Stars & Stripes and Stingers!!

This summer we almost missed a chance to see Max (age 5) compete in his first season with the swim team, the Sycamore Creek Stingers. However, when he reminded us that his final swim meet was coming up, a last minute decision landed us in the car for a quick roadtrip to Ohio over the July 4th weekend.

We headed out Friday afternoon in the middle of a downpour, resulting from the backside of Hurricane Alex, but made it to Hope, Arkansas, for the night. We headed out again early Saturday morning, and although we enjoyed the beautiful ride through Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and into Ohio, we were glad to finally arrive in Springboro -- just in time to climb into their car with Chris, Colleen, and Max for the fireworks in Lebanon.Sunday morning we had great fun attending Sacrament Meeting in the old Middletown Ward and visiting with many old friends. That evening we enjoyed a yummy July 4th barbecue at the home of Colleen's parents.

We squeezed our chairs onto the curb with a mass of patriotic Americans to enjoy the Centerville parade on Monday morning. Luckily we were on the Panera Bread corner so we could enjoy breakfast while we waited for the parade! The sun was hot and the parade was long, but we had a great time celebrating the wonderful freedoms we are so grateful to share in this wonderful nation. That afternoon Max challenged me to some tricks on the trampoline, which resulted in acrobatics beyond my current capabilities (I thought I could still do those tricks that I used to do in 9th grade!). After limping off the trampoline there were more fireworks to enjoy that evening.Tuesday morning was swim practice and we had so much fun watching Max work on his dive from the blocks. He had just enough time to change his clothes before we walked nextdoor with him to watch his tennis lesson. After lunch at the Main Street Deli we relaxed at home and Max tried to teach us how to join in his Rock Band performance! Tuesday evening was the swim meet in Centerville and we were so excited to be at the edge of the pool cheering on Max who started the race with his first-ever dive from the blocks! The finish was too close for us to tell, but in a very close race Max was thrilled for a third place ribbon. The best part of all is that he loved it and tried his best, and we are so proud of him.It was an emotional farewell Wednesday morning when we started the 1100+ mile trek back home. We made it to Texarkana for the night, and arrived home Thursday afternoon. We loved visiting Chris, Colleen, and Max, and those special "grandparent" moments that we just can't get enough of!

P.S. After all of the rain, Lee was expecting to find a long, shaggy lawn when we got home, but was amazed to find a neatly mowed yard -- thanks to a great surprise from Alex!
P.S.S. I got a surprise too -- after getting everything unpacked I noticed the diamond in my wedding ring was missing. I would only need to back-track through 5 states to find it! Lee put that engagement ring on my finger 40 years ago next month, and I had rarely ever taken it off in those 39 years and 11 months, so I have been heartbroken. I am trying to appreciate the lesson that nothing (or should I say no thing?) you can buy lasts forever!