Janis Concert 2019

This year sports REALLY put a kink in our Janis tradition. Only Frances and I could go as Maggie had a futsal game...coached by Henry...at the same time.

IT WAS INCREDIBLE. One of my favorites. I cried at the beauty and emotion and it always makes us so happy to see our Janis. 

It was also an occasion of sorts....Frances is now taller than Janis......geez louise......

We didn't get our tree up until late Sunday as Frances had a basketball tournament.

One of the kid's favorite traditions is to put their letter ornaments up - from Janis - at their height. Henry is really getting close to the top.

Wine Country

This year we decided to switch it up and go to the Wine Country instead of the beach. The Reulands wine tasted, I got to play games with the girls, and Henry.......you guessed it......golfed.

It was so much fun -- lots of festivals and great views.

Then went to a super cool hotel in downtown McMinneville that I LOVED called the Atticus.

Such a memorable experience.

Sunny Black Friday

Black Friday was stunningly gorgeous!!!!!!!! So we spent it outside on hikes, golfing and I got do a long run on the river in this city that I love so much.

Thanksgiving 2019

We were so fortunate to have another wonderful Thanksgiving with Mark's family. Kris was in town all week, which was a special treat. The weather was incredible and we got walks in with the kids before the food was ready...and there were lots of sides! The girls ended the night with their annual performance, which this year included breathing and meditation exercises.

Henry Coaching Futsal

Maggie has been struggling with Henry and Frances "growing up without her" and leaving her behind. So, when she talked about it with Henry, he volunteered to coach her futsal. Watching the first game, i thought my heart would explode. She was so proud and he was so serious and thoughtful. He gave a pre and post game talk and made sure to give each girl specific feedback on what they did well.

Maggie's First Club Soccer Fall Season

Maggie too had a great kick off to club soccer. She got amazing coaches and she is really earnest about practices and the instruction. It is fun to see her push herself and make friends with a lot of new people.

Great First High School Soccer Season

Henry wrapped out a great first high school season of soccer. His coach was fantastic and the boys were really great. The level, pace and physicality of the game was SO much different...but he grew, learned and adjusted. We also really appreciated how kind and thoughtful the upper classman were with him. One of the things I loved was his best friend, since kindergarten, was with him as the nly freshmen and they seemed to support each other a ton. He also started writing Andrew's name on his hand for inspiration....which made me cry.......in a good way.

Fall Gloriousness

This Fall has been spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!

We recently had a Saturday where we had no soccer games.

WHAT ?!?!?!?!?

We took the chance to take Mac on a walk on our favorite trails. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. My dream day.

Halloween 2019

This Halloween was the first time that Henry chose to hang with friends and not do the annual treck with his sisters....there were some hard feelings....thankfully Frances and Maggie found a new route with LOTS of full size candy bars! .... and the weather was spectacular!

Maggie was a mermaid, Frances a multi-sport athlete, and a Henry... a girl ?!?!?!?!?!?

Annual Hood River Trip

Ever since the kids started school, we have tried to go to Hood River for the October day they have off to get pumpkins and be in the gorgeous area. Sometimes we get REALLY lucky and  Brookie and her boys come. This year we got triple lucky in that they were able to come AND the weather was fantastic!!