This Never Gets Old

This weekend Keagan and I were north of Atlanta for a  soccer showcase. Luckily, there were no round abouts and no one way street mishaps this go around. Just three hard fought soccer games in our once upon a time “home” state. No matter where we are, watching him play never gets old.

We won the second game, but didn’t fare so well in the other two. We saw no college coaches in attendance, and we played on the back half of baseball fields while the soccer fields “rested”. Our hotel bathroom had mold on the walls, and our free breakfast did not meet Keagan’s expectations. But this! This never gets old. 

6 out of 6

The last acceptance letter finally arrived this week! That makes 6 out of 6 acceptance letters! Unfortunately, UK didn’t make it out of Evan’s top six. Sorry, UK. You should have sent us the 99cent gifts of socks, flags, or posters like the finalists did or at the very least act interested in having him on your campus. Evan narrowed down his list to three in December: UTK, UAB, and Belmont.

In January he narrowed his three down to two: UAB and UTK. Our tour of UTK is the first week of February and then a decision has to be made. Housing deposits are due and roommate choices have to be made. 

Chihuly Art

We bought our tickets almost a month ago. We finally got to see the Chihuly exhibition at the botanical gardens tonight. It did not disappoint. 

This was my favorite. I call it Medusa.

This was Wes’s favorite. He said it reminded him of the antler sculptures in Jackson Hole. 

The colors were so vivid. It’s amazing that these are all made of glass! Because I struggled to get my blown glass ornament shaped when I tried glass blowing three years ago, I can’t imagine being able to do what he did. 

Side note: Teen boys don’t appreciate glass blowing like mid-lifers. 

New Years Eve

Had I known we would have a party of six at our house tonight for New Years Eve, I would have planned for food, 2021 decor, and some party hats. Instead we had left over asparagus, Christmas decor, and NBA league pass. 

We pulled out some board games for old fashioned family fun. There were very few fireworks in the neighborhood this year - just enough to send Ryker into hiding - and no New Years show in Nashville to watch on tv. 

And at 10:30 Wes went to bed, I read a book, and the kids watched a movie. Happy 2021! May the new year bring us all joy, good health, and adventure.

Texas, Sweet Texas

This what it looks like when 40 something year olds try to take a selfie. Laughs are guaranteed with my Texas girls! I’m crossing my fingers we get our girls’ trip this year.

This what it looks like when your boys are in their happy places in Texas. 

This what 94 years of life look like in Texas. 

This what a Texas legacy looks like. 

Oh how I miss my Texas family and friends. 

Goodbye 2020

Today we prepare to say good-bye to 2020. There is so much we can claim as good in a year that was unusual at best, sad at times, and full of disappointment at others. 

Evan learned to fish. During our first quarantine, he took it upon himself to spend time outdoors at the local rivers. He caught these bass in East Texas, cleaned them with the help of his uncle Jamie, and ate them with a bit of lemon juice and Cajun seasoning. 

Keagan set a goal of playing soccer in college. He created a YouTube channel to highlight his talent, and just this week he started working with I-Movie to create a highlight film. 

Wes taught himself how to play guitar, took online guitar classes, and bought enough equipment to have a “band room.” 

I joined a gym last January and lost 25 pounds - 30 pounds on a good day. I’ve learned to run again, and I have muscle in my arms. I’ve never felt better. 

We have big travel plans for 2021. I’m hoping to finally get to Peru, see a national park or two, and go to the beach. We will celebrate Evan’s graduation in May, he will choose a university, and we will move him into the dorms in August. Here’s to a wonderful start to a new year!

Merry Christmas!🎄

Santa came! It was the Christmas of technology. Both boys got laptops - the school issued Lenovas just can’t get us through remote learning. Keagan also needed to up the ante with something that could make highlight videos. It will take Evan six months to get used to something new, so I decided he better get a head start before he leaves for school. 

Both boys got new shoes and Keagan had to take in the new shoe smell. 

Keagan got a mini fridge. Oh, the excitement on his face! Worth every penny! He has it stocked already with pumpkin roll, fruit, and drinks. 

Evan got fishing gear - waders, a fishing scale, and pliers. He’s pretty serious about his fishin’. 

Both boys got ice scrapers. Keagan took his out of his stocking and confusingly said, “Hummm, a back scratcher?” Then he asked, “Is is a pooper scooper?” Evan said, “Dude! It’s an ice scraper! There’s no excuse now - you’re going to school.”

The fun didn’t stop with the ice scraper. I put a travel grooming set in the stockings, and Keagan said, “A murder kit? It’s got knives and sharp things that could do some harm!” 

Evan and Makinley swapped gifts this afternoon. Looks like they got some matching Christmas lounge pants.

Next up on our agenda? Nothing! A day on the couch is in store for us.