Thanksgiving 2023 & Festival of Trees

Our Thanksgiving Holiday was a good one...  a much needed break from school for the kids, and from work for Ryan and me.  I tend to just realize that life is too short, and I just want to be home with my kids. 

Wednesday afternoon, I joined a few girl friends for a FRIENDS trivia at SmashPark - that was fun, a nice little change. 

Thursday we headed to Creston for the day.  I was so worried about Mike and being overwhelmed with all the company, but he did pretty well.  Most everyone was there, we enjoyed lunch, and played a few games in the afternoon.  Soon it was dark, and cold...  the kids did pretty well - keeping fairly busy.  We did make them play outside!!  Mike did pretty well - a lot of sitting, but each day since then, he's been doing better and sounding better.  Truly thankful for that. 

Friday we hung out at home... we decorated for Christmas (just the upstairs tree and Nativity scene) - and just enjoyed being home.  Then later in the afternoon, Cora danced at Festival of Trees downtown.  This was fun - we had an hour slot of entertainment at the Festival, and it was fun to see some of the dances that will be competing this season.  Cora danced her duet and two large group dances...  they did pretty well, but definitely have some work to do!

Saturday morning was a lazy morning...  just hung out at home, cleaned a little, ran to Fleet Farm...  then we headed to Clarion for turkey there.  Saturday was the first snowfall of the season too - not too much, but enough to cover the ground.  We had a nice time up there - Jill hosted, and we had great food...  and played a fun game with everyone too.  Was a very nice night. 

A great holiday weekend...  we all needed to recharge, and I think we did.  

9th Grade basketball

Kayson has started 9th grade basketball - practices, and games. 

He has made both A and B teams - which is great, however, I know he wanted to be full time A team.  What he will do is work hard and show the coaches that he can be on the A team, but we are finding the positive. With the two teams, he will 'suit' on the A games (hopefully play some), then on the B team, he will start.  Or at least that's how we understand. 

We have a driver!

Kayson officially took the streets yesterday, November 14. 

After a very long wait at the DOT (what's the point of appointments?!) - he drove to school, drove home, drove to the HS for basketball, etc.  So far, so good.  

I worry about him...  I worry about others around him... and I worry that he just pays attention to walkers, dogs, kids, all the things. 

This & That and Papa Mike

Honestly, there hasn't been much going on - for activities lately.  The kids are just going through dance and basketball practices.  Things have been pretty good... and a pretty good routine. 

Our sweet Papa Mike has been in the hospital for the last week and a half unfortunately...  fighting a terrible infection that he got while undergoing a surgery.  It's been a rough couple weeks for him - I know he's so frustrated, but I think we are on the up and up.  Each day is getting better.  Continued prayers for that guy and gaining his strength!!

Ryan's been super busy with work - travelling, and then any time that he's home, he's been down in Creston with his parents.  I'm sure he's exhausted!  He did step away and get to the Iowa game on Saturday - took Kayson and K's friend Ben.  I believe they had a good time. 

I am now back in the office 3 days a week.  Last week was the first official week - and I was pooped!!  We can choose any 3 days to go in, which is nice...  I'll for sure be in on Tuesday's, and then probably Mondays or Thursdays.  I think it just kind of depends on evening schedules and meetings.  

Miss Allie and Cora and Maggie.

Loves from Boomer

We did some crafts with Aylah!

Duke, K and Ben at the Iowa/Rutgers game

2023 Titans Dance Convention

Sunday was a BUSY day for Cora May.  We always do the Titans dance convention here in town - it's a one-day convention, which is great - but also makes for a super long day for those kiddos. 

Cora was up and at 'em early - 6:30, out the door a little before 7am.  Due to her age, she was not with her normal "Juniors" group, and I know that bothers her, but she was with a few great "Teens" along with her friend Quinn.  I know it's a shift for her, but she did well, and Charlee said she was challenged, but she did great.  That's all I ask.