So, yesterday, my awesome county library hosted a conversation with Judy Blume. Judy Blume came to town earlier this year, but I couldn't make it because I was out of town. So, I was pleased as punch to see she was coming back AND coming back for free a couple blocks from my house.
Earlier in the day, I tweeted to my local library that I was overcoming crowd anxiety to go because I hate crowds and going into the unknown especially by myself. Then, Judy Blume herself chimed in and said, if I had difficulties, to see one of the staff to be seated up front. I actually sat in row 4 so all was well, but you know, Judy Blume contacted me (SQUEE!!!)
The evening was great. She was so funny and down-to-earth. She was just delightful and everything you hoped she would be. She seemed to relate to everyone in the audience from the children to the grandparents there. As with her books, she treated everyone with respect and as equals.
When I got to meet her, the staff kept things moving even down to the picture-taking. The man taking pictures probably took about 15 which was very nice. The official line was that she wasn't signing older books or more than one book, but she did. Maybe the rule changed as the night went on, but I got two copies signed. It was memorable, right up there with the time I heard Walter Cronkite speak - because I had weird idols as a kid. My next obsession is going to see Tom Brokaw in December, and then I could probably die a happy girl.
Backstory - K was in Little Miss's class in kindergarten and is in her second grade class as well. They were going to get married in kindergarten if she didn't marry this other boy.
Little Miss: You know, K, right? Me: Aren't you going to marry him? Little Miss: Ugh, no. Hashtag fail.
Seriously. The girl just said "hashtag". Where does she come up with this stuff? I don't even know if she knows what it means, but she's always been good at figuring out correct context even if she didn't know the meaning of words. She's done that since she was learning to talk. She keeps us on our toes - and growing up too quickly.
Just some trashy books. I always have to finish a series when I start though there is a follow-up book after this trio that I won't be reading. I really liked the latest from Mary Jo Putney and J.D. Robb, too. They're both always winners with me though.
I don't think I posted this! Little Miss started the second grade. She wanted to be a chef this year when asked. She was nervous that she wouldn't know anyone this year, but that only lasted a short time. Her good friend from first grade is in her classroom again. Plus, it turned out she knows many of the kids - one of which is even at her bus stop. She has two second grade teachers who switch depending on the day, but the kids seem to be ok with this. The teachers both seem great. they had nothing but awesome things to say about Little Miss at the conference. Little Miss is already at the upper end of her grade requirements if not testing above her grade level. She's outstanding in reading and spelling, but she is pretty solid in math as well. She loves Spanish and art. There was some drama with her friends, but it seems to be typical girl drama. It seems to be over (for now). It's just a little introduction to mean girls. Little Miss knows how some people are just not for her. She will separate herself from the drama if it becomes too much or find other friends to play with, but in this case, it was a little complicated. Either way, it has resolved itself - as most playground things do at this age. I know she'll love second grade, and I love watching her grow - even if it means I'm not her favorite parent (which is what she told me last week).
September seems so long ago, but it wasn't. We started out on the Jersey Shore for Labor Day weekend. Captain hated the beach - the sand, the sun, the water. The picture below is pretty much how he spent the entire time. He would stop crying to eat and to wave to all trucks and garbage trucks. Each truck driver was nice enough to wave back. He did enjoy the pool at least.
We didn't do too much other than eat and hang out. It was windy one day, but we were still at the beach. We did the Boardwalk on the way home. We went to go earlier in the week, but Little Miss was exhausted and asked to go to bed over fireworks and rides. So, on the last day, we went to the Boardwalk and got ice cream which is our tradition. Captain's favorite part of the Boardwalk was the basketball game. He said his first non-family member word - BALL. He rode the Carousel and hated it.
The second weekend in September, Little Miss slept over the In-Laws' apartment. I picked her up and we hung out with a friend of mine. It was supposed to be a pool day, but the weather didn't cooperate so we just sat in her apartment and caught up. The next day, I took the kids to my parents' house. We just hung out there as well, but we stuck the kids on Dad's Harley for fun.
The third weekend, we went to a housewarming party. Nephew slept over. I took some pictures of the kids. I had hoped to get all three together, but that didn't go as planned. The next day, I took them to the library book sale which yielded disappointing results.
The last weekend, we went to my childhood friend's wedding. We've been friends since middle school. She moved mid-high school, but we remained in touch. She now lives not too far away, and I should make more of an effort to see her. Anyway, she and her wife got married last month. It was a beautiful spot and ended up being a gorgeous day. Weddings are joyful, and they make an adorable couple. Plus, two other friends from our hometown were there so it was like a little reunion. (You can see my other post to see more about this.)
This is a picture of Little Miss sat 14 months and Captain at 16 months (almost 17 months). They're wearing the same outfit - which is a hand me down from Nephew. She is so much bigger than he is which is weird because he does nothing but eat but just don't put on the weight that corresponds with the quantity of food that he ingests. He's growing so there's no need to be concerned, but he's just a little guy. This will probably be the last of the matching clothes. He'll have more hand me downs from Nephew, but Little Miss didn't wear much of them after 2 or so.
Seriously, how cute is this? I'm going to dress them to coordinate as long as possible. Just wait until Christmas. Somehow these two have two sets of matching pjs.
What made it more fun is that two other friends from middle school/high school were there as well so it was like a little reunion. My friend, his wife, and their twins were there as well as another really good friend - who used to live around the corner from me. Plus, Husband went to high school with us so he knew everybody.
We all had a really good time as it is always happy to see a close friend just beaming with happiness and joy. I hadn't seen her family in forever so it was nice to see them again, too. The whole evening was perfect. We wish the brides all the happiness in the world!
