Why I've Been MIA (missing in action!)

Hey y'all! I'm back! 

This summer I gave myself permission to take a break from blogging to soak up as much fun and relaxation as I could.  It was the last summer of "life as we know it" since my son is starting college. Plus, this was by far the shortest summer in my career. With my new job, my summer has been whittled down to a measley 5.5 weeks. YIKES! 

It was quite an eventful summer; here's the recap! 

Riley (my bebe) graduated from high school with big time honors!

In early June I went to an amazing conference in New Orleans for special education adminstrators and left completely inspired. Not to mention, had some bonding time with my new co-workers! 

I highly recommend the "escape the room" adventures! We chose the "vampire room" to be locked in for 1 hour, and we managed to solve the puzzles and slay the vampire with only 59 seconds to spare! It was   

SO   MUCH   FUN!! 

We also hit up some yummy New Orleans restaurants and my absolute favorite spot (it a yard, y'all) for hanging out, chatting and listening to live jazz, Bacchanal Wine. 

Like any southerner worth their salt, we hit the Gulf Coast and put our toes and bums in the sand- The Margaritaville Hotel @ Pensacola Beach, FL to be exact.  Pure bliss! 

I did work on a TpT product, my Ocean Fun Pack,  while I was there - I mean it was the PERFECT place to be inspired!  My family even helped me photograph it in the sand. I love that they support my obsessions :) 

I went to physical therapy for a wicked case of tennis elbow (I mean, I don't even play tennis!). 

Dry needling finally did the trick. I know it looks like a scene out of that Hellraiser movie, but it feels so good afterward! Amazing!

I did a BUNCH of therapy with private clients.  I just adore these little hands...

and we easily got 200 productions with these pacing boards! 

Lots of summer themed therapy! Even working for mermaids :) 

I love an ocean theme for summer! 

and of course there was dot art....

including the beloved flip flops! 

and the feeding of sharks YIKES! (which was requested again and again) 

My big mouth sticky toss was a huge hit this summer, too.  

(I got it from Oriental Trading, but sadly, it's been discontinued.)

Oh and I highly recommend this new Educational Insights game - 

Sophie's Seashell Scramble featuring Sophie the Seal. 

I also used Sophie's shells (and goldfish crackers) in place of magnetic tokens for artic

therapy!  Make one preschooler very happy...

as did this unicorn popper....(!) 

My goal was to spend time with my parents this summer which I, thankfully, was able to do. 

We took them (and our pups) on a mini road trip to Galveston, TX! 

The Strand are in Downtown Galveston was lovely, and we made some wonderful memories. 

My best friend from Houston made the drive to Galveston to visit with us as an added bonus!

My sisters and I also took my mom for a 80 years young birthday getaway to L'auberge Casino in Lake Charles! We never walked into the casino, but we did hit the lazy river and shopped until we dropped. We had a great time, and I can't wait to return! 

I made everyone participate in my summer obsession- snapchat filters!!!! 

(the joys of having a waterproof iPhone case)

And I can't leave out the lazy pajama days I spent with my furbabies!!  

I love these neurotic little girls! 

Or the pool time with the fam!

(omg it's too miserably hot here to be anywhere outdoors but in the pool!) 

Fourth of July came with lots of food and family! 

Finally it was time to think about going back to school. My first day was coming- July 21. 

My husband (knowing I would never be quite content with my used and abused office walls) volunteered to paint my office...

You know that's true love right there :)

My office was ready for my first day back (I've been back at work a while now)

All the while, our home looks like a patchwork quilt because we are trying to decide on new paint colors. Sigh. 

All of it was a much needed distraction from the sadness engulfing our Baton Rouge area. 

We finished painting my office while protests carried on just miles away and 

1 day before the tragic shooting of Baton Rouge police officers. 

I do believe our little community is changed forever. 

May we find peace here.

We may need even more prayers as we brace ourselves for what they are calling "historic flooding."  All school is cancelled tomorrow.  

Normally I would be pumped but just today I met with the 42 SLPs who work in our parish. I left feeling inspired and energized and ready for the best school year yet.  I'm wishing the same for you!