"Rowed" Trip

Leaving Kevin in charge of the "farm," I headed south for Oak Ridge, TN, the home the the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association's Regatta where the Florida Institute of Technology Crew team would be for the weekend.  Since I hadn't seen my boy since early March, I decided a six hour car ride to watch him row was in order, especially since I had not yet seen him compete.  When I did see him, I had to do a double-take.  He now dons a full red beard even though he has dark brown hair.  It's hard for my brain to process that one!

If you ever get the chance to attend a rowing competition, I highly recommend it.  My friend described it as "Majestically Nordic" as teams propel their boats head to head from the start line 2000 meters to the finish, as fast and smoothly as they can manage. Watching the boats from a distance, it seems like they are just gliding along without a care in the world, but in reality it is an athletic and engineering feat to have the entire crew in sync.  It is quite exciting to watch, even though the boat color and oar blade design are really all the details you can make out from the sidelines.   These athletes are so powerful, and fun to watch!

The sunshine was fabulous, and another bonus to the weekend was seeing Sarah's bff Barbara who rows for my alma mater, PURDUE, who was the loudest and proudest team there.  Their "Boiler Up!" resonated through out the valley anytime one of the Purdue boats was in a race.

Barbara in stroke seat for Purdue

The one disappointment of the weekend for Eric was that his beloved dog Derby did not ride along to TN with us.  I decided it would be too much, especially since I was a newby to the whole rowing competition thing.  Good thing we didn't have her to worry about as we ran from the 1000m to the  2000m finish and then back to the starting line, several times over!  Needless to say, we got our exercise.  When I returned home, Derby started "crying" out loud.  I realized then that she could smell Eric on my clothing since I had given him a great big hug before heading home.  Here is the funny video I shot of Derby:

The next competition is Dad Vail in Philadelphia Mother's Day weekend.  Good Luck!

Graduation Reflections

2009 High School Graduation

     Four short years ago for a few crazy months in the spring I felt our family was living a sitcom scenario. With the conclusion of my first born's senior year of high school came a Senior Spring Break trip, the college decision, the final high school prom complete with a million pictures, a slew of AP exams, senior track season, senior awards and appreciation banquets, final exams, graduation gifts to make and purchase, parties to host and attend, and at long last, Graduation - all jam packed into just a few insane weeks. Let me digress...the previous fall, my husband had the brilliant idea of hosting a Kentucky Derby Day theme party for a few hundred of our closest friends. We had months to brainstorm invitation, decoration, food, and music ideas and we came up with a spectacular plan. The ONE factor we neglected to consider, mainly because we were totally naive of "The Senior Crunch," was that the Derby is always run on the first Saturday in May. 

Derby Party with Sarah, Tom, and Tom's mom

That's right, smack in the middle of The Senior Crunch. Just to throw a further twist in the sitcom scenario, just a week prior the Derby party, my HORSE (of course) accidentally rearranged my face with his metal shoe....on prom day just a few hours before a dozen seniors and their parents arrived at our house for their ever important prom photo shoot. Somehow we all survived and have great the memories stored away in our minds.

Sarah representing Tufts University in the Heptathlon

      What seems like a really fast forward we have arrived at college graduation. While this time around we are further removed from the daily stress of The Senior Crunch, we know it is still present complete with another senior track season, law school decision, senior honors thesis to write and defend, final papers and exams, cap and gown orders to complete, apartment to pack up and sublet, and finally the graduation ceremony itself.
Once again, we support our eldest with these life transitions the best we can. Just as four years ago the excitement of high school graduation and becoming a college coed was lessened with knowing her closest friends would no longer be a part of her daily life, she faces the same excitement for her next adventure, but again is saddened to say farewell to the dear friends, and educators from her years at school.

Joey driving the "Boilermaker Special" in  Purdue's Reamer Club

Lauren in India

     Four years ago we adults were certain this wonderful group of seniors would excel in the undergraduate environment. It's hard to grasp what this group has accomplished in four short years by embracing their education and opportunities.  They have soared!

Joey with the World's Largest Drum in
Dublin' St Patricks Day Parade

 Not only have they followed their passions, participated in athletics and music, been leaders on their campuses, graduated with honors, and been positive role models for the younger students, but they have done so much more.  They have started their own businesses, worked on fundraisers, touched lives of many children both here at home and in countries all over the globe,  started a non profit organization to benefit schools in Tanzania, won awards at an international business competition, harvested thousands of acres of crops, stretched themselves outside their comfort zones and reaped the benefits.

Barbara in Tanzania

Kellie with her Camp T kids

Barbara on Purdue Crew

Tom Harvesting Hay

The one who can only be referred to as "Purdue Pete"
while in costume!

 As they begin their graduate programs, or careers in business and teaching, they will begin to leave their marks on "the real world" with which really they already have a great start!

 With graduation this time around, this group knows that their special friendships do last the test of time and distance.  I hope that makes this transition that much easier.  Our seat belts are fastened for the ride the next few years will bring. We are so very proud of each and every one of you.
Good luck seniors, we love you!

Tom -West Lafayette Snow Removal, Inc.

Claire in Honduras

The Group of Forever Friends