Clare Turns 18!

This was a BIG birthday. And last year was such a bust that we wanted to make sure we celebrated this one really well! Since Clare’s good friend Moira turned 18 four days before her, they had a casual joint - and outdoor! - fete at our house. 

They decided to do a painting project, enjoyed a taco bar, and hung out around the fire pit. They were very happy!

But Clare also wanted to celebrate specifically with the “Swim Squad,” and I had discovered a very cool hotel in Buckhead with a gorgeous lobby and bar (think chic library) and delicious Mediterranean restaurant. So we found a mutually agreeable evening, kept the location a surprise, and had a delightful evening. Tim and I enjoyed our own table, so it served as a bit of a date night, though we then moved to the library for coffee and dessert and sat all together. Really a lovely time with some great kids.

Observing their photo shoots was also very amusing - and exactly why I chose the locale!

We celebrated with cake on her actual birthday - which came on a Thursday with lots of homework and a physics test to study for. BUT Abby came over for dinner and Indian take-out, so that evened things out!

This birthday feels like the beginning of a host of milestone events, and I know we will feel love for and pride in her over and over again. What an incredible 18 years it’s been, and what a dazzling future lies ahead!

St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day came on the heels of the one-year Covid anniversary, which in and of itself felt unthinkable. On the plus side, while she needed a mask, Laura got to be in school this time! CKS held its annual spirited celebration, and we truly did feel lucky.

Clare & Danny’s Spring Break 2021

Two years ago, when thinking about Clare’s senior year spring break, we tentatively agreed we would head to London. One year ago, as the prospect of a “two week lockdown” loomed large, we assumed an entire year would be plenty of time to enable such a trip. We were clearly wrong.

Since Donna and Larry worked swiftly to get their vaccinations as soon as possible, we reached out to see if they would be willing to host these two, escorted by Tim (who can basically work from anywhere these days). They enthusiastically obliged, and spring break was saved!

As always, they were awesome hosts, and Sarasota/Siesta Key never disappoints. It also helps that Clare and Danny genuinely enjoy each other’s company!

Gorgeous patio restaurants, a boat ride, beach visits, shopping and more amounted to a fun and relaxing week for all. (And yes, Laura and I thoroughly enjoyed having the house to ourselves!)