September

September began a tad on the soggy side.

It's been a wet month.

We settled into a routine with school, homework, and cross country practices.

And on the 11th, we celebrated this kid turning 13.

He opened a few presents before heading to school, then he had a beautiful afternoon for practice (with lots of shouts of Happy Birthday), then dinner OUT at our favorite restaurant, before coming home to unwrap the rest of his gifts over triple berry cheesecake.

Happy Birthday Keenan.  Praying you continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge.  Thankful for your generous heart, and sense of humor.

The 9/15 tax deadline rolled around, and this pretty much sums up how things have gone for Kevin lately:

It's been rough.

The whole, ongoing, never-ending tax season of 2020 has been a mess.

True to form, after Kevin's mishap with his chair, he cleaned his spilled water, came back upstairs, grabbed another chair, and marched back to continue to work.

He needs a break.  Just not with his furniture.

Keenan helped use some of our pears by making a carmel pear cake & it was delicious.

Our garden is winding down.

We've been weeding, and planting some cooler weather veggies.

Not sure what inspired Keenan to bake again, but very glad he got back in the kitchen.

The other weekend, he told me he wanted a cheesecake.  I told him to find a recipe and feel free to make it.  He did and it was delicious.

Carmel apple cheesecake.

There are rumors he might make a new york style cheesecake this weekend.

Kieran's been around-he's working hard with a full schedule, practices after school, and playing frisbee golf on the weekends with friends.

The other evening Kevin, Keenan, and I came home from a run to find this wee guy next to our driveway.  A little ring snake.

He's about as big a snake, and as close to our house as I would like to see.

Cross country has been in full swing.

Keenan has had two meets cancelled due to rain.

Right now he's scheduled to have a meet Thursday, and another on Friday, then that might be it for him unless he qualifies to run in the Conference meet (or if our Governor decides to change his mind on opening our state).  

I'm thankful to have been able to help with his team.  It's been fun (and a bit like herding cats) to watch him with his friends, and to often see Kieran practice with his team as well.

(can you spot Keenan?  he's on left side getting ready to run hill repeats.  Kieran's team was off doing a warm up run)

As far as our state opening back up, not much has changed recently.  Playgrounds and bowling alleys were allowed to reopen at the beginning of the month, but bars, and theaters all remain closed.  Restaurants still have reduced capacity.  Public schools will begin to allow elementary and middle school students back at the end of October.  High school remains online only until January 20th.

And as a result of our Governor's orders, we are not allowed to have any spectators at any of our school sports.  Not even cross country meets (which are outside, at public parks).  The students have all been frustrated, as well as the parents.  Our athletic conference adjusted meets to run in waves, so they last a full two hours instead of just barely an hour.  Kids have to be dropped off and picked up for their wave start-there is no cheering for teammates.

It's frustrating, but we are still thankful to be able to run, and for fantastic coaches.