Botanic Gardens Lights

Trying to get 8 kids to take a picture is no easy feat, but at least they are all in the frame.

 

Austin

The day we moved, I took the older two down to Austin to watch my nephew swim in Junior Nationals.  The timing wasn't great, and Brian definitely took the brunt of the move, but it was important to my nephew, and to the older two, that we be there.  In the midst of chaos, I left my phone at home (which was a much needed break in some ways, but posed some challenges).   Brian had to email the older kids our flight info (to check in), and our tickets to the swim meet, as well as getting ubers to take around.  Luckily I had my watch (which has cellular service) and was able to connect with a friend from college while we were there.  

Of course, besides the meet, we had to hit up Big Top candy shop.

Nicholas did really well, but its an incredibly competitive meet.  It was exciting to watch and a good experience for the kids to see this high level of swimming!

 

Owl & B

 

Holiday Greens

The 8th grade trip at our kids school is typically to England (minus the few COVID years).  We are hopeful that will happen again this year.  In order to pay for it, there are several large fundraisers, one of which is the selling of holiday greens.  I co chaired this fundraiser this year, which culminated this weekend.  We sold nearly $57,000 worth of product.  Yesterday I picked up a few of LTs friends to help hand out greens at the pick up.  

 

Fully Vaxxed!

 

Gingerbread House Making Party

 

Cousin Time for Thanksgiving

 

Corono Arch and Canyonlands

 

Corona Arch in the Time of Corona

Lots of good times on our recent short road trip to Moab but the highlight was the hike one morning to Corona Arch. 

A Road Trip to Moab- Day 1

We met up with some friends in Moab.  The first night we all left our kids in the hotel rooms and just the adults went out to dinner.  Unusual for us, we got them Wendy's take out, which then became a theme.  They got it 3 times while in Moab and now its become a running joke.

The next morning we all headed into Arches to explore for the day.

This picture is typical of our family, the 6 year old playing with toys and running around, which the teen has his airpods in.

And because the weather wasn't scorching hot (dogs aren't allowed in the national parks off the paths), we brought Lexi of course.