Homecoming & National Championship Ring Ceremony

A Nor'easter is blowing through this weekend which is Homecoming at Endicott. Oh well. We made the best of it and still had a great day! 

We started the day at the annual Athletic Championship Banner Ceremony. For the 25-26 season, Endicott had 11 teams that won their conference or division...football, baseball, men's basketball, dance, field hockey, men's and women's ice hockey, women's lacrosse, women's rugby, softball and men's volleyball. Pretty incredible!

The dance team revealing their regional championship banner...

And then the National Championship banner! They were the only team this year to win a National Title!

Then it was over to the VPAC for the National Championship Ring Reveal...

I love that both girls now have a ring!! Gianna has one more year to potentially win more!

Then it was time for the football game. At first it was just windy...then the rain started...and the dance team got soaked! But they made it through the whole game...sidelines, halftime and all! 

Halftime Performance! Love this one...

Thirty-three years ago

Yesterday, we were married 33 years ago on the most gorgeous September day. And to think our kids are quickly approaching the same age as we were...27 & 28...yikes!! 

Look how young we were...and look how skinny my arms were! Haha!! And I still love my wedding dress! 

If I could go back and start my life again...this is the exact age I'd want to be. Twenty-eight : ) 

Because it was the beginning of my adult life...buying a new home...having babies...raising the kids...getting to know my parents as real people...and building a community of friendships in our new home town. 

We've lived and learned so much in these past 33 years. And I'd do it all over again. 

Roommates

Cute pics of Gianna and her roommate...

Mae

Gianna's middle name is Mae after my Nana...

My Nana would have adored Gianna. I'm sure she's looking over her from heaven... 

Grampy, Nana & Mama

First Football Game

Gianna had her first football game of her senior year today. They have new uniforms and they're so pretty! The rhinestones sparkle in the sun : )  I can tell she's so happy to be back at school with all her roommates, teammates and friends. Endicott is her happy place for sure! 

Sidelines...

 

Halftime...

New Hobby

Kerry got me into watercolor. It's so fun and relaxing. I love the book Julia got me for my birthday. Here are a few that I've done recently...

I'm still learning but I'm pretty proud of myself. I think my artist Mama is smiling at me from heaven : ) 

KoKo is 18

I got the biggest laugh from this email I got today from the vet. Do you think Koko knows my name is "Dineen"?  

My boy is 18 years old this month. Well...actually we have no clue of his exact age or birthday because he was a stray (estimated to be about a year old)...BUT I do know we adopted him on September 17, 2009 and his given birthday by the vet is today September 1st. So Happy Birthday to my old man!

In human years that's approximately 88 years old : ) 

I'm still laughing over this email...referring to me by my first name like he would know that and "sweetened with A treat"...more like 50 treats a day for this old man who literally plants himself next to the treat cabinet...

Dear Koko,

We have a very special occasion to celebrate... It's time to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

We hope all birthday wishes come true and that your big day can be sweetened with a treat. Thank you for letting us be a part of your healthcare team! We hope you have a special day filled with fun and love from Dineen.

When you miss me most

 When you feel you are without me, close your eyes. 

Float down beneath your skin, retreat within. 

I am the blood that flows.

I am the courage in your gut that grows. 

I am the chamber in your heart that feels like home. 

I am the seed from which your life was proudly grown. 

Only my body has flown. 

But me, I dwell still within your bones. 

My voice and all the good I've ever known, is yours to own. 

When you feel you are without me, listen close. 

I whisper louder, when you miss me most. 

by Donna Ashworth

(My bridal shower 1993...ignore the belt)

Yup and Yup