Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Fall 2021 - 80th Birthday, 10th Birthdays, and Live Theater

Fall 2021 has given us plenty of fun moments and celebrations.  That's my focus on this post with the pictures below.  The truth is much of my mental capacity right now is focused on Elise's surgery tomorrow, a best friend's daughter in the hospital, my brother's cancer rearing it's ugly head again requiring a procedure and a hard time for him, trying to get work done while also covering for a colleague on medical leave, and facing the truth that the volunteer Tennis chair role I chose to take on and spend a lot of time doing (perfectionist downfall) this past year has been draining and not the right decision for myself and my family.  Anyway, on to remember the fun moments this Fall.

Tennis Ball, Assassin Elf, and Angel for what felt like a mostly normal Halloween albeit being masked and not hanging out inside with friends.

                                            

Our dear friends hosted Thanksgiving. It was our first indoor dinner party since COVID began.  Kid vaccines began in early November too.


Family reunion trip to Arizona over Thanksgiving.  Cared much less about the actual Holiday and more about getting together to celebrate Oma turning 80 and a big positive turning point in her recovery from a broken foot.  


Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona


Lily led the charge this year making it known she wanted a Christmas Tree up right after we return from Arizona. Done!


Lily also made hot cocoa for everyone while we decorated the tree.  


Elise's biggest athletic accomplishment to date is taking her first Karate test and earning her orange belt.  Definitely a parenting moment beaming with pride and glistening eyes watching her every move.  

Our biggest surprises turned 10.  Paul still hates cake. 

Top 10 lists we taped to their doors.  #3 is definitely from my influence and #7 is a lot of Nate.  

 I'd like to think #1 and #6 he got a lot of from me whereas #5, #9, and #10 are a lot from Nate.


Laser Tag was the theme this year for both Elise's and Paul's Bday parties

                                        


                                                  

Our Lily has found a happy place with zero influence from us - only support.  She loves being on stage with her local theater company Portland Panto Players.  The amount of time and effort she has put into preparing for this 9 show run of Cinderella this month feels is impressive.  We miss hanging out with her these days but the dedication and leadership skills she's been showcasing day in and day out with her passion to be on stage has been a joy.  Even my sister (aka best aunt ever) flew out for 48 hours to watch the show.


Lily soaked up all the support she got from friends and family cheering her on.


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