Thursday, August 3, 2023

November 2022

At the beginning of November, Jim's mom and I drove to Iowa to surprise her brother with a visit. He was surprised!
I was able to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in awhile. 
More fun times with friends.
On a half day, I took the kids out to lunch. I took this picture of Patrick.
Then, I told him to open his eyes more.
I was driving Maggie and some friends somewhere and they were all reading a book. So sweet.
Jim and I enjoyed a night at the parish auction.
We saw Jim's friend from high school and college at the auction.

Three-fourths of the running group together at the auction.
Jack did a lot of volunteering at a local soup kitchen this fall. I enjoyed going with him.
When Jim's sister and brother-in-law were in town we hosted their cousin and his family. It was fun to see them!
My girlfriend hosted a fashion show at a local salon. Another friend was the recipient of a makeover.
Our friend Joe entertained the kids at a Cub Scout meeting. Maggie got to come and enjoy the show. She was excited when Joe selected her for a magic trick.
Charlie was also selected to help with magic.
On our annual glamping weekend, Jack drove and Jim sat in the backseat with his guitar.
Patrick got a chance to play a little.
Instead of making pjs for the kids this year, we decided to order shirts for the moms.
The kids had fun playing together.


We played some bingo in the afternoon.  We also played ping pong, mini golf, and watched a movie. It was a fun place.

On Thanksgiving morning, I ran with some of my running friends. We did not do the official race, but ran by some of it. We stopped for a picture with our favorite police officer (and the best man from our wedding).
While we didn't actually run the race (or the course), we thought it would be fun to get a picture at the finish.
Thanksgiving!
We sent this picture to David to let him know we missed him!

I know this picture is blurry, but it cracks me up. Ryan is messing with Adam, Jim looks totally uncomfortable, and Patrick looks annoyed that we are interrupting his reading. 
Connie was in town and we got together for a run.
At the Reid party, Jack tried on Rory's coat. It used to be Jack's, but doesn't fit him anymore.
I saw this on Maggie's calendar. I sent it out to the Reids telling them I wasn't sure, but I liked to think "party" is being used as a verb here.
My awesome cousin had the picture from Maggie's calendar put on shirts for her and her boys. LOVE it!
Advent by Candlelight with some great women.
Betsy had little gifts for each of us.
Each gift had a sweet note to help us start the Advent season.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

October 2022

At the beginning of October, Jim's band played at a local church's festival.
Kitty and Keith were still in town and got to hear them play.
I co-hosted a middle school moms brunch with these lovely ladies.
We made a stop for frozen custard after a volleyball game.
After school shenanigans on the street:

Jack came with us to one of Maggie's volleyball games. He was hungry so we stopped at Trader Joe's on the way. Less than a year after this picture was taken, Jack became an employee at the store!
The fall Cub Scout campout was a success!


Charlie did a reading at mass.
So many campers!
Aunt Helen came in for a visit!






Cousin time!

Patrick was on the team for the Academic Tournament of Champions.

Maggie's girl scout troop went to the pumpkin patch.
Jambeque 2023 was a success!  We had great weather and a fabulous venue!





Jack and I went to the Mother-Son Mass and Brunch at his school.
On Patrick's 13th birthday, his best bud brought him lunch to school.
Cookie cake for dessert that night.


We had the family over to celebrate. I wrote He's rad, he's keen, he's thirteen on his cake. Aunt Sue put it on my cake when I turned 13.

Jack had an awesome year diving! It was so fun to watch him.




After volunteering at a soup kitchen one morning, Jack and I grabbed lunch at IKEA. 
After lunch, we picked up some treats from a local bakery, and walked around Tower Grove Park.
I brought Jack to this pop jet fountain many times when he was little.
Trunk or Treat at school:



Jack took 3rd place in diving at the conference meet!!!
Jim's friend Robert was there with his girls.
Jim was working, so I went to a Halloween party on my own. There were lots of good costumes.
Maggie's teacher came to her volleyball game!
Patrick and the music teacher were both dressed as pirates for the Halloween parade.
Maggie's class:
I helped with Maggie's class Halloween party.
Maggie was a big help making jack-o-lanterns this year.
Happy Halloween from two cute kittens.
These guys are pretty cute, too.