A Charleston Getaway

As the kids get older, we’ve discovered that the best way for the five of us to get quality time together is to go somewhere else. So we planned a quick getaway for after Christmas, and even though we didn’t have the house full of guests that we expected, a change of scenery was still well timed.

We opted for Charleston, a bit of a drive but still easily within a day’s reach. Tim found us a fabulous hotel located in the heart of the tourist highlights. After getting checked in, we set off on foot to get a feel for the charming buildings and scenery around us, including the waterfront. Fortunately, the cold spell we experienced at Christmas had dissipated. (We might have demolished a small cake between the five of us as well…)

The next day, after a delicious and leisurely breakfast, we set off to explore Sullivan’s Island and Fort Moultrie. It was a gorgeous day, and the fresh air was very welcome.

After this expedition, we split up so the parents could check out art galleries and the kids did a bit of shopping. Eventually we met up again for rooftop drinks and snacks, and then Tim and Clare went walking while the rest of us retreated back to the hotel for warm showers and relaxation.

After Tim and I checked out a nearby wine bar, the five of us had a terrific dinner at a French bistro. Charleston’s reputation for delicious food is rightly deserved!

We hit the road the next morning so that we could watch ND football and Clare and Danny could get back for social engagements. A short but sweet road trip to end another great year!

Christmas 2022

It was the best of holidays, and the most disappointing of holidays, if that’s possible. We were delighted to have my parents here to celebrate their first Christmas as Georgia residents…but devastated when Mother Nature prevented the Seattle crew from joining us. 

It was the coldest Christmas we can remember (and that includes holidays spent in Buffalo!), but we bundled up, ate well, and enjoyed the company we had. Tim and the Cathedral Ensemble sang beautifully at Christmas Eve mass, and we feasted, gifted and relaxed our way through a very lovely weekend.

This included “Personent Hodie” at full volume whilst doing the dishes. Grateful for traditions of all kinds!

Thanksgiving 2022

It was the first holiday since 2019 that ALL of the Seymour crew was together! We took advantage with a quick backyard photos session (thankfully the weather cooperated), and spent the rest of the time relaxing…and eating! Many miles and divergent schedules make our gatherings few and far between, but we’re thankful when we do have the opportunity to be together!

Halloween 2022

As the kids grow older, Halloween is definitely evolving for us. This year, Laura and Danny went over to Meghan (and the Grecos’) neighborhood while Tim and I stayed behind to hand out candy. Falling on a Monday night, the evening was a tad more reined in, but we still made a fire out front and even enjoyed some burgers. 

Laura’s skier costume was heavily influenced by her school friends, and made a lot more sense in the group context. 

Danny’s lobster costume was a last-minute foray into the basement stash, where he appreciated Clare’s investment during her senior year of high school! I had requested a photo of the two of them in costume, and was so pleased and proud when he texted me one not long after they arrived. 

Laura and Meghan continued their tradition of spending the evening together, and Meghan’s costume definitely cracked us up. (It also required some escorting by Laura, as it was not super mobile when it came to stairs!) It was another record candy haul, too!

A lot may change over the years - but my cat-o-lantern remains a staple!

Danny’s 10th Grade HOCO

Since last year’s picture party was deemed a rousing success, we opted to run the same play again…and then wound up merging with another group. The result was the behemoth group you see pictured here - but it was also declared a success by all! The weather couldn’t have been more gorgeous, and of course the Fedors’ home couldn’t be a better backdrop.

After the dance, I ferried Danny, his date Annalisa, and another couple to the Waffle House, where a slew of Marist kids congregated. Many came and went, but Danny’s foursome stayed for quite a while, chatting and laughing with nary a phone in sight. When he got back in the car he told me, “That was so fun! We need to do it again.” A pretty terrific outcome, I’d say. (And props to me for staying up late to chauffeur, right??)

Another (Bigger) Family Football Weekend

After last year’s rousing success, I wasn’t sure we’d pull off another great trip to ND - but we knew we would try! We decided to involve the grandparents this year, and found a spacious house to rent. Both Cat and Danielle (and Quinn!) signed on, and we also recruited Mallie. Although my parents weren’t able to join us in the end, we had a great crew.

We also rocked the tailgate! We had two spots together, and thankfully Larry brought a grill and other essential supplies. We staked out our location, and before we knew it, we had Stanford guys, Carney!, and Clare brought 20+ friends. We whiled away the hours before the game in the best of The game itself was…wow. Going in 0-2 for the coach’s first season, the tension was palpable to nab a win. The game was a nail biter from start to finish, but the sea of green prevailed!

We headed back to the house for leftovers and chill time, which included Clare and five of her friends spending 2+ hours at our kitchen table. It was fun to be there with my Walsh girls, listening to their chatter, sharing our own stories, and soaking it all in.

We concluded the weekend with the Folk Choir mass at the Basilica and a quick lunch downtown with Clare before we all went our separate ways. Another memorable ND weekend in the books!

Danny the Driving Sophomore

Danny’s second year of high school brings with it a big milestone: no more parent-provided transportation! I’m not really sure which one of us is more excited about this. With a perfect score on his exam, I know he earned the privilege, too.

Laura the Middle Schooler

Time continues to march on, and suddenly Laura is finished with the CKS plaid and wearing the trademark gray skirt of the Middle School. Sixth grade, here she comes!

Christmas in July (or August)

I lost track of how many summers ago we started the Christmas in July sleepover tradition with Meghan, and it would appear that while it always makes the memory books we make for Meghan’s birthday, it hasn’t made the blog. I wouldn’t say there was anything significant about this year versus last, but I love how much the girls love it, so I’m making note of it this time!

As is so often the case, I do think the anticipation and planning is a big part of the appeal. The girls make 3-4 gifts for each other, with very little purchasing involved. Their creativity always impresses me, not to mention their thoughtful consideration of each other’s tastes and personalities.

My job is to come up with some fun, semi-seasonal activities and food! We decorate a bit, too, primarily lights in the basement (where they watch “Elf” after dinner) and maybe a wreath. Laura really decked out the guest room this year (sadly, I failed to get a photo), so I enjoyed seeing her get involved in that aspect of it the event. 

This year, we brought hot cocoa in the car, listened to Christmas music, and went on a Tesla hunt! (A couple of years ago it was port-a-potties.) In just 45 minutes they spied 17!! 

When we got home, they each painted one of the Noonday Batik Painting Kits. I then sent them into the back yard to make a pine cone snowman - something they were substantially more excited to do than I would have guessed. Truly, they are always up for just about anything!

From there, inspired by their spring break experience, we dusted off our old bocce ball set. After this, it was time to make dinner, and I entrusted them with the crescent rolls.

Lastly, during the “Elf” viewing we introduced Meghan to the wonders of Toblerone fondue for dessert, about which I heard her exclaim, “This is AMAZING.” (What’s not to love, really?)

These girls’ friendship is such a gift year-round!