Spring Break 2023!

For quite a few years I've been saying the same thing about each vacation...this might be the last one with JUST the 7 of us or this might be the last one WITH all 7 of us. 

 

And if happened...there are 8 of us for Spring Break 2023

The family favorite got to join us this year. ;) 

Goose did great on the long, 13 hour trip even though he did not eat and barely drank or slept. 

He took his co-piloting job more seriously than some.

 

  

 

But he got caught dozing a time of two as well. 

 

We are in the mountains of NE Georgia. 

Its chillier than we'd like but there is no snow so that's a plus.

 

The fire is cozy. 

 

 

 

 

And the cabin is perfect for lots of game playing and relaxing. 

Which was really what I think we all need.  

 

 

Spring Break always involves March Maddness! 

 

 

I have to include this old pic of Tori. 

She always asks for a gigantic tub of cheeseballs for vacation. 

And this picture is why I cannot say no.  

 

 

She loves them so much. LOL 

 

 

The first night we had a pool tournament.   

I just want to know what we are going to have to pay when we send a pool ball through that glass door. 

 

 

Everyone seems to be getting better at this game but me.  

 

 

Goose loves to give Hi Fives...even through the door.  

 

 

He is living his best life here at the cabin now that he is used to it and not so scared!  

 

 

 

 

We ended the night with a friendly game of poker.  

 

 

Goose couldnt hang.  

 

 

Lauren was winning.  

 

 

But Goose woke up in time to beat us all.  

24 Gifts Day One

It's December First and the start of the best month of the year!

We started with the opening of advent calendars and some cinnamon rolls this morning. 

Tonight we will start our advent devotions. 

Lauren will be participating from her apartment this year! 

She was thrilled with her calendar. 

Halloween 2021

Only 2 Dirks' kids left trick or treating and neither of them went with us. 

Lucky for them, they're cute. 

Torrance the hippie and Contessa the Frat Boy/Football player? 

Addy and Tori 

Cat, Maddy, Tess and Jordan 

Lauren was nice enough to send me her costume, 

Meredith Grey 

She pulled it off perfectly down to the converse shoes. 

I asked Avery what she thought Lauren was supposed to be and she said, 'A nurse?'

To which I replied with: 

And since I was depressed about being abandoned on Halloween by all the kids...

I put up the Christmas tree. 

Cross Country 2021

Avery took a leap and decided to try a new sport this year. 

It was such a fun experience for all three of us. 

She came home from each practice upbeat and smiling. 

She got stronger as the season progressed and she's hopeful all this work will pay off come track season. 

We think shes's pretty amazing. 

This fall was full of beautiful weather to run in!

One thing Avery has done so right is choosing the most amazing friends. 

Jaw Surgery

Before we get into the holidays I want to get Sullivan's surgery documented.

2 years ago when we were told he needed this surgery it seemed so far away. 

Then this summer it seemed to be coming too fast. 

No parent wants to know their child will be in horrible pain. 

On top of the pain, we knew Sullivan would have to sit out the football season, miss 2 weeks of school, and have his diet drastically altered for 4 weeks. 

Not fun things for a 15-year-old. 

He went into it all like a real champ and we were happily surprised that he experienced little pain. 

His biggest complaint in the hospital were the drains at the surgery sites. 

Once we got home the numbness and swelling were not fun but overall he did so well. 

I'm still amazed and proud of him. 

I have to include some of the not-fun pictures for posterity but I'll start with the awesome ones...his pre and post-op xrays. We couldn't be happier with the results. 

Just a few more months and we will see his perfect, brace-less smile!!! 

Pre- op is the left - Post-op the right. 

In recovery.

Walking in to see him like this was hard on my momma heart. 

But he woke up quickly. 

The U of I treated us so well. Our room was huge and had lots of amenities. 

He looks really rough here but he wanted me to take this picture. 

Those drains were the WORST. 

Honestly, so hard to see. 

Not easy on Dad's heart either.

Drains out - almost ready to leave. 

He was not experiencing pain but just felt crummy. 

Home!

World's absolute worst picture but it shows how bad the swelling was those first few days. 

About a week post-op. 

Still swollen and so numb. 

He was on a full liquid diet for the first 4 weeks. But the first few days home he was so numb that consuming anything was difficult. Thank goodness for ice cream shakes! 

First real meal after 4 weeks! 

A sub! 

Sullivan and Torrance

Sully and Tori are not great friends.

Tonight's conversation with Tori is evidence of that.

Tori: One time Sully had a whole conversation with me!

Us: Really!?

Tori: yeah and he didn't hit me or anything! 

First Day of School 2021!

 There were varying degrees of excitement and annoyance over the first day. 

Junior, Sophomore, 7th and 5th!

How does time go so fast!

 

What I wouldn't give for them all to be this age!

Bye Bye Bo-Bo

 Once we returned home it was time to get serious about packing Lauren up for moving back to Ames. 

Getting ready to move into an apartment is an entirely different ordeal than the dorms. 

Falstaff was just starting to forgive us for being gone for 2 weeks when he started to sense that Lauren was up to something with all her packing and boxes. 

 

 

It took 2 vehicles to move everything. And that was with her roommates bringing most of the big items. 

 

 

Their apartment is very cute and just perfect for them. 

I need to get more pictures.  

 

 

She is back in her element loving her time. 

Being a SALT leader, school and a new job will keep her busy this year and we will miss her!  

 

 

Small Group recruitment! 

 

 

First day of Classes! 

She said, 'It finally feels like real college!' 

So thankful for a much more normal looking year this year for her. 

 

This doesnt get easier, but knowing she is surrounded by good friends and involved in school, clubs, intramurals and church definitely helps!