4 Weeks...

Peyton has been away at college for four weeks. So far, so good...

I remember when we were so proud of ourselves as parents for keeping her alive for four weeks! It seemed like such a big milestone.

She seems to be loving college life. She dyed her hair the first week, so our cute redhead now looks like this:

I think she expected us to be mad. Honestly, I kind of like it. Go figure.

I'm assuming classes are going well. We really don't hear much from the "Great White North."  I think that's a good thing? Also, if you got that reference, you are SUPER cool...hoser.

We did get to see her over Labor Day. She and Emma sweet-talked Mark into letting them come home for the long weekend.

Macie was probably the most excited to see her...

 I think the feeling was mutual.

I'm sure Peyton was super excited to hop in the car again the next morning...

 It felt a little like this:

We put her to work at the Catholic fair booth at the Twin Falls County Fair Saturday night. I think Uncle Scott was happiest to see her there. He needed all the helpers he could get! We've been helping for the last several years and I think Peyton would have been bummed to miss out.

We got to have a little fair fun, and a lot of fair food on Sunday.

Mark missed his baby a wee bit I believe...

Not me though. I'm stoic...

We will get to see her for Homecoming the first weekend in October. I think we'll totally play it super casual though. ;-) Oh, and....Go Vandals!

Tverdy, party of 3...

Well, it's finally happened. The time has come for Peyton to leave for college. In fact, she and Mark drove away about an hour ago.

Even though we have been preparing for weeks, I think the denial is still super strong for all of us.

We walked by this pile so many times that I'm pretty sure we stopped noticing it!

It doesn't seem like too much stuff. I'm sure that dorm room will fill up quickly though.

Here it is in packed form...

I feel like I've been doing a pretty good job of staying chill. Especially since jury duty coincided with moving week. Nothing like having to wait until the last minute to see if you are able to travel. And I am the eternal optimist so I was SURE I would get to go. Finding out at the last minute that I didn't in fact get to go was bit heartbreaking.

I did lose it at Church Sunday. The priest had all of the students headed to college stand in the aisle and the congregation blessed them. That's so far been the only time I cried. I also made my people take photos after Mass to commemorate her last Sunday at home. They were thrilled.

We had a fun going away lunch with Emma's family after church. I hope she and Peyton will be successful roommates! I think they will do well.

Syd is still super terrified to be our sole focus. She's pretty sure swimming will take up a lot of time so she won't constantly be bugged by us. I imagine she'll find a few extra hobbies if we get too obnoxious.

As of now, I'm waiting to hear that they arrived safely. Tomorrow is official move-in and I made Mark promise they would face time me so I can at least see her room!

The tears haven't actually started yet, but I'm definitely on the brink of crying. I'm pretty sure it will be short lived if and when it comes. At least I hope so! Peyton will probably stay fairly tear-free since it's Mark there and not me. Fingers crossed anyway!

And it's ONLY 7 weeks til U of I's Homecoming and I get to see my girl again.

Sweet 16!

It doesn't get much sweeter than this girl!

It's hard to believe that our "Absent-Minded Professor" is 16 already! Syd is one of the smartest people I know. She also has moments where I'm completely terrified for her. We have story after story of times when Sydney just made us shake our heads in wonderment. Both good, and bad. Ha!

One of the things that has always struck me about Sydney is that she is seemingly fearless. When she was really little, she would jump into any pool she saw. Whether she was wearing clothes or not...and even though she couldn't swim. It was extremely difficult parenting her through the toddler years. Childproofing was just a challenge that she was always willing to tackle. We never did find anything that would work to thwart her. Thankfully she was (and is) adorable!

As she's grown and matured, she has transferred that fearlessness into other areas. Including this:

Mark took the girls to the Basque picnic a couple weeks ago. Syd decided she wanted to try the weight competition. Maybe it's the fact that I'm pretty timid when it comes to things that could end up making me look foolish, but I'm always surprised when she volunteers for something like this. She never, ever worries about looking silly! Amazing. Oh, and I guess she actually did quite well, especially for never having seen this competition before!

