday. Rain threatened all day but it stayed away. Evelyn and Jameson immediately found friends to run around with and Nate and I just did our best to keep an eye on them. It did finally rain Friday and continued to rain into the morning. Jameson’s soccer game was canceled. This meant there was no fight about him going to his piano recital. He would not have been able to do both and Nate and I agreed piano was more important. The recital was nice and Evelyn and Jameson played their songs very well.   With my dad hiking on the AT, we invited Oma and Mimi to come over for the weekend. Well Nate conspired with Kate and she surprised everyone and came over too! He wouldn’t let anyone go to bed until she arrived Friday night. After the recital, Nate took the kids shopping and Kate treated the rest of us to coffee.  On Sunday we had an omelette bar with mimosas for brunch. Evelyn and Jameson got me some coffee and a new chee...

 Piano lessons were moved to this afternoon. Mrs Dorian is busy with lots of end of the year performances at Purdue Fort Wayne. After we went to the zoo for the first time this season.  There were some new surprises.  A natural playground type area in Africa and an updated tiger enclosure. The new red panda exhibit doesn’t open till June, but the red pandas were out, just in a different area. I thought it was so funny to see this bunny (hare) in with the tortoises. 

 Monday Nate left for Cincinnati. Jameson didn’t feel well on Sunday and started to run a temperature by the afternoon so he stayed home from school. He was feeling much better by Monday afternoon. Tuesday was our practice 5K for girls on the run. The weather was cold and windy but it didn’t rain which is all that really matters. Every girl at practice completed the 5K.  Wednesday was nicer but still cold at soccer practice. I told Evelyn and Jameson we could got out for dinner afterward.  Thursday and Friday were both nice days. Nate came home on Thursday. Jameson had a good game this morning. He scored one goal but the opposing team scored lots of goals. He looks pretty awesome in this picture as goalie but he didn’t make the save.