Phase 2 Begins

The wait is over, Kianna is finally ready for phase 2. Say goodbye to these crooked teeth!

Miniature Golf- Check

Another one of Kaylee's summer bucket list items was miniature golfing. Tonight we checked that box. Who knew we have an amazing course right here in Jupiter? It is a beautiful recreation of our community with a miniature lighthouse and all. We ate at the Burger Shack, played miniature golf where Mom had a hole in one; and finished the evening with gourmet milk shakes. 

Kianna wasn't able to join us, as she had a cross country meet in Orlando. It was the only chance she had to run in a Middle School race this season, which is a 3k vs a 5k for varsity meets. She placed 3rd in the JCS school record for females with a time of 15:11. We're proud of her and were with her in spirit.

Trace's First Day of School In person

Palm Beach County has officially entered phase 2 of the pandemic, which allows those who choose, to go back to school in person. We decided it was time for Trace to go back in person, as he was getting a little sneaky with virtual school. I caught him with the camera off, on the toilet, watching YouTube videos while his teacher was teaching in his room. Back to school for him! 

He plans on riding his bike to the bus stop, which is at the entrance to our neighborhood. He's a bit nervous for his first day in person, since he has never been on campus before and doesn't know where any of his classes are. 

He went to the bus stop this morning with Marianna, one of the girls new friends, and our neighbor. She is in 8th grade and her sister, Lauren is in 10th grade at JHS. They moved into our neighborhood at the end of May. We have quickly become friends with their family. Their mother is Fabi and she and I have become good friends. We enjoy going on walks together. She and her husband, Andrew are newlyweds. They were married last year, which is when she and the girls moved here from Nicaragua. Kaylee had Lauren over this evening to make homemade caramel apple cinnamon rolls. We are blessed with new friends!

Naples Tournament

                                           

                                                    

Trace's soccer team had their first tournament in seven months this weekend. Trevor, Trace and I headed to Naples for the occasion. The girls decided to stay home. Aunt Stacie volunteered to spend the nights with them. They thoroughly enjoyed their time alone and with Aunt Stacie, Patrick and Matthew. They took them to Top Golf for one of the evenings, where they had a great time!

Trace's team finished the tournament 2-1. Trace did a great job as goalie. He had some good saves and is super fun to watch. He gives 100% and is a great leader on the field. 

The best game was the last game, when the boys played the number 1 team. Coach Abe played a "Park The Bus" strategy. It was something the boys had never practiced but pulled off perfectly. The strategy is to keep all of our boys on our half of the field playing defense. The other team couldn't get past us and were super frustrated. Then when we did get the ball we just let it go and didn't attack. Us parents were baffled as we watched it happen. Then about five minutes into the game, Coach Abe subbed in two very fast players who began attacking on offense. His strategy came together perfectly, as we tied 1-1. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the championship game due to the goal differential, but it was a win in our book regardless.

Another highlight, was getting to know Trace's team better. In the past, I usually travel with Kianna and Trevor usually travels with Trace. This weekend, I was able to get to know the other parents better and thoroughly enjoyed it. We spent the afternoon by the pool together. There are a lot of very sweet people!

In addition, on Saturday night the three of us went out for dinner on the water and had a terrific meal. Followed by an evening stroll and sunset on the beach. Trace was able to see coquinas for the first time. It was a great weekend all around.

Labor Day Weekend

My Mom, John and Aliyah came to visit us for the week. This is Aliyah's first time to Jupiter and John's second trip. We were excited to show them a good time!

Day 1: Kayaking

We had an amazing time kayaking at Riverbend park. Unfortunately, no gators were seen...

Day 2: Beach Day

We spent the day at the beach and had a wonderful time. The highlight, which sounds mean to say, was watching my mom attempt to get out of the ocean. Each time, a wave would crash into her and she'd fall down. Then another one would come and send her feet over her head. We'd attempt to help her out and then another wave would send her backwards. All the while, she's trying not to get her hair wet. I couldn't help but laugh.

Day 3: Beach Day

We introduced John and Aliyah to the Loggerhead Marine Life Center. The sea turtles and hatchings are always fun to see. Stacie, Patrick and Matthew joined us at the beach tonight for another wonderful day.

Day 4: Paddleboarding

One of my mom's goals while she was here this week, was to get up and stand on a paddle board. She had tried several years ago without success. However, she has recently lost 40 lb and is in much better shape physically. I'm happy to announce that she got up and loved every minute of it. John had never paddle boarded either and enjoyed it quite a bit. The weather was lovely and we were blessed by seeing a large star fish. Another great day!

Day 5: Highlights

No pictures to show for it, but my mom was able to walk the 3 mile loop around our neighborhood with us several times. I'm so proud of her. John came too and loved all the toads. 

Another highlight, was getting to know Aliyah better. I helped her research colleges. We also enjoyed her sense of humor and her comment "my stomach is eating itself", whenever she got hungry. She is a sweet girl and it was fun for the kids to spend more time with her. 

Day 6: Snorkeling

Kaylee and I took them snorkeling down by the Blue Heron Bridge. The water was filled with large jelly fish so Aliyah got a little freaked out. However, my mom and I had fun swimming around and seeing the colorful fish. 

 

Bread Maker

One of my patients gave Kaylee her old bread maker. Kaylee was thrilled to receive it and baked us some yummy bread!

Trace's First Day of School

Trace had his first day of 6th grade today. He is attending Jupiter Middle School this year. Unfortunately, his school is only open to virtual school at this time. Trace was excited to report that he already knew at least one person in each of his classes, whether from the neighborhood or one of his sports teams. I'd say that make for a successful first day.