Cincinnati

We spent the past two days in Cincinnati as a family: We went to an art museum (that was my vote) and the zoo (that was Steven's vote) and then stayed a hotel (that was Elizabeth's vote), where we had pig out night (that was Michael's vote).  If you'll recall, pig out night is when you go to a grocery store and buy anything you want, no matter how unhealthy it is and you get to eat as much of it as you want. :)  

Happy memories of a wonderful trip: seeing a white tiger, playing ping pong, standing in front of a Monet, and of course, eating too many potato chips.

Celebrating Michael Bennett

Friday was Michael's last day of school.  As a sure sign that I am getting super laid-back and mellow as I age, for the first time ever, I let him leave school right after the morning's awards program ended.  He had an excellent year grade-wise.  There are five primary subjects during the year and I'll attach the video from when they announced the subjects that he earned all A's in for the entire year.  (The school does not give subject awards to individual students in 6th grade.)  Michael's favorite part of the program had nothing to do with academics, however; he was so excited when his team was honored for being Australia Days' cricket tournament champions!  Their team name is something like Willy-Willy-Knickers.  That's what made him most proud and please note the lovely cricket tournament trophy he is holding under the tree.  Math and science?  Who cares!  Cricket champ -->  YES!!!

I asked Michael which teacher(s) he wanted a photo with and he said only Mr. Thornton, his science teacher.  Mr. Thornton insisted on having some "science-y props" in the picture.  I thought Michael was holding McDonald's french fries, but apparently not. 

One of the projects Michael recently completed for social studies was on Bolivia.  He worked so hard on it and our favorite memory of the project was when he practiced his oral presentation with us the night before he gave it in class.  Such good eye contact with the audience!  And check out the South American (?) scarf I found at Goodwill!

And then the year was over and it was the weekend.  The long awaited weekend.  Yes, indeedy, now we have two teenagers in our house.  What???  Crazy. For his birthday, Michael wanted three friends to go to Get Air, a bouncy house kind of place in Lexington.  Well, I think he wanted four friends but Steven's car only fit three.  They had a fabulous time there, playing dodgeball almost the entire two hours.  Then they returned to Georgetown, played until they were on the border of dropping from exhaustion, and ate Oreo cake.  Stephen spent the night (can we all say "duh"?).  The next night, Conner spent the night (you weren't expecting that one, were you?)  Notice in the right hand side's cake pictures that Michael is putting out the flame with his bare fingers.  I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that he learned how to do that from me. TWO TEENAGERS, did you hear that???  TWO!

E's graduation

Graduating from middle school is a big deal.  Elizabeth has worked so crazy hard during the past three years.  We live out of her school's district, which means she knew few people when she began sixth grade, yet somehow has thrived in every way one would hope a middle schooler would.  Steven and I often marvel at how she has turned into the most amazing, interesting eighth grader.  Last night Elizabeth looked so very smart and striking.

She received one of the Language Arts awards (go Aunt Laura!) and one of the Social Studies awards (go Stuart!).  Many times throughout the year I have been stunned by her work ethic and diligence.  Today I ran into her Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Hambrick, while volunteering for Michael's class' Australia Day.  [Laura and Mary, I'm sure you remember attending Mrs. Hambrick's open night presentation.]  She said Elizabeth is such a gifted writer and student, and that during each class, it's as if Elizabeth is digging for every bit of knowledge she can get.  She said having Elizabeth was such an edifying experience for her.

I told Mrs. Hambrick that this weekend Elizabeth and I were talking about a wedding.  I said, "She doesn't do that.  I do."  Elizabeth said, "Is that an intentional pun?"  "Huh?"  "You said 'I do' when talking about a wedding."  "Oh, Elizabeth you are so clever!  I am so impressed you caught that - I was not intending to make a pun!"  Elizabeth yelled, "Mrs. Hambrick has turned me into a monster!"  Mrs. Hambrick loved that story!  :)

So yes, we were and are so proud of her.

During graduation, Michael and his cool friends were too cool to sit with us but not too cool to watch someone else take photos.  He has mentioned how he will miss Elizabeth when she's in Europe.  He does not like it when she's not around.



Speaking of, she left for Europe this morning.  I hope she has the best time she has ever had in her life.  She has earned it.

End of May

Zoe and Niki get the run of their home and yard during the day now that summer is here!  They like being outside, but they like it even more when they're on people's laps.  

Family fun last week: We met Mom for her birthday lunch and movie.  She refused to take a group picture, so here's one of Michael and Steven at Cheddars's, waiting for her to show up.  We heard all about her remodeling, her friends, and her daily activities.  Steven told her about his new position at Toyota.  Elizabeth was at Emily's family's reunion, so she wasn't able to be with us.  :(  

One of Elizabeth's recent school projects was to create a shield.  I thought it was very eye-catching although I'm not sure exactly what it represents.  Oh!  She and I had a GRAND time shopping in Lexington for her graduation dress and accessories!  Gorgeous child.

Finally, a couple of alumni who are now attending seminary visited last week to hang out with Zoe and Niki.  Ashleigh (right) is the daughter of Marty Barker, who lives in Morehead and who graduated from high school with me and Steven.  Small world. 

Oh, sad times - there is no photo of Elizabeth, just her shield.  So here's one for you.  It should look familiar, depending on how observant you are.

Being their mom

I love my kids.  I love being their mom.  They are so beautiful, intelligent, fun, funny, interesting, kind-hearted, happy, and compassionate.  And that's true about them, even to someone who is not biased.  :)  I hope all of you who are moms had a spectacular mother's day.

Awesome 14 year old in the house!

It's Elizabeth's birthday: She's adorable, intelligent, precious, humble, beautiful, laid back, funny.
 Birthday stuff:

       Mexican restaurant with Emily and the family.

       Sleepover with Emily.

       Trampoline with Emily.

       Up all night with an ipod touch.

 

Shopping spree in Lexington with Emily and Anderson. (No photo available.)
 
Cool gifts. 


Frozen yogurt (okay, that was just for me and Steven, but the rest were for Elizabeth).


Thank you for sending your birthday gifts and greetings.  She really is so remarkable.  We love spending as much time with her as she will let us!

Chicago

The morning of my flight, the kids agreed to take a selfie so I would have something beautiful and classy to remember them by. 

Then Robin and I flew to Chicago for the Midwestern Psychological Association (MPA) Conference, where we presented research on the emotional intelligence variables of hostility, perfectionism, and procrastination. 

Afterward, we just had fun, hanging out, attending keynote addresses (one by former UK mentor Margo Monteith, who is current MPA president, now at Purdue), and seeing friends. Spending time with John Dose (UK's graduate program during the 1990's) and Richard Renfro (Yale undergraduate in the 1980's) were some of the highlights.  As was sleeping late and avoiding work.