The marathon of fall 2023

I hope I didn't make it sound like we ran an actual marathon this fall, because we didn't. It just felt like it. 

Fall basically started August 1st when I went back to work after taking July off. We hit the ground running and basically didn't stop until Thanksgiving. For a variety of reasons, it was hard to settle into new routines at school. We allowed the kids to overcommit, which it took awhile to realize. And there were some challenges, shall we say, along the way. I would say it started with the surprise storm that hit while I was in Massachusetts. I was on the phone with scared Annie and Mary trying to tell them that the weather report hadn't predicted any storms when the power went out and the tornado siren went off. We quickly hung up the call and the next 24 hours of waiting and texts and teacher training were some of the longest of my life! I couldn't get home fast enough, though the scene was grim - no power, several trees and big branches down, damage to the house and fence. But everyone was in good spirits and we commenced with the cleanup. We're still working though the aftermath with tree removal and house repairs.

Taken from the front porch - one of the pictures Kevin sent me the night of the storm

There were other storms brewing, too, which revealed themselves shortly after. My (Wacyk) family was thrown into some new situations and difficulties that stretched our capabilities and relationships. But like most challenges, there were many graces and gifts mixed in, and we're continuing to learn and manage things together.

But in that added worry and weight, there were so many fun and lovely events this fall. Watching and supporting the kiddos in their events and activities gave us so much joy through the tough stuff.

Watching Nellie as drum major was awesome!

Annie ran varsity XC

and her team went to states!

The three "littles" played soccer through LCS - it made for very busy but fun Saturdays!

DJ also ran middle school XC

and Annie was in Finding Nemo Jr.!