Porch Complete!

Wm is, as I type, at school taking his state-mandated MAPS test. His school also uses that for class placement. While I have been left with the usual mountain of forms to fill out. He is going to text me when he's done and I'll go over for school pictures and laptop picking up. He was all cute this morning and dressed in his school clothes (which wasn't required). I think he's feeling jazzed to go back!! One of his favorite teachers checked us in and Wm was adorably shy and nervous. But, he also felt like a big deal because when we walked in, a parent volunteer goes, "new or returning student?" and Wm goes, "RETURNING." After his big test (3 hours!), I'm going to take him out to lunch. And, one week from Wednesday, he returns to school. Flip is going to be VERY sad!

Speaking of Flip, we discovered he is willing to overcome is major phobia to save us. Flip is terrified of the basement. Mostly because he's terrified of Schroeder and that is Schroeder's territory. I took Wm down there yesterday to get his hair cut (for pictures!) and Flip stood at the top of the stairs and cried and cried. Wm then wondered what he'd do if one of us was being attacked in the basement, where he refuses to go. So, of course, Wm attacked me. Flip paced, all agitated, for a second and then flew down the stairs. Flip to the rescue!! When I told him I was OK, he was VERY happy to return to the ground floor. And continue his sad crying.

We also FINALLY finished the screened in porch this weekend!! Mimi and Guy came over for a cookout yesterday to break it in. And a friend of Wm's joined us, as well, so it was a party! The finishing touch will be a nice piece of outdoor art for the wall. We spent A LOT of time out there lounging this weekend! (And, when Steve locked me out on Friday evening, I broke into the backyard and waiting for him to come home while snoozing in the hammock.) It looks really cool at night with the overhead twinkle lights on!

Steve enjoying the conversation area of the porch

Flip, ready for conversing

Besides putting the finishing touches on the porch, heading to a pool party (getting locked out!), and napping during a rain shower, we also went hiking at a new place this weekend and saw bison grazing! It was pretty neat!!