I've been in the school more than out of it so far this week. That's fine though. I love that the boys are so excited about school and actually need the rest time because when they come in the door holy heck breaks lose.

The first day of school I had one of those "mommy moments". Number 2 (9 years old) was consoling number 3 (7 years old) who was nervous about heading back to school and making mistakes. "Don't worry Number 2, Mrs. Scott is a very kind teacher who'll take good care of you and make sure you learn things. She doesn't yell or get upset...you'll do great". "Awwww" I thought. I have the best, most loving and terrific children in the whole wide world. Well then he turned around to the Kindergartener and said "Now in Kindergarten if you make a mistake; they poke you in the eye with a stick"....and continued on his way.

I was SOOOOOO sucked in there for a minute....

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Hey Silver! I thought about the other modes of transportation too. I'd like to do a train trip to Chicago and fly to St. Louis. There are even some flight bargains(non-stop) to Atlanta that we could use. I'd like to see that giant aquarium.

First week of school for my kids was great too. They like all of their teachers, but the weird thing is both kids are nuts for their science teachers. Both kids love science so that is part of it, but they both have wonderful, enthusiastic teachers that are already doing great things in the classroom. My daughter's teacher seems to have found a way to already pull her out of her shell(she is very shy and quiet). That's the only negative comment any teacher ever has about her-more participation in class discussion. Mostly they say that because when she does speak, she knows her stuff and they want to hear it.

I'm enjoying the trips to the store alone too!!! No whining, no complaining, no fighting with each other, no "Mom, I really need this." It's cheaper to go without them too.

Love family weekend trips! We do have a drive time cut-off through. If it's more than 5 hours away one-way driving we check out trains, boats and flights. We have found changing up the delivery route can be just as much fun as the destination.
How everyone's first week(s) of school? Ours came home visably happy about their teachers as classes ~ what a relief! I, of course, have been enjoying the quiet and having the house clean for hours at a time. And did I mention the shopping?! I can actually go into a store - even the grocery store - and pick things out without the peanut gallery making comments about how they don't like whatever for whatever reason. Today I just might argue with myself in the isle just to make myself feel at home again ... well okay maybe not!

Sounds like you had a great time CC! The Ali Center sounds like a neat place to see. Next summer I want the family to do some long weekend kind of trips to different places-sounds like Louisville might be a good one. I'm so done with trips to Florida in July!

Great poem, Shawn! Thanks for sharing it.

I had a fantastic weekend. Our racecar broke (again...) Hubby and Shorty took the engine to Michigan. My friend was going to meet me at the race in Indy so we met in Louisville, KY instead. I'd never been there before. It's a really fun city! The best part was the new Muhammad Ali Center.

Of course the center highlights his boxing career but it's mostly about his humanitarian efforts. He is truly an amazing person who has worked hard to end oppression around the world. If you're ever in Louisville, consider stopping by the center.

Honestly, (and I've traveled to a lot of cities so I know) the people of Louisville are about the nicest people I've ever met. We were treated with courtesy, respect and sincere appreciation by everyone.

its..............not only shawnshuefus but now presenting shawnodefus!
thanks for sharing the nice messages in the poems!!