Red Ribbon Week

This week was "Red Ribbon Week" at the trio's schools. However, with Skip's birthday, Halloween and putting together crazy outfits each day, no photos were taken. 

Except for George's "too cool for drugs" day (see sunglasses above). Although there is no pictorial evidence, everyone had a good time. 

Scouts Halloween Party

George had a Halloween party at Scouts tonight. Although George has a new costume for Halloween, he wanted to "save it" for Halloween night and opted to be an officer for scouts. 

More is more, right? 

Also, I cannot get enough of that toothless smile right now. 

Normally, Scouts is something the guys do, but since Skip was out of town, the girls were on deck to make scouts happen. So... after dance... we all went to scouts, and they found a fellow dancer who also had brother duty.  

Halloween Party one: Done

Skip's Birthday Finale

Last but certainly not least, Skip's birthday finale included a favorite pie with his folks. 

Happy birthday, Skip! 

Alabama v Tennessee

We have the luxury of a three day weekend, and what better time to watch the Alabama Crimson Tide play? Lauren and Grace have been to a game before, but this was George's first time at Bryant-Denny, and he loved it! We had such a great night watching the Tide prevail. 

Honoring the 2009 National Championship team

Skip's Birthday

Fortunately, Skip's birthday fell on the Thursday of a three-day weekend for the trio. Although it took a little persuasion, we talked Skip into taking that Friday off, and he chose PF Chang's for a belated birthday lunch. 

After lunch, we walked through the Apple store where we had less success persuading him to splurge on the new iPhone 12. 

Later that night we had some dinner and his favorite dessert, caramel cake. He opened his cards and a couple of gifts, which did not include a new iPhone. There's always Christmas, windy-wink. 

Happy Birthday to our very favorite non-Apple user! 

Skip's Birthday

Happy birthday to our favorite! We love you bunches, and cannot wait to celebrate you this weekend!

Baseball

George was on fire tonight! We LOVE watching him play!

Service Day

The girls' middle school is big into community outreach, and this year they built into the school year two, school-wide service days, one in the fall and one in the spring. Students were allowed to sign up for several locations throughout the greater area if they were able to provide their own transportation to/from the site. Otherwise, buses were provided for 3-4 other locations. Finally, there were opportunities to serve at school. 

The girls signed up for a local nature preserve, and their group was given the glamorous job of cleaning up debris. They spent all morning filling reusable trash bags (think of onion sacks) with trash. At one point they crossed the creek (chilly!) to get to the opposite bank which was badly littered. So proud of these girls for their service and for, in a small part, making the world a better place. 

The Boys

We accidentally have gotten a little overly scheduled this fall, and Skip has tagged in for the occasional pick up from various practices. I love getting a quick snap confirming that the mission has been completed.  

Red Rover

William George's third grade class kicked it "old school" at recess yesterday with a little game of Red Rover. He is having such a great time this year!

Fall 2019

We have had a tough time getting motivated for fall this year because we have had unusually high temps. Basically, friends, it has been a scorcher, and you know this if you're local and have been sweating right through the fall season. 

At the first break of heat, we purchased pumpkins, mums and put out a few decorations. Finally, we can try to enjoy fall. 

Baseball

We got to spend Saturday watching our favorite player.  

Lunch Date

George's school always asks that parents wait for about a month before visiting students at lunch. William George was sure to let me know as soon as visitors were allowed, and we had our first lunch date this week. So excited for many more this year!

PS: See the exciting construction in the background? 

National Teddy Bear Day

George is blessed with a fun teacher this year who does cool things like spotlight reading (bring a flashlight, book and blanket, and set up tents in the classroom) and celebrating National Teddy Bear Day, which was today. Who knew? 

Brownie Bear was thrilled to put in a classroom visit. (George wanted to substitute his beloved Snoopy, but he's far too special to venture that far away.) 

George met up with his best bud in the morning, and those two demonstrated some awesome fathering skills. They are going to make two girls very happy some day! 

Such a fun way to liven up the classroom!

Fall Picture Day

William George had school picture day yesterday, and the duo have it today. We are bribing them for big smiles!

All County Band

There is video to accompany this pic. Imagine approximately 100 band members warming up to varying pieces of music all at once. 

I'm so proud of them for trying out for All County Band (especially because it's so competitive), but I had to wait outside... where it was quieter. 

But I'm so proud. I really am.  

Girls' Birthdays

The duo celebrated their 13th birthday last Thursday. The girls chose tacos for their birthday dinner, followed by some delish cupcakes and a couple of presents. 

They had some friends over Saturday evening to celebrate. They hung out, had pizza and a second round of cupcakes. It was great catching up with their friends, who had also recently celebrated birthdays, so it was their first official teenager hang out. 

We had lunch on Sunday with grandparents, and the duo chose lasagna and their favorite cakes (coconut for Lauren and chocolate for Grace). So blessed to celebrate with grandparents, and many, many thanks for such generous gifts.  

Happy 13th! 

We are so excited to watch you grow!