Catherine Adams Gowan – 6 year old extraordinary girl!

July 28, 2010 at 1:10 · Filed under 2010 Posts

One of the best things Robert and I have done together, Catherine Gowan, turned six years old on June 25, 2010. As I had four closings on that day, the big party was on Saturday at the Nashville Zoo. Admittedly I’ve been a bit distracted and self-absorbed and dropped the ball on planning the zoo party through the zoo. Never fear, we have the best friends on Earth. First and foremost is Abby Trotter, who I must claim as my “Personal Advocate”. Abby is the one who got $$ refunded through American Airlines when they charged us double fees to come home from the Mayo Clinic.

Single-handedly, she planned and made Catherine’s birthday one of the best days in the Gowan family. The first was her suggestion to bring cake and picnic on the grounds of the Croft house. For those that haven’t seen it, it is a beautiful ante-bellum house to the right of the carousel and lorakeets at the zoo. Most importantly, the huge lawn has shade by old trees. Abby was able to get us parking in the back close to the Croft house.

She also picked up a “scooter” for me to ride for the day. My pride was killed riding a “rascal” (I really am being paid back for all the fun I’ve made in the past-“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”). However, I’ve learned in order to enjoy my family and conserve energy, especially my kids, I’ve had to learn humility and swallow my pride. If it means being active, by God I am going to do it!

Back to Wonder-Woman Abby, she brought the scooter to me, hopped in my truck and hauled up the driveway with the cake, picnic blankets (part of hers) and helped Geneva (the older version of Wonder-Woman) unload while we met party guests at the playground. Publix came through with a great pull apart Barbie cake (cupcakes). Jack and Luke Kim were a bit horrified at the cake “Barrr-bb-ieee?”, especially Jack when Luke declared to the girls that Jack loved Barbie J Dad Drew was the videographer for the day, catching everything on film. Onto the carousel and the animals before straight-line winds and rain roared through Oak Hill.

Catherine had a great time and we so appreciate everyone that helped us pull this off in a short time. Pictures to follow thanks to Tonya Matthews, mother of BFF Charlotte!!

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What a summer!

July 28, 2010 at 1:10 · Filed under 2010 Posts

I must first apologize for the delay in entries! It has been a lightning speed summer with lots of adventures. Consider this the first of many entries to come.

After returning from Montana, June was another big real estate month with several closings. Many of you have asked, and yes, I am working full-time. It mentally keeps me going and I am a real estate nut. So to all my great clients out there, thanks for keeping them coming in.

Robert and I have been busy with work and making memories, but I think Catherine has been the busiest one in the family! She went to Oak Hill Day Camp upon return from Montana. Two weeks of big fun with friends Celia Trotter, Mattie Hogan, Jack Kim, Spencer Linn, Carter Arnold in the Purple Group and Bubble Gum. Oak Hill is phenomenal – swimming pool, horseback, snack bar w/snow cones, dramatic performance of “Safety Dance”, a ropes course, games and on and on.

After finishing that up, she and Will were on to Bubbles and Roll, the great swim lessons given for over 40 years by the Sweetman family. Catherine and Will both started taking from Mrs. Carolyn when they were 18 mos old. It is an incredible program – children under the age of two going into the deep end, rolling to their backs to a back float WITHOUT FLOATATION DEVICES. No, we don’t expect them to be Michael Phelps, but it is comforting to know that our kids will know how to survive if they accidentally fall into the water. Do the little kids cry? Yes, it’s not for the faint of heart. It is all about survival. True confession – I was terrified of the water and did not swim until I was eight years old. I highly recommend this program. Thank-you teachers Mrs. Carolyn, Mr. Brendan, Mrs. Diana, Mrs. Kelsey, Mr. Adam, Miss Annjanette and Mrs. Cheri!

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