Mommy Meltdowns: Another summer in the books

We are in the home stretch saying goodbye to summer. During their time off from school, the kids didn't read any books, log in to the school sponsored math website Dreambox, nor did they practice any Hebrew. And I'm ok with that! Because they work hard the 180 days they are in school, the kids deserve a break. And more importantly learning can happen in other ways. Ian and Sam know about the Freedom Trail in Boston firsthand. They walked it; ALL OF IT!, with stops along the way to learn about the important events that happened. They know what the town of Plymouth looks like; where the Pilgrims came in the 1600s. They got a first hand look at the Mayflower II ship. We even threw in a few museums & plantations for good measure -- National Baseball Hall of Fame, Berkshire Museum, Plymouth Grist Mill, Plymouth Plantation and the Norman Rockwell Museum. They experienced whitewater rafting, a ropes course, and zip lining for the first time! Sam even went on her first horseback ride. Many incredible moments that can't be taught in a classroom or reading a book.

Ian and Sam got a chance to be kids. They had a wonderful summer full of weeks that offered a chance to spend quality time with family (Gramps Camp with Jeff's parents, Orlando with my family, OCNJ with their cousins), plus many other incredible landscapes. I loved these amazing 10 weeks we were able to offer the kids.

Here is my list of highlights from Summer 2016:

*This will be known as the Summer of Broadway. Ian and I became OBSESSED with the soundtrack to "Hamilton" and listened to it non-stop in all of our many road trips and hours spent in the car. Once Jeff and Sam got tired of listening (hard to believe it happened, but it did), we moved to all the other favorite Broadway musicals: Kinky Boots, Rent, Annie, Chicago, A Chorus Line, Fiddler on the Roof, If/Then, Les Miserables, and Beautiful. Ian and Sam are very well versed in my favorite musical genre. Many, many miles sailed by as the kids and I belted out showtunes.

*This will also be known as the Summer of baseball. Between a trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame (a dream of Jeff's since Ian was born), their first game at Fenway Park, and a big outing to see the Washington Nationals play (in 107 degree heat!) with a few of Ian's buddies for his birthday, plus a few minor league games (Pittsfield Minors in MA, Potomac Nationals in VA), it was a lot of baseball! Ian ended up with quite a few baseball themed t-shirts and wears one pretty much each day from his travels.

*Sam's first time at sleepaway camp. OMG! My girl did it! 12 days at Camp Ramah in Palmer, MA. I am still in awe that this was her idea to go. She had a wonderful time and wants to go back next year. I am so completely impressed with her independence and very proud of her. Sam truly flourished at camp.

*How outdoorsy our family became during our 10 day trip to Boston, Plymouth, and Berkshires in Massachusetts. I had high hopes that my family would keep an open mind and try all the different things we had planned (and paid for in advance!). Jeff, Ian, and Sam rose to the occasion and exceeded my expectations. It was truly phenomenal all that we were able to do without anyone melting down. Goooo Team Toppall! Note to self: No need to ever sign Jeff up for zip lining again.

*Getting to see Barbra Streisand in concert with my mom. This will truly be a highlight of my entire life. I can't quite put into words what being able to do this with my mom meant to me, but it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and a true bucket list item. My mom has done so much for me and my sister all our lives, and this was such a small thing I could do to give a little back to her. There was no one else I wanted to see Babs with. It's because of my mom I can appreciate the amazing performer she is. Being treated like VIPs (parking, executive suite seats, dinner beforehand) was the icing on the cake and certainly didn't hurt. I love that my mom and I got to do this together. My mom reworked her August to be in town and available to go; I believe she agrees, it was more than worth it.

*It took 11 years in the making, but I've finally got to the point where I don't need to be in arm's length of either kid when we go to the pool. I can stay out of the water (if I want) and fully socialize with the other moms. Both kids are good enough swimmers and its the best feeling not having to be freaked out the entire time they are in the pool, hoping they are ok. All those years of swim lessons paid off.