Christmas in Paris

 

Bags are packed and passports are ready.... see you all in the new year!

Thankful

This year I counted my many blessings on the long drive to Southern California to celebrate the holiday weekend (and FSU's victory over UF in college football!) with my family at my brother's house.

I am thankful for my job and the work I do, and for my Town.

I am thankful for my friends that are like family to me.

I am thankful for Hamp who is living his very best life right now at Sogndal Folk School in Norway and loves to call and tell me all the truly incredible things he gets to do.

I am thankful for Sam who was the very best road trip partner, great driver, and sweet cousin all weekend!

And I am thankful for my family - they are easy to laugh with and play with and always so full of love.

embrace adventure

 a somewhat spontaneous girls' trip to Vegas - full of good food and drink, the best conversation, excellent people watching, and so much fun entertainment - wrapped up in just 7 photos:

And one more photo from the wall of The Smashed Pig just to sum it all up:

Sam can manage

After a strong finish at the regional golf tournament in September, Sam transitioned immediately from regular golf practice after school... to regular volleyball practice after school!

He loves the sport - and understands that without a men's team his best chance to get on the court is to manage the women's team. At least then he can work drills and warm up with the team, then help the coaching staff with stats and gear during games. 

And even though he's not competing, he still learns a lot and has such wonderful friendships with his teammates. I am grateful that the coaching staff allows Sam to be an integral part of the team and that the girls all include him in their team meals, celebrations, bus rides, and even a tik tok video here and there! (case in point: check out the 3rd window from the back!)

This team had an extraordinary season and made it to the top 4 in the State tournament where Sam was quite proud to represent MHS Volleyball at the big show in Denver!

(and I was quite proud of him for his dedication to the team)

3rd time's a charm

I am so proud of Sam and myself! Last weekend we finally accomplished something that had been alluding us for years...

In 2017, the boys and I were all curious about this very visible hike in Palisade and attempted to get to the end but only made it about a quarter of the way up.

Great views, whiny 13-year old, and a plan to try again. 

So in 2018 we made our second attempt and managed to get half way up before running out of time. 

More great views, not as much whining, and disappointment at not getting any further.

So last weekend, with the whole day full of big blue skies and mild temps and nothing else to do, I literally drug Sam out of bed for one, last try. We were determined - and I have Sam to thank for keeping us on track and persevering and encouraging me when I doubted our goal. It was no easy task - 2,000 feet elevation in 2 miles - but totally worth it.

Amazing views, only a little whining (yeah, that would be me!) and the satisfaction of making it to the top!

Just missing our 3rd hiking partner this time - sorry Hamp, you'll have to attempt this one when you get back from Norway!!!

Homecoming pictures

Sam had the very best date for Homecoming this year - these two are fun together and complement each other so well! 

And I love to see his big, genuine smile and how he enjoys being with all his friends...

 

Homecoming preparations

 Sam had a wonderful sophomore homecoming experience - partly because as class president he was highly involved in the planning and organizing of the dance and some of the week's activities, and mostly because he did all the fun activities with good friends and a great Homecoming date!

There were dress-up days at school and (his favorite!) the Peach Fuzz volleyball game in the evening. And of course, he represented the golf team in the Homecoming parade!