Our Old Ways

The Terrys and Smiths have other plans, so we aren't going to be the pickleball version of ourselves. We're going back to the grazing and pajama versions. Our friends were supportive of the move. 

I would do a play by play, but we really did just eat and laugh and talk. The kids had fun playing games with Todd. 

I'm grateful to have friends that do not require us to entertain. 

AJ and Rebecca

New Year's countdown

Kids near and far...Kassie and Ethan celebrating in Utah

Mathew in Arkansas

Miranda and Anna under the table eating 12 grapes to bring luck for the new year. 

And a surprise visit from Evie, Anna's sweet friend. She walked in the middle of the night, because Anna's phone privileges were revoked for the day. I won't get into it. But I thought that was pretty lovely. 

 Happy New Years! 

The forgotten week

That five days in between Christmas and New Years is just weird. Routines are off, meals are a hodge podge of leftovers, stale treats and heating up tater tots. 

It's no man's land.

We're in a holiday fog.

We managed a few things...

AJ picked up her official driver's permit!

I'm working on my paint by number. It's coming along,

The ward held their ice skating party....it was "winter raining". 

I sat in the truck. I draw the line at watching ice skating and getting soaked. I had a nice nap and Megan took pictures for me! I know I'm lame and totally no fun.

Even though I bark at her alot and tell her to "stop parenting your sisters", I am really glad that she's so good at stepping in when I am snoozing in the truck. 

We held our 3rd annual Power Hour at the gym and Mark set it up so that there was a big rowing race at the end with little boats to show who was winning. It was super cool. People suffering on the floor is a sure sign. 

I'm glad this weird week is over. Lets take down the tree and get organized. 
 

Thanksgiving 2024

It's our year to have Ethan and Kassie for Thanksgiving! Next year we get Christmas! 

Mathew won't make it, he's having his last Thanksgiving in Idaho with his best friend, Damian. I'm happy that he's got people there that he will miss and that will miss him. 

We will make our assigned dishes and head over to the Flynns, as we do. 

Winnie is front and center, helping me with ham, rolls and chocolate lasagna. 

She drives me a little batty, but that little warm bird belly on my forehead is pretty adorable, too. And she has an excellent vantage point hanging from my hair.

The Spread

The Friends (Laney is taking the photo)

Aidan's brave debut of his most recently learned chords...I do believe it was the infant stages of The Sweater Song. 

Some high caliber chillin

Kylie, Miranda, and Emma took Laney, AJ and Everly to see Wicked at the movie theater. So we made our way to the basement to watch Fall Guy. It is and will always be one of my favorites.

Silliness! 

We went home full, happy and entertained. It was a perfect day! 

The Fourth

Teenagers are pretty cute. 

Last year we bought some fireworks to set off, but when we went to the Lenexa Stake Center, there was a definite "no no" vibe there. So they've been sitting in the cabinet above the fridge for a whole year. 

I love those roman candles!

The neon smoke bombs were very cool.

Mark snuck off with the girls earlier to get a few more....real fireworks. 

When the fireworks ran out, we headed over to Gardner lake. The lights on the water is particularly beautiful. 

 I can't think of a better way to celebrate!

Thanksgiving Surprise

Mathew has been living in Idaho for 2 1/2 years now and has reached a point where he can't stand another minute without a car. We tried in vain to help him find and finance a car, but it's pretty hard for a kid without wheels to get around to acquire wheels. 

Finally, we realized it might be best to buy him a one-way flight home for Thanksgiving and then he can drive the KIA back to Idaho. Bonus...no haggling with salesmen or paying sales tax. 

And bonus!! We got Mathew home for Thanksgiving!

Megan came home for the weekend too. It's great having her go to school nearby. 

Mathew settled right back in and everyone soaked up some brother time. 

I missed my Maf!

We planned to get together with the Flynns, McDonalds, Eberts and Hursts. Our assignment was the stuffing, ham, and a pie. So much better than making everything ouselves!

I made a Pecan Cream Pie and it changed my life. I found my Spirit Dessert. 

It was a warm and cozy meal. I'm grateful for our framily. (That's my new name for our friends that feel like family). 

FRAMILY

AJ has hit the "don't photograph me, you psycho" phase. I'm not worried...this too shall pass. 

Everly is still cool with it. 

Look at these boys men! 

Court and Todd slicing the bird!

The spread of pies....we slacked off on the desserts last year and it is clear we learned our lesson. 

And as all Thanksgivings should end....

Happy Thanksgiving!