First Day of School: Senior, Sophomore & Third Grader

 

Today was the first day of school for all three kids! It is hard to believe how quickly the years are flying by.

Kit is starting her senior year and will spend half of her day at Berlin High School. A senior! I truly can’t believe it. Winnie is beginning her sophomore year at Berlin, where there are now an incredible 2,100 students in the building!

Meanwhile, Emerson is starting third grade at Shale Meadows. He has Miss Eberlein, a new teacher, and we are excited to see what this school year has in store for him.

Praying for a wonderful year ahead for all of our kids, their teachers, and students everywhere!

Finishing Summer Break Strong

 

The kids finished their summer break strong! 

I was able to take Wednesday—the last day of summer break—mostly off. First, I took KWE, along with Sarah, out for a late breakfast at First Watch. Then, later in the morning, I took Emerson, Bryson, and Vinnie to the skate park for some last-day-of-summer fun. Two teenagers on e-bikes were so kind to the boys. They showed them tricks and helped them in the pit. It was good to see that there are still plenty of good teens out there.

Senior Year at DACC

 

Kit has officially started her senior year and her journey in the DACC Healthcare program! She is pictured with Regan, who is beginning her second year in the program alongside her, and Piper, who is completing the one-year program.

We are so proud of these girls and all they are accomplishing as they get a wonderful head start on their future healthcare careers. It is exciting to see them working hard, gaining valuable experience, and taking meaningful steps toward bright futures!

And isn't the senior backpack tradition this year just the cutest? 

A Visit to Indian Lake

 

We were all able to make it to Indian Lake for a visit with Aunt Berchie, Uncle Jim, and Pip. We enjoyed some delicious Mexican food for lunch and then took a golf cart ride over to the pool. It was a nice, relaxing time spent catching up and enjoying time together. 

Goodbye to the Swingset

 

Well, it’s the end of an era! Emerson and Dad decided it was time to take down the swingset, with Vinnie helping out, too. It was definitely bittersweet to see it go after all the years of use and memories it gave our family.

It was a good thing they decided to take it down when they did, though, because some of the wood that hadn’t yet been replaced was starting to rot. 

Counting Down to Senior Year

Kit has been soaking up the last days of summer break and spending lots of time with her friends. They’ve been making the most of their time together with senior scrapbook day, Topgolf for Jeremy’s birthday, serving on the CLAW team for freshman orientation, and a bonfire.

Medina Visit

 

We had a great time visiting Matt and Molly in their new home in Medina. It was good to spend time with Maggie and little Philly, too. He just turned seven months old and is all smiles and happiness. We enjoyed some time at the park together and ate pizza to celebrate Matt’s upcoming birthday.

Walking Tacos & Dancing Kids

 

I was able to slip away from work to join Emerson at the Y day camp cookout. They have a communal meal once a week, and today’s lunch was walking tacos! I also got to meet Emerson’s friend Finley, who is pictured here. Before I left, the music was turned up and the kids were dancing away! Emerson was also ready to be an usher and pass out popcorn for their afternoon talent show.

Kit's Senior Photos

Kit is beautiful inside and out!

Here's what senior photographer Colleen Torlone had to say about their time together: 

There are people who have a way of making the ordinary feel special, and Kit is one of them. She carries a quiet confidence and a natural beauty, but it's the way she notices the little things—the conversations, the laughter, the moments in between—that tells you the most about who she is.

This summer has kept us all on our toes with relentless heat and afternoon storms, and like so many of my seniors, Kit met every change of plans with grace. No frustration. No fuss. Just a willingness to adapt and make the most of whatever the day held.

Maybe that's the lesson this season has offered me. The best sessions aren't defined by perfect forecasts or perfectly timed sunsets. They're shaped by people like Kit, who remind us that joy isn't found in ideal circumstances—it's found in how we choose to meet them.

I have a feeling that spirit will take her to some remarkable places.

Senior Parking Spots

Kit worked hard in the heat on her very special senior parking spot at the high school, and thankfully had Winnie and Sarah there to help! Be sure to notice the little “KWE” in the upper right-hand corner—a special inclusion of her siblings. 

We also like Simon’s spot! Kit helped him finish his, too. They turned out great, seniors!

Ohio State Fair 2026

 I took the kids and Sarah to the Ohio State Fair for a fun time! We stopped by OOD’s mobile services unit, checked out the STEM displays, admired the rabbits and artwork, and caught a show with Coyote Peterson at the DNR park. We also saw possums, butterflies, birds—including an eagle—and enjoyed all the people-watching and food vendors.