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Tomorrow is round two of Busch Gardens or bust.
I sure hope we have more of these:
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| Ellie, our spinny girl |
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| Nathan and Ellie. I <3 this photo! |
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| Best buddies! |
And I really hope we don't need a single one of these!
Have a blessed weekend, everyone!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Busch Gardens or Bust!
As graduation approaches, we have lots to do: order announcements and invitations, finish college entrance paperwork, figure out the food for the party, and clean the house. That last one I snuck in there to knock a few items off the honey-do list (my hubby works well with deadlines). On top of that, we have awards banquets and other special events.
Graduation is enough to make a mom go batty -- not to mention the teenage son used to low-key living. Throw in two younger siblings with June birthdays and WOW! It's crazy... that's all I can say.
We decided we'd simplify June a bit and celebrate Ben's 15th birthday just a little early by taking him and a friend to Busch Gardens. It's a long day, a little over three hours each way, but their enthusiasm for the rides and the food (can you say funnel cake???) is totally worth it!
We got up at 6:00 this morning, packed sandwiches and snacks to head out on our big adventure. Driving along, we talked about where to eat dinner and other goodies (funnel cake!!!!). Ben and his buddy discussed which ride to attack first and whether to brave the front row or not.
We crossed into Virginia -- for a change, no one needed to stop at the Welcome Center. WOO HOO!!! We would certainly get there before 11:00. Lots of time to enjoy the day!
And then....
Quietly, almost broken-hearted, Ben said, "I think I'm getting car sick." (My mama brain easily counted on one hand the number of times that's happened to him in fifteen years -- twice!) We pulled into a rest area a few minutes later and he puked. He said he felt better. I wasn't convinced.
We used the break to hand out sandwiches and drinks. Not to Ben, of course. I gave him the front seat and we continued on our way.
I had a nagging sense that all was not right with our plan and asked my husband to pull off at the next exit. Ben and I got out of the car to talk. He didn't feel great, but he didn't feel as bad as he did. And, he hated that we had driven more than two hours just to turn around. Time to call in the big guns... Daddy.
We explained, gently, that we would rather turn around and go next weekend than to go today and have him not enjoy it. He didn't want to inconvenience us (sweet boy). But we didn't want to disappoint him. After all, what kid wants to say they spent their 15th birthday watching their buddy ride coasters with the big brother? Really?!
A quick text to his buddy's parents said next week works just as well. We reassured him that we don't mind and headed home. Ben slept most of the ride. His buddy and I chatted about iPhone apps and high school. Nathan was quiet, and Ellie was mad. (Girls!!!)
Arriving home, the kids came in the house. Nathan ran to the bathroom and puked. (What is going on with my kids?) Ellie pouted. Got sent to bed. And has been asleep for three hours.
After all this, I think everyone has gotten the grumpiness out of their system. We should be good to go next week. Right?
I sure hope so!
Graduation is enough to make a mom go batty -- not to mention the teenage son used to low-key living. Throw in two younger siblings with June birthdays and WOW! It's crazy... that's all I can say.
We decided we'd simplify June a bit and celebrate Ben's 15th birthday just a little early by taking him and a friend to Busch Gardens. It's a long day, a little over three hours each way, but their enthusiasm for the rides and the food (can you say funnel cake???) is totally worth it!
We got up at 6:00 this morning, packed sandwiches and snacks to head out on our big adventure. Driving along, we talked about where to eat dinner and other goodies (funnel cake!!!!). Ben and his buddy discussed which ride to attack first and whether to brave the front row or not.
We crossed into Virginia -- for a change, no one needed to stop at the Welcome Center. WOO HOO!!! We would certainly get there before 11:00. Lots of time to enjoy the day!
And then....
Quietly, almost broken-hearted, Ben said, "I think I'm getting car sick." (My mama brain easily counted on one hand the number of times that's happened to him in fifteen years -- twice!) We pulled into a rest area a few minutes later and he puked. He said he felt better. I wasn't convinced.
We used the break to hand out sandwiches and drinks. Not to Ben, of course. I gave him the front seat and we continued on our way.
I had a nagging sense that all was not right with our plan and asked my husband to pull off at the next exit. Ben and I got out of the car to talk. He didn't feel great, but he didn't feel as bad as he did. And, he hated that we had driven more than two hours just to turn around. Time to call in the big guns... Daddy.
We explained, gently, that we would rather turn around and go next weekend than to go today and have him not enjoy it. He didn't want to inconvenience us (sweet boy). But we didn't want to disappoint him. After all, what kid wants to say they spent their 15th birthday watching their buddy ride coasters with the big brother? Really?!
A quick text to his buddy's parents said next week works just as well. We reassured him that we don't mind and headed home. Ben slept most of the ride. His buddy and I chatted about iPhone apps and high school. Nathan was quiet, and Ellie was mad. (Girls!!!)
Arriving home, the kids came in the house. Nathan ran to the bathroom and puked. (What is going on with my kids?) Ellie pouted. Got sent to bed. And has been asleep for three hours.
After all this, I think everyone has gotten the grumpiness out of their system. We should be good to go next week. Right?
I sure hope so!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
All Grown Up!
Eighteen years (and a few days) ago,
God blessed us with our first son.
Nathan Michael Dawkins,
blessed with the confidence to be himself,
despite the "ordinary" middle name with which he is burdened.
From the beginning, our little man.
April 29, 1994
His vocabulary and personality quickly grew.
His first sports love, the Cleveland Indians
and Kenny Lofton.
And his daddy's baseball hat!
Summer, 1995
He's our silly boy,
hamming it up to make anyone laugh.
1998
Always protective of his little brother,
a trait we greatly appreciated as they grew.
1998
Adventurous begins to describe him,
whether learning karate,
2002
Or experiencing everything China had to offer,
from the Great Wall,
to the food,
to holding his baby sister for the very first time.
March, 2005
Our t-shirt loving boy
occasionally sported a button-up shirt,
if only for Easter pictures
and to please Mom.
2007
No more home school
once he learned that he could join the band
and go to New York City
to March in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
November, 2008
Sophomore year,
he discovered the power of dressing up,
wearing a suit first for his
National Honor Society induction.
2010
His dressy ways continue.
As does his love for his sister (and brother).
He is passionate for God, piano and kindness.
He doesn't pretend. He knows who he is.
2011
As much as an 18 year old "city mouse" can anyway.
Eiffel Tower, 2012
Eighteen years with this young man
is more amazing than I could have dreamed.
We are truly blessed
that God allowed us
to parent you.
Taking time out from basketball with Ben
for a celebratory cupcake!
April 29, 2012
Nathan, as always, we pray that you know the love, joy, and peace
that comes from a deep personal relationship with Jesus.
We pray you will trust Him to guide your steps
through college and into the future.
Welcome to adulthood!
We love you!
Mom and Dad
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