Thanksgiving Vacation With the Youngs

(Lot's of blogging.  Lots of posts.  Keep on scrolling)

The prep began the day before, because, there is SO MUCH cooking when it comes to Thankgiving. 

Little people played games and made movies on iPads and ran around and were cray cray.

The next day there was more cooking and lots of waiting.  Lucy was in charge of the centerpiece and did a lovely job.  And she wore a chain, ironically. Rob brined the turkey and it was magnifique and moist and delicious in ways turkey generally isn't. 

At last it was ready.

It was a good one.  A great one really.  

The adults walked off the overeating and games were played.  The next day we went up to Valles Caldera and Los Conchas and went to the Santa Fe Tree Lighting.  After the grown ups had a yummy dinner at Jambo whilst the kids ate burgers. 

 We were so glad to have the Young's join us.  It was so fun!!

Lucy's 18th Birthday

(Lot's of blogging, lot's of posts, lots of being behind, so keep on scrolling)

Lucy celebrated her 18th birthday the day before Thanksgiving.  The weekend before I think she and friends celebrated with dinner and a movie.  But then again they may not have.  I can't remember that far back.  Yikes.  Anyway on the actual day of her birthday we kicked off the day with gift opening.  The Young's were here for T-giving, and we spent the afternoon at Meow Wolf, which is super cool and weird and hard to explain.  It's like walking through a dreamscape.  After Meow Wolf we ate at Atrisco's and then it was home for Brownies and every flavor of ice cream you could imagine. 

It's hard to believe Lucy is a grown up.  It's awesome too.  I don't have to fill out forms at the dentist for her.  But it's sad, because, yikes, she's going to college soon.  She's far too amazing a human for us to be eager for her to fly the coop. But, alas, ready or not, there she goes.  

Some Stuff From Fall

(Catching up.  Lots of post,so keep on scrolling).

Clara got to enjoy a fun leaf jump at recess.

One morning as we were rushing to get out the door, Clara was standing in front of the window.  I told her to move it and go brush her teeth.  "I can't."  "Why?"

"No reason."  "Clara go!"  So she steps aside and I see this.  ACK!  "I promised the older kids I wouldn't let you see it.  That's why I was standing here."

That is a pack rat.  And that is disgusting.  It hung out there for several hours.  Then was gone.  Ewwwww. 

 There was another bouldering comp at the Santa Fe Gym.  Good Times.

Halloween 2017

 (multiple posts....I'm waaaaay behind.  Keep on scrolling) Halloween....there were still jack o'lanterns.  Some of us are more burned out than others on this tradition, but independent children makes it happen.  

 I'm one of the room parents and we were in charge of treats and a table for the RGS Halloween Parade.  Clara made cookies.  Lots and lots of cookies. 

 Lucy and friends were the "spice girls"

 Napoleon was resurected

 HS P.E. coach

 Prison Mike (from The Office)

Yank N' Yard Bouldering Comp.

The kids participated in a big climbing comp down at Stone Age Gym in ABQ in October.  It was Clara's first comp.  It was really fun to watch the kids in action.  We stayed all day because in the evening Rob and Lucy joined us to watch the USA climbing professional comp and it was SO COOL.  Climbers are kinda amazing.  The kids did well.  Anders came in 6th in his division.  Good times.