Danny’s Smash Theatrical Debut

Danny talked about trying Marist theater for a while. Clare loved her experiences with it, and it appealed to him. I was pretty sure he would be a great fit, and couldn’t help but think how amazing it would be if the director ever caught wind of his Scottish accent - or any accent, really. Alas, what were the chances?

It took a bit of nudging (I am intentionally avoiding the word “nagging) for him to reach out and get the details for the auditions, but finally it was established and he went. Turns out he was one of only two ninth graders to audition. Best of all? This particular play, “The Old Man and the Old Moon” had inspired the director to ask participants to come with an accent prepared! Needless to say, Danny’s Scottish accent won him over - to the extent that he was awarded two significant roles AND two singing solos!

Danny worked really, really hard from late August through the show dates in late October. Monday-Thursday he had play rehearsals from 4-6:30; three out of those four days he then had soccer practice from 7:30-9. Sleep was precious, given his hefty academic load and weekends filled with soccer games. 

Come opening night, I’ll admit I was nervous - but Danny didn’t seem to be! When I was seated in my place and saw his crew of Boyz