August 8, 2022 First full day at Universal. Definitely different than the Disney experience. Erin had her red Gryffindor socks on earlier and they all had hooded capes, it was hot and rainy. I have a patch that says “Muggle” on my shirt because I didn’t want to be Slytherin – no headband or skirt though. The girls loved getting their wands at Ollivander’s. Oh and it is packed, Hogwarts looks empty because of the Pixel 6 Pro’s magic eraser.
June 14, 2022 12 years ago, 6 years ago, and this year. In six years we will need to go again!
July 14, 2022 12 years ago with the Chen Clan, then 10 years ago with Curie, then 6 years ago with Chris Austin, and this year with Erin’s side of the family.
July 15, 2022 Six years ago we went to Centre Island and the kids had an amazing time. We recorded an amazing video of Elia at 2 years old describing it. At the end we said we would go back. It was nice to fulfill the promise.
August 23, 2021 Fifth and second grade. I know a lot of parents are posting about how excited they are to have their kids back at regular school. We are not those parents. I am not going to lie, I really miss them, I liked having them with us the whole time. 527 days of amazing togetherness. And I know this is right, and I know they will be okay. Going to open house did allay some fears for us seeing their preparations. So it is the right thing to do. It doesn’t mean I don’t miss the kids though. Today will be a hard day for us, the parents.
On the left pictures of the watch (near as I can remember) and fountain pen my father used when I was young. On the right pictures of the watch I wear (mine is a copy) and my first fountain pen I picked out for Suephy’s wedding. It is a reminder to me about how much of an influence my father has been and is still on me. Happy Father’s Day Papa!
