First day of school

And then there were two... Elliot starts 5th grade and Tyson starts 10th grade.

Storms and the end of school

This past week, we got some nasty weather which caused so many disruptions. 

First, I had a work trip to Amarillo on the same day the storm front came through Texas. My original flight was set to depart at 4:30 p.m. but it got delayed multiple times and pushed back so far that I didn't arrive in Amarillo until after 3 a.m. 😵

Elliot's school activities

I got to chaperone Elliot and her friends on their field trip.

Soccer banquet

End of the year soccer banquet.

Shark Day

Elliot made it to Shark Day. 

Shark Day is an annual competition held at the high school where the elementary schools in the area compete in various track and field events. 

For each school, only two students were selected for each event. They have to earn their spots by being the top two of their respective grade, gender, and event.

Elliot was representing her school for the fourth grade girls softball throw.

She was the first (and only) person in our family to make it to Shark Day.

Andrew injured again

On January 23, 2025, Andrew tore his ACL playing soccer. After ACL reconstructive surgery and many physical therapy sessions, he was back after eight months. Back to playing soccer.

On January 23, 2026, Andrew tore his ACL playing soccer once again... exactly one year later.

I missed this latest injury/game since I was driving home from Amarillo during the winter storm madness so it was a crazy day when I came home to find out that he injured the same knee.

We went to school the following morning (Saturday) to meet with the team physician and after the examination and MRI, it was confirmed that he tore his ACL.

His soccer career came to an abrupt end. 

Random weekend pics

Andrew (and his friends) at the DECA district competition. He will be advancing on to the state competition. 

Thanksgiving luncheon

Sitting with Elliot and her (wild) classmates.

Trunk or treat

Abby and Mira from KPop Demon Hunters.

No school for Elliot

We're both working at the library.

First day of school

Elliot has Jacob's 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Hopson.

Graduations

Elliot was named Ms. Caring for her class.

50th birthday and tennis tourney

Celebrating Michelle's 50th birthday.

International festival

The many countries represented at Elliot's school.

UIL chess puzzle

Elliot placed 3rd in the district (without ever practicing at home) for third grade UIL chess puzzle.

Andrew's injury

Within a few minutes of arriving to the game, we saw Andrew lying on the field. 😨

Snow days

Tyson attempting to ride his bike in the snow.

Four kids, four schools

I just realized that I have four kids in four different schools (elementary, intermediate, high school, university). 💀

8th grade district soccer tourney

The junior high kids playing on the big stage, Freedom Field.

Thanksgiving 2024

Thanksgiving Day with the in-laws.