More Myrtle

On the drive back from Myrtle Beach I thought of a few more things to share about the trip.

I think it was kind of special that it was just the boys and I on this trip. With two of them and just one of me, we really had to work together. They stepped up and I saw them as the incredible young men they are becoming. There was a moment of watching them in the waves this morning, the only two people as far as I could see in either direction, happy together and independently confident.  They are different in many ways, but I am equally proud...very proud... of each of them.

This trip gave us a chance to talk about things we don't really discuss in the course of normal life. We touched on all the good subjects - sex, dating, marriage, drugs, religion, politics...and farting. Oh, wait, we already talk about farting daily!!

They are two highly analytical kids. There was sure a lot of talk about math. In fact, at one point Spencer was alone in one of the hot tubs with this 7-year-old girl. He said he struck up a conversation with her about math, asked her what she was working on in school math, and explained that math is at the root of most interesting careers and that she should consider going in that direction. LOL!!  The Math Teachers Association should hire Spencer as a lobbyist!!

Grant does not shy away from a challenge. I told him we were going to get all of our stuff down to the lobby without a luggage cart and he was in. He and I carried all but Spencer's duffel (he was lagging behind). Two bags, two coolers, two chairs, four buckets, a shovel, a backpack, and a giant bag of towels and blankest all made it down in one trip.

On the way home they were making up word problems of converting speeds to "furlongs per fortnight".

We are tired, overfed, and sunburned, but it was a great, great weekend!!

Myrtle Beach

The kids hadn't been to an actual beach in a year so we made a quick trip to Myrtle Beach to play in the waves. Lindy Cranwell helped us to get a good deal on a nice room at the Hilton and we had no need to leave the property for the 40 hour visit. The place was perfect for our needs with multiple pools, decent food options, and the handy tiki bar/lunch place. Here's a little video of some wave action, the "pool workout" with crunches, and Spencer streamlining across the pool.

The water was warm and the weather was good except for some winds late Saturday.

The life guards were pretty hard core and didn't let anyone in too far. When one guy went out "beyond" and couldn't hear the guards over the wind and waves, so they brought the police in and ended up cuffing and questioning the guy. His friends were distraught as he was a pretty upstanding guy who simply was not aware. They let him go, but he'll probably never live it down. Grant, meanwhile, was digging the mandatory "beach hole to China" and oblivious.

Speaking of Grant, I lost my beloved Aqua Sphere goggles. They were up on my forehead and I ducked under a wave, and just like that they were gone. Amazingly, Grant found them for me!!

We spent some time in the pool doing "streamline" contests to see who could travel the furthest under water without a pullout. Spencer was the clear winner. I just don't have the same spring off the wall.

We are tired, sunburned, and happy!

En Route

From our balcony

A guy had just gotten "cuffed" behind Grant!

Modelling the Aqua Sphere goggles (race team sponsor)

Grant's guitar duet with Ryan!!

Norwegian Wood -- I love this song!!!

Cort's new office!

My official job announcement will come out next week, but I'm already enjoying my new office! It's pretty casual. I can wear things like skirts, swim suits, gym clothes, and cycling shorts/jerseys. I wore a suit one day...well, a tri-suit. Bare feet are perfectly acceptable. There's even a nice guy who makes the coffee most days and takes the recycling and garbage away. Can't beat that!

My cubicle

My office mates

Coffee maker

Lunch room

Kayaking at Clayor Lake

Spencer and I enjoyed a nice afternoon of kayaking on Claytor Lake with friends! The weather was a bit iffy, but we got in some good paddling....and a rainbow!

Hike to Dragon's Tooth

Last weekend the kids and I hiked to Dragon's Tooth on the Appalachian Trail. I did this once, pre-kids, ages ago, and didn't realize that the final 3/4 of a mile are more rock "climbing" than hiking. We were impressed to see dogs and small kids make it up and back just fine.

We like things a little more interesting. It was clear from the start that we had three VERY different "hiking paces" with Grant springing up ahead and Spencer lagging behind. We managed alright on the way up but on the way back we missed a turn and traveled a ways down the AT before turning back. Then Grant bounded ahead and Spencer and I missed another turn, adding to our separation. Good thing for cell service. Grant bummed a phone and called me and Spencer and I eventually made our way to Grant and we all continued down the mountain.

I don't think they will be in a big hurry to hike with me again any time soon.

My toe trail socks. I love them!

First Days of School

I forgot to post these - first day of school pics! We are off to a great start. Spencer has a better schedule this year; one that allows him to actually GET to his locker. Grant has the same teacher he loved last year, she looped up to 5th grade (there are only two classes of each grade which is nice). It was a pretty smooth transition for all and we are looking forward to a good fall!