The stockings were hung...

OK, so we don't have a chimney to hang the stockings, but we they were filled with care... even Penny's!

We're off for a ski weekend with the Etheridge family ~ see you all in 2025!

family

We took the opportunity to get family portraits done during our visit in Mississippi and the result is a truly cherished collection of photos of our Hightower family!

The last time we had family portraits done, the youngest cousin wasn't even born yet!

Yaya & Papa live in a beautiful golf community and we found the perfect spot to gather around them. Love seeing all the grands together...

Thanksgiving with family

Hamp & Sam and I travelled to Mississippi to see our Hightower family for Thanksgiving!

quote of the day from Hamp: "I'm almost 21 years old and I still have to sit at the kids table."

We did manage to have formal family photographs taken... which I am excited to see and share! But the candid shots are the best because they represent all the laughter, the bonding, the games, and the food that we enjoyed together:

All 6 cousins spent most of the time outside (because why not?!) playing volleyball, football, soccer, spikeball... or chase the puppy!

"the girls"

"the middle crew"

"the big boys"

and of course, the newest addition to the family... sweet and shy little Panda.

one year with Lucky Penny

*** dog appreciation post ***

Penny  has been with us for a year now... and she has become the very best companion!

She travels incredibly well and is simply happy to be included in whatever activity we are doing. She is great to hang out at the Brewery with us, is always up for a walk, loves her "babies" (stuffed animals) and treats, and most of all she is truly dedicated to her people. My favorite part is that she has been a great motivator for me to take her on some fun hikes all over the state:

South Fork Trail in Meeker

Crystal Mill Trail in Marble

Winter doggo in Meeker!

Devil's Causeway - Sam's sunrise hiking partner!

Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride

Flatirons Trail in Boulder

I am so happy that she came into our lives - I think we are all better for having her with us.

I'm also just so glad that we can give her a happy home and love and attention (and treats!)

Senior Homecoming

Sam's homecoming week was everything he wanted it to be... fun, spirited, and successful!

As student body president, he was ultimately in charge of much of the organization of the week, including arranging and emceeing an all district pep rally! So when everything went smoothly - including the Seniors winning Powder Puff, Peach Fuzz, Parade, and Spirit week (!) he was particularly pleased. It helped that he got to share in the fun with all his favorite people, and get all dressed up to take his girlfriend to the Homecoming dance.

one more round...

... of Varsity golf as a MHS Senior player!

Sam finished strong this year with a fun final golf season - including more beautiful courses around the state, a great team to practice, travel, and play with, and several really good rounds of tournament play!

He tried something new his freshman year, stuck with it throughout high school, struggled with missing class to attend tournaments but made it through with not only flying colors in the classroom but also great memories on the course. I am so proud of his dedication to being a good team member and his tenacity with trying to improve at the sport. Between the great coaching and the best of friends, I know his time spent on the course will always be a positive influence in his life.

September in Colorado

Autumn weekends out here are the best time to go hiking...
so Sam and I (and Penny!) took advantage of that with a couple of great adventures!

Our first trip was to Telluride to check out Bridal Veil Falls and we took Sam's girlfriend with us, which made for some even more beautiful photos!

waterfall #1:

waterfall #2:

and Bridal Veil Falls:

(that small, bright spot on the rock at the bottom of the falls is Sam!)

We found another beautiful weekend to visit Hamp in Boulder and all got to hike together in the Flatirons!

It made my heart so happy to be outside with both boys and I can't wait to go back and find some more trails...