Better Late Than Never Graduation Celebration

This is Bennett's graduation party - just two months late, thanks to the pandemic. We're all getting pretty good at being flexible and going with the flow. The pandemic bows to nothing - so must learn to.

All the family descended from their different parts of the country on July 18. We had some pretty fun days leading up to the actual graduation party which we celebrated on July 20. This became a family only celebration in one part to help limit the amount of people we all come in contact and also so as not to inadvertently spread the virus to the more vulnerable grandparents. This meant Bennett's best friend, Vik, from Texas was unable to join us (Bennett was also not able to attend Vik's graduation). Neither was Collin able to come down with Gavin, nor was Aspen able to join Chloe. Not getting to celebrate with friends, far and near, was one of the only down sides.

We introduced the always hilarious Snake Oil game to the fam. I think it took us 2 hours to play.

We took everyone to Horsetooth Reservoir to admire the beauty

I even got me some selfies with the kids.

And we engaged in some pretty serious spike ball while picnicing at City Park in Old Town. I have pictures of people, to remain nameless, on the ground trying desperately to get the ball. This brings out the competitiveness in all of us.

Then came Party Day. It was actually a much more beautiful day than Bennett's actual graduation day (sunny and 90 vs. rainy and 50).

We all pigged out on catered Chipotle - the best decision I ever made.

Games persisted outside if you dared to brave getting out from the shade of the table.

And every loved one got to get their picture taken with the graduate.

We are so thankful for everyone taking the time to drive or fly all this way to help honor Bennett and show their love. He was definitely feeling the love.

Happy Boy.

Proud Grandparents.

Two down, one to go.

Bennett enjoyed center stage while opening gifts and cards. It was an enjoyable time of everyone, in one place, visiting. The last time this happened was 3 years ago at Gavin's graduation.

Thankfully, the following day was just a gorgeous and we got plenty of time in for tennis while Ryan and family explored Rocky Mountain National Park.

First Jobs

It's official, my baby got her first job. Since when do they let babies work?! Despite that fact, Chloe was thrilled to find a job at The Little Gym teaching pre-k kiddos how to tumble and roll. It's absolutely perfect for this limber little one. And mom and dad couldn't be happier because she only has to drive 5 minutes from home.

After Chloe scored her first job (after months of looking in the midst of a pandemic and the worst job market ever) we realized that each of our kids' first jobs involved teaching in some capacity. I think that's pretty cool.

Bennett became a coach for kids' summer sports camps last summer and continues with the same job this summer. Like any of us are surprised. He excels at this job and always comes home with adorable stories of smitten students. He's loved by kids and fellow coaches alike. Coaching is the same as teaching - just sports stuff. So, technically, I count him as a teacher. He did have another job as a line ref for soccer back when he was 14, but he only attended like 3 games...so, I'm not counting that one. That was more like a volunteer position.

Lastly, when Gavin was 16 he worked for a company that taught computer coding and gaming to little kids as his first job. He had to drive all over Minneapolis to go where the classes were. It was in this job that he realized he hated teaching children. He still loves computers and gaming though. The ironic thing is, he's an incredible teacher - very patient, can explain hard concepts in a simple way, and is highly knowledgeable of the subject. He just learned he's not a fan of kids, in general.

Vibing

This is called vibing. Yes. It's a thing. I will explain this new phenomenon. Because like you, I was previously in the dark. I was under the silly impression that we called this "relaxing", "chillaxing", or "hanging out." But not any more. Now those same terms can be succinctly described with one cool teenage word: vibing.

Here it is used in a sentence:

Mom: Honey, what are you and your friend doing today?

Chloe: Idk (i don't know) just vibing (no punctuation necessary in teenage sentences these days either - especially if this convo (conversation) takes place over text.

They can "just vibe" anywhere apparently, at the house, at the lake, in their cars.

Try using it one of these days. It's a little catchy. And you will impress the ones who think they know everything. Bonus. But remember, if you text your kid that you will be vibing, don't use punctuation or they will think you're mad at them. You gotta act chill. These are all the things I know.

You're welcome.