May 2021

May was full of rowing and celebrating! Carmen and I went to several regattas that required a lot of driving. I love that she can drive now, because I get too sleepy if I have to drive far. Plus, she's so darn cute behind the wheel. 

One regatta that the whole family came to was in northern Va and happened to be right by the restaurant that we had our wedding dinner at 17 years ago. We stopped for a quick picture. 

Carmen's cheer squad - this regatta was a bit of a hike to get to and in the rain no less!  It wasn't really was where had prepared for. But it's always fun to cheer her on. 

Koda had a birthday! He turned 5 and we took him to his favorite treat spot - Willy's Ice Cream. 

And, I had to document my first time in public in over a year without a mask on!!! I'll honest and say that I felt naked. Some places, like school and church still require a mask, but most stores don't require them anymore. 

And with restrictions easing up a little, Dallin decided to have a playdate with his buddies! Water balloons, super soakers and laser tag were on the itinerary. He had the best group of friends!!! These boys have been together since kindergarten. 

Earlier this year, we lost a dear friend to a sudden and tragic heart attack. A group of friends got together and had the Marc Amos Memorial Kayak Float down the James River. It was special to remember a dear friend and to spend time with some of our closest friends. 

Just an average day...waiting for the bus to school....I don't want to forget the small things. 

Second doses of the Covid vaccine all around. Now we are all fully vaccinated!

More small things - Aliza cooking potato soup. This is a favorite recipe of ours. 

And a not so small thing - David graduate from Darden with his MBA!! Okay, well he really graduated last year, but due to Covid, there was no ceremony. So better late than never, he got to walk this year. And it was still just as exciting. I'm still so proud of him. And here are a few comparison pictures from the last time he graduated. 

Nothing but pure joy and pride right here! 

And more regattas... this time in Philadelphia. This was the biggest regatta we've ever been to. I also volunteered at this one and got to help on the launch dock, which gave me a whole new perspective on the sport. It was fascinating to hear the coaches final words of encouragement as the rowers pushed off from the dock, each team and coach so different. I also loved seeing Carmen first hand launch off to the starting line. It was hot and a lot of standing and bending over, but so worth it to see up close. 

Also, my sister made me this shirt, but Carmen was way to embarrassed for me to wear it in public. 

Seriously the coolest sport and the most gorgeous racing venues I've ever been to. 

We've been trying to go to the park everyday after dinner to get some fresh air and exercise. This is behind Merriwether, so close to our house. 

And this dog is my favorite furry animal ever! Even though he sleeps on my bed. 

We had to provide the year book pictures this year since there was no school picture day. Here's what we submitted for Aliza and Charlotte.