She is also fearless when it comes to performing in public. 

 Even if she's wearing a swim suit!


I've never met someone who is more comfortable in their own skin. To be honest, I'm a little jealous! Whether she's cutting her hair super short, being into totally "geeky" things, or wearing whatever she wants, she definitely stays true to herself.

One of her other amazing qualities is her willingness to work hard. She's definitely willing to do the work and try to improve. I really love watching her determination in the pool!

I do think she's a little nervous about her sister heading to college. Not only will they really, really miss each other, I imagine she's terrified that she'll be our sole focus. I think Peyton's big personality has always let Syd fly under the radar. A role which she plays quite well. Hopefully we can temper our helicoptering a little. 

I am pretty thankful that she still likes to hang out with us. She really is about as sweet as they come!

Happy birthday, Tommy Waffles! We love you and are so humbled to be your parents. I'm still not sure how we got so lucky!  XOXO

Ninteen years...

Apparently, things have been pretty boring at the Tverdy house. But today...today is our 19th anniversary. That seems like something blog-worthy for sure.

This guy is still my favorite person. Even on the days I have to remind myself why.

A few months ago, we had our friend Janie take our family photos. She decided to take some of just Mark and I. I'm not sure when the last time we had professional photos of just the two of us taken. Maybe our wedding?? Janie was amazing. And as you can see, we are super great at being serious.

 Y'all know this saint in the photos with me. Truly, he must be the most patient person on the planet. I am not easy to be married to. For reals. Between the insta-temper, and the tattoos, and being stubborn, and bossy, and oblivious, and occasionally ignoring everyone around me, and all those other charming qualities I possess, he's one lucky man. Amiright? Although, "saint" might be pouring it on a little thick, even for me. 

I think this last photo is actually my favorite. Even though I look like a complete dork, this is probably the reason we have stayed married so long. We laugh. Like, a lot.

Mark is really, really a good guy. He definitely has his moments, but of the two of us, he is not only the nicest and funniest, but also the most level-headed. And hardest-working. And most out-going. Plus a lot of other good things. And did I mention he's funny? He totally is.

I'm sure I bring something to the table, right? Right??

Happy Anniversary, Dude. You're pretty okay.

The Mountains Are Calling...

Camping - Take 2...

So, we hit our second camping weekend. It was fun going somewhere new. We had been to Lake Cascade several times, but never camped there.

It's pretty tough to beat the scenery...

 

And the sunsets definitely don't suck...

And just because we like to camp, it doesn't mean we are savages. This little gem is one of my favorites as far as "camping gear" goes....

The weather was gorgeous. We took a bike ride Saturday that had us all tired and probably pretty smelly. No showers = stinky Tverdys.  We decided to wait to go to Church until we got home Sunday evening. You're welcome to anyone who would have been in our immediate vicinity.

Macie had a great time running around like crazy. She was pretty tired by Sunday...

Peyton was scheduled to get her wisdom teeth out Monday so since she will have to be popcorn free for several weeks, Mark bought her some Jiffy pop. Remember this stuff? Way more fun to watch cook than it is to eat...

We roasted a few marshmallows...

But mostly just hung out with each other. So glad the girls are still willing to hang out with us...most of the time anyway.

Not sure when or where our next camping adventure will be.  Peyton only has one free weekend this summer since she's starting her job. Maybe this will be the year I'm willing to leave her home alone? Maybe...

Humble Pie

Last week, I posted the following image on Facebook:

And then, a few days later I read about the gorilla that had to be put down because a young boy fell into the zoo enclosure.

We were driving to visit Marks parents and we had quite a discussion on the irresponsible parents who would let that happen to their child.

I am embarrassed to admit that it took me over 24 hours to realize what an a-hole I am.

I read one comment that by 4 a child should have been taught about rules and that they are more than capable of following those rules. Truth.

HOWEVER...

4 year olds are not known for their excellent decision making skills. They are also known rule breakers. They are fast, and wily and completely predictable in the the sense that they are TOTALLY unpredictable.

If you have kids, think back...have you ever turned your back for 2 LITERAL seconds, only to turn back around and have your child nowhere in sight? 

Peyton fell off a picnic table bench when she was 15 months. It was probably 2 feet off the ground. I was sitting right there. She didn't cry, nor act like anything was wrong. Her arm was broken.

Another instance...Sydney was probably 3. The girls were up at zero dark thirty, Mark was out of town. I went into the restroom and I heard "Three little monkeys jumping on the ---" and then a thump and a short cry. And then, the silence...which if you are a parent, you KNOW is that 2 seconds before the real cry. I didn't even have time to say "No jumping on the bed!" before she crashed. ER visit, nursemaids elbow.

Or the time Peyton was riding her new bike...in a parking lot with the only vehicle being Mark's parked pickup. She went right for it. The only obstacle in the entire parking lot and she hit it before we could stop her.

Those are but a few of the many times that my kids got hurt with me right there. We won't even talk about the times that I wasn't.

Things can happen in the time it takes you to look at a text, tie your shoe, tend to a sibling, get your camera to take a photo of your amazing kid. 

None of us can say for sure that this, or something equally as awful couldn't have happened to us. Accidents happen. Most parents are doing the best they can.

This situation is terrible for everyone involved. Do we really have to make it worse by pretending that we are above such an occurrence?

I did that. And I'm sorry.

Like campfires and marshmallows, we're just better together...

This past weekend we headed to Bruneau Sand Dunes. If you've never camped here, know you better go early in the season. It tends to get super hot and mosquito-y later.

We left Friday night and rolled in just in time to set up camp and play some Yahtzee before bed. We are wild y'all.

Saturday, it was pretty cold and windy when we woke up. We decided to have breakfast inside the trailer. Solid choice. After breakfast, we figured if we were going to hike the dunes, we had better get to it!

About 15 minutes in, the sun came out. It was gorgeous! Unfortunately, we also found the mosquitos. Poor Peyton gets it the worst. We have decided it's because she squeals and flails around so her adrenaline is an attraction for them.

Macie and Sydney had boundless energy. I think I hate them a little.

Just as we rolled back into our campsite, the heavens opened up and it rained and hailed for a few hours. Perfect time for a nap! I love naps.

One must always dress appropriately for the occasion...

The rain stopped about the time we were getting hungry for dinner. I was able to cook outside which makes me happy. Mark and the girls went to the Observatory Saturday night. I stayed behind and read and went to sleep early. Macie did the same. Minus the reading...

It was the perfect combination of activity and rest. Just what I look for in a camping weekend!

Accidents Happen...

So, I got one of those dreaded calls. If you have teen drivers, you know what I'm talking about. The calls we all hope never to get...

Driving home my phone rings...caller id says "Georgio Armani".

Me: Hey Dude, what's up?
Peyton: *crying* Mom?
M: What happened?
P: I had a little fender bender.
M: OK.  Are you okay? Is anyone hurt? Do I need to come get you? Where are you?
P: I pulled over on a side street to call you. It was minor. I'm fine.
M: Did you exchange info?
P: Yes.
M: OK, you did the right thing. We can talk when I get home. Calm down, go home and do your homework.

It could have been SO much worse. So much that I can't even imagine. Or pretend like I can't imagine or I'd never let her out of my sight...

So, Mark and I get home and there is a message from the guy that she hit. I think he was mainly just making sure she told us. Ha! But, he left his home number and also told us it was minor. I think just a scuff on his bumper. We tried to call him back with no luck. So will try again.

After talking more to Peyton, we find out she didn't even realize she hit him. (Exactly why we bought her the big green tank!) She explained what happened from what he said, and told us she at first didn't even know why he was honking at her. awesome.

Anyway, we will find out the damage when we get a hold of him. If it's enough to turn in to our insurance and our rates go up, she will be responsible for paying the difference. Or, if it's not worth turning in, she will have to pay for his repairs. It sucks for her, but this is not without consequences.

My guess is she just got over-confident. As far as I can tell, she mostly drives too slow.

Although, if you ever see differently, we would really like to know.

BOLO  Just kidding...kind of.