Papa

We celebrated Papa's 76th birthday yesterday. His actual birthday is not until tomorrow -- 9/21! Can you believe it, he's going to be 76.

My dad is an amazing man. I get teary when I think how much I love him.

He is so giving.

He is generous.

He has a warm heart.

He loves the conversation.

He is social.

He is patient.

He loves his family.

He is proud of his family.

He is a humble man.

He is a great grandpa.

He will help you out whenever you need it, at the drop of a hat. He'll run errands, pick up kids and give you his opinion. Yeah, yeah, it may rub some the wrong way, but that's my dad. I love him for who he is and who he isn't.

I don't like to think of life without him. But we do talk about it comfortably. Talk about the years to come. How he wants to be buried. What he wants for those he has left. How he wants to be taken care of. It may be morbid. But as I tell him, I want HIM to plan it out. Us kids don't need that stress.

The reality is, my dad is in okay health. He complains of this and that. His dad lived past 90. That's the plan I have for him. Like it or not.

Love you dad.

Bittersweet

Another summer has gone by, can you believe it. The kids start school in just 2 days. Sofia and Alex start middle school at Illahee. Alex isn't worried, so it seems. Sofia is a bit anxious. We've itemized her schedule in detail and added a campus map. It's laminated and ready for her back pocket.

We will have to be out the door at 7:10 am, school starts at 7:20 am, that may be rough considering they have been sleeping in to nearly 10 am most days.

JH will have a new teacher this year. Mrs. Norton. She happens to be the same teacher he had for summer school. I think it will be a nice fit, although he already said he wants his old teacher back. I hope for a successful year.

Lilia will be in prekindergarten. She will have Mrs. Arrata. I like her. She is excited some, but also admits she does not want to go. I think Mrs. A will warm her up. We're working on the 1st day of school outfit.

It will be nice to have a routine back. Bed at a certain time. Up at a specific time. Homework, packed lunches. But add to that soccer 2 times a week x 2. Boyscouts. Weekend games. Remind me in December why I like routine.

I will miss the heat, flip flops, no nylons, late nights, late mornings, camping and spontaneous adventures.