Things

 All the things that keep us busy.

Evy had fun at Kathryn's birthday party.

Charlie and her team at their dance winter party.

Scott enjoyed another year of deer hunting.

The parents actually snuck out for an adult-only gathering.

I had so much fun going to dinner with these 3 and Lila's mom.

Will got a very nice note from his teacher!

Charlie got to spend the night at a hotel for Lily's birthday party.

Thanksgiving 2021

We spent Thanksgiving day at Scott's parent's house. Charlie had my phone all day so only very random video evidence exists. Over the weekend we went to see my parents where we participated in all kinds of random entertainment. 

And then we got COVID-19

Ugh. Both Scott and I were fully vaccinated in the spring and were coming up on 6 months since our 2nd shot. Evy was fully vaccinated over the summer and Will and Charlie were scheduled for their first shots the following week. On Monday 11/1 I developed cold-like symptoms, by Wednesday afternoon fatigue set in and on Thursday 11/4 I suddenly lost all taste and smell. Yikes. I took and dropped off and PCR test and my results came back as POSITIVE on Friday. Following my positive test, we had the rest of the family tested and both Will and Charlie came back positive as well although they didn't have or ever develop a single symptom. I felt pretty horrible for 4 days and quarantined in my bedroom. The kids were required to quarantine for 10 days before returning to school so we completed 10 days of online school. We tested Evy daily with home tests and she continued to go to school. It took 6 weeks for me to regain any taste or smell and even then it was only about 80% as good as prior to having COVID. 

 

All Things Halloween

We kicked the season off with forced family fun at the local pumpkin patch. 

The kids did so much better with pumpkin carving this year - they actually managed most of it. Evy did her entire pumpkin on her own. 

On Halloween night the kids split 3 ways. Evy and her group of pirates did their own thing - hitting up a few houses for candy before heading back to our house. Charlie and her crew went the distance and even had a candy swap at the end of the night. Scott and I tagged along with Will and his friend Alex. It was a great night!  

Hockey Comes to Town

We have a new professional minor league hockey team in town. Scott and Will have been loving the Iowa Heartlanders games. Lots of action. Lots of fights. Lots of noise. Scott and Will took in the inaugural game and then Charlie joined them for the next game. 

Evy - First Jr. High Dance

First Jr. High Dance! Since Evy wears nothing but athletic clothes on a normal day we had to do a little shopping before the dance. New jeans and a sweater - check. I drove her group of friends to the dance and worked the concession stand. Evy and her boyfriend Jonathan "went to the dance together" although they didn't go there together so I don't actually know what any of this teenage terminology means. 

Evy Turns 13

Evy turned 13 on a Thursday and wanted to spend her afternoon at the 8th-grade boy's basketball game. I forced her home by 5:30 to celebrate with the family. We ordered Chinese food and had cake and ice cream. On Friday afternoon 6 of her friends came over after school. There was a Jr. High Dance that evening and that served as their entertainment. After the dance, they came back to our house for a sleepover where they watched a scary movie and stayed up too late. 

THE BIRTHDAY INTERVIEW

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Yellow

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Chinese.

 Q: Who is your best friend?

A: Sophia, Laela, Kathryn, Lila E., Lila B., Sasha, Jonathan

Q: What is your favorite thing to do?

A: Hangout with friends. 

Q: What is your favorite song?

A: Pop Rap Stuff.

Q: What is your favorite treat?

A: Starbucks or Donuts.

Q: What is your favorite drink?

A: Starbucks, Pink Drink.

Q: What is your favorite show or movie?

A: OBX (Outer Banks)

Q: What is your favorite toy?

A: My Phone

Q: What is your favorite thing to do with your family?

A: Go out to eat.

Q: Where is your favorite place to go?

A: Disney World.

 Q: What is your favorite book?

A: She doesn’t read

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: Too early to think about that. I have no idea.  

Q: Are there any other things you want to tell me about being 13?

A: It’s great because I’m a teenager!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about school?

A: Social Aspect, walking to class with Jonathan.

Will -Flag Football

Will played in the Red Zone 1st and 2nd Grade division this year. His team was mostly 1st graders with little experience and it made for a tough season. Unfortunately, the Cowboys went 0-8. Will had some great runs and puts maximum effort into the games. We're so proud of him and hoping that next year brings a bit more luck to the team.

 

Go Hawks!

After a year of no tailgating due to COVID it feels good to be back at it this year. We've enjoyed tailgating and then going home to watch the game. The Hawks had a nice run and ended up ranked #2 in the country before losing and having the wheels come off their offense. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. 

 

Jr. High Volleyball

Evy played Jr. High Volleyball this year. She was on the Green A team. It was a great way to get better at the game and meet new friends. They had her in the setter position and she really improved by the end of the season.