January 2020

January 2020 was the mildest I remember in Indiana, and I am not complaining!  We kicked off the year with a trip to Perfect North with Brennan to do some tubing.  My goal was to tube every path, no matter how high.  I did it and was DONE!  Fun day with the guys.

Our friends Mike and Mary gave us homegrown popcorn for Christmas and I ordered the family an Atom Popper which makes wonderful popcorn.  I've enjoyed it a lot.

Our Wine Club toured Bear Wallow Distillery in Brown County and went out for dinner.  It was a fun way to start the new year.

Karen and Laura with our tiny tasting cups!

Ginger and I hosted an Accessory Swap.  What a hit!  The unswapped items went to several places in town including Brennan's high school's Prom Program - dresses, shoes, and accessories for young ladies who may not be able to afford everything for Prom.  Also went to a place for women who are interviewing to enter the work force.  We're doing another one in mid-February.

Litwits, our co-ed evening book club, discussed our 80th book over Thai food.  We read "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek".  In our 10th year now!

This little boy turned 18 on the 18th!

Thomas came home for us to celebrate Brennan's Golden Birthday.

Also that week, Brennan found out he got in to Purdue with a full tuition scholarship!  We are so proud of him.  He's committed to Purdue, has signed up for housing, a full-day visit and orientation in June!

Speaking of birthdays, Bailey turned 6 last month!  They had a lot of fun opening the present of treats.

King Remy, never more than a couple of steps away from me.

We have a dog walker for when David is traveling or in Indy and I can't get home in the middle of the day.  Lisa loves the boys.  Here is a recent photo of Remy that she has submitted for a Pup Smiles contest.  So cute!

 We had dinner at Hotel Indigo the other night and Miles greeted us and posed for photos and treats. Hard to believe he's already 12!

And finally we hosted an International Game Night with friends.  Ex-pats and expert gamemasters Glyn and Carol led the event with scores on the tv and lots of competition.  We had a great time.  We served a variety of international foods.

Including this trifle that I made, including homemade custard.  A great night with friends!

December 2019

Happy 2020!

December was a month full of birthday and anniversary celebrations, a lot of travel, a milestone at school and lots of puppy cuddling in front of the fire.  Pretty great month I would say!

We celebrated John's birthday with gumbo, bourbon balls, and a great night with friends.

The November birthday crew

 Brennan was super busy in December with his Senior Project, Senior Project research paper, Senior Project presentation, finals and AP exams, extra hand bell choir practices and concerts, and just normal school work and his internship!  But he handled it all and did a great job!

In early December we worked alongside the Youth at the church to wrap allllll the gifts that the church members donated for the Heart Tree.  

It was a chaotic evening but we got it all done!

 And then Brennan had his chance to present in front of 4 judges (teachers and community members).  Three of us were in tears.  He did such a nice job and his passion for helping low-income families with children with disabilities came through.  You won't see a photo of me here because I was trying to stop the tears.  He received an "Exceptional" and his Senior Project is complete!

 Lisa, Brennan's mentor for this project, is just phenomenal.  She was so encouraging.

 We celebrated with Shrimp and Grits (and a bunch of other stuff!)

David and I got to travel with my parents in December, something we haven't done in years!  We went to Philadelphia so that Daddy and David could attend the Army/Navy Game.  We celebrated their 50th anniversary (which took place in August).  They've been celebrating for months now, starting with a trip to Italy in May.  We had a great time sightseeing, EATING, shopping, and catching up.

Liberty Bell

Independence Hall

Betsy Ross's House

 Army/Navy Game

 There is the President crossing from the Army to the Navy side at half-time

Back in town, David and I celebrated 27 years since our wedding!   

We had dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants two nights before they closed.  A great meal and a great time celebrating.  David got me the comfiest blanket to snuggle in all winter!

The guys also hung the Senior Portraits for me, going down the stairs.  I love them! 

Remy likes Daddy to hold him during his naps sometimes.  So cute!

 We had a day to hike and it was beautiful

And then we headed to Mississippi for Christmas with the family.  We had such a great time!

Christmas Eve service at David's family's church

Christmas in Starkville

Brennan (17), Thomas (19), Taylor (18), Ellie (15) (and Ringo, Dexter, and Stella)

 With Grandma Carolyn

And Aunt Donna and Ringo

And Christmas in Ridgeland

Brennan (17), Natalie (15), Ellie (13), Thomas (19)

With Grandma and Grandpa

And Natalie who was crowned this past year in the Miss Mississippi teen pageant

And Christmas in Tylertown

 All the Great Grandkids

Rei'dynn, AvaGrace, Tanner, Audrey Beth, Keller, Noah, (Bailey), Thomas, Natalie, Danielle, and Brenna

And then the whole family minus Brittney and Magan who had to work!  We're at 29 family members now on my dad's side and it's awesome to get together once a year!

Back home for college football, taking down the Christmas stuff, relaxing, and gearing up for the best year ever - 2020!

Went went out to a new brewery in town for a taco truck / beer flight New Year's Eve early night out with Ginger, John, Violet, and Todd. 

 Happy New Year!