Canton Senior awards banquet

I had a feeling this evening was going to be bitter sweet relishing the accomplishments of this amazing group of boys we have been bless to know for years.  One after the other , the boys go up at accept the awards.  Maintaining GPA's over 3.6, demonstrating love and proficiency in the subject they are receiving metals for.  Ethan for stats, Mason for Physics, Tyler for Technology Education and Noah for Math.  Nick sat back celebrating his friends as they were nominated and discussed.  

He was excited to go up to receive his academic medal for the high grades maintain throughout his 4 years which will never cease to amaze us.  of course we are beyond proud of this achievement.

Having never been to this award ceremony, we didn't realize there was a final award that the teachers vote on and describe the student BEFORE saying the name.  We sat there listening to attributes that really sounded like Nick but didn't want to overly think it could be.  

And then they said his name.  

We were instantly emotionally proud.  

Being one of the 2 recipients of the class of 2025 character award is by far the greatest award possible for this guy.  I went up to hug the teachers afterward and they shared their speech with me.  I adore Kristen Cork, the mother of Alex and was excited to share this with her as well.

What a true treasure.  May you carry these qualities on with you in every stage of your life.

 

Forget flying, just drive

A site visit in Buffalo NY turned into a road trip hope with bummer flights and lots of delays.  After sitting in the airport for almost 3 hours, I opted to drive the 6 hours home. Got home by 12:45 (ironically my oldest was still out and about and I had to resist the urge to go find him to hang out!)  my flight landed in BDL at 1;45 AM - so I do consider this a win!  Like the color selection? 

 

Mother's day

Our Mother's day request was a hike with our families together.  Look at us wearing the same things - not planned!  Love this shirt!

Good looking crew to the top of a hike near sundown

Later that day we had a DELICIOUS seafood dinner that night at the lake and thrilled my mom was able to join us.

Kudos to the chefs for a fabulous meal and evening.

 

Some favorite things, strength to helpers to little changes.

Loaded up all these heavy shelving units to take to the project in West Hartford. #bodypumpstrong loved getting all kinds of help when I arrived at the project saying your shouldn't be carrying this! 

Meanwhile - here is some 'other help' that we got one rainy night.

Caitlyn is helping us redo our bedroom after 10 years.  First order of business is changing out the bedframe.  Loved how Chris inspired the boys to help us.  When you get them focused they are GREAT helpers.  But they can get a bit distracted.

That weekend we went buying flowers for planteres and the garden.  I LOVED that Grandma Mary was my garden planner.  It was a lovely morning together shopping.  Loved her desire to teach, select and track all the things.

Here are the fruits of our labor!  planted and all

Next up, Ramps harvesting with Cassandra at the very secret location and needing to be all bundled up for ticks and bugs.

Love photos like this!

 

High School Golf

 I snuck in after their home match winning against Ellington.  It was a GREAT win for the Canton Crew.  Loved seeing Nick have Schmooby on the course team.

The thing with golf is we don't get to 'see' the matches.  They say its weird for parents to be there.  and we aren't involved with practice at all.  Matter of fact, I think that was the highlight for many this season.  Nick LOVED filling the truck with 6 boys (likely frankie seated in the middle) with all the clubs in the back.  I so wish I could hear what they were talking about.  Maybe not.  But what fun!  McDonalds on the way home too.

Nick had plenty to do with the fun that was had and I love to hear that.  Guess I could say he learned from the best, Coach Phelps!  

Senior night simple flower presentation

Nick's CIAC Canton Scholar Athlete award ceremony

Canton elects 2 students each year that exemplify scholar athletes.  Qualifications are top grades, varsity sports, Leadership and successes in sports and academics.  The selected student gets to bring his parents and select a coach to bring to the full house dinner event at the Aqua Turf.

Of the class of 2025 - it was a honor to watch Nick represent and be honored.  As a parent, you love your kid and think he is pretty amazing.  It is a wild blessing to see other's feel the same way.

The Avon wrestling coach corralled all the wrestling students represented this evening from all the high schools in Connecticut.

I love that he chose Josh Bristol as his coach.  Coach Bristol is truly committed to not just developing wrestlers, but dedicated, committed and amazing young athletes, students and humans.  Its amazing the different teachers and coaches that have a lasting impact - this is laid out 100% between Coach Bristol and Nick.

Julianna Cavanaugh was the other scholar athlete for Canton.  She is also the class valedictorian and clearly very driven girl.  it was cool to ensure dinner together with her family, Principal Dipippo, Kim Hurth and the 2 coaches.

Here is the Canton crew

Love so much about this photo

Here was the layout for the evening.  The keynote speaker was pretty impressive.  Its amazes me what people are truly capable of.

 

Derby Day

All gussied up for a country club Derby Party invited by the Fontaines!

Loved that Farrah's hat it repurposed magnolias that Diane used to decorate Farrah's house and my Florida thrift store find combined with some of my fake flowers that were on the shed.  We sure do clean up well!

Fun festive crew!  Thanks for hosting!

Headed out to Puete later that evening - fabulous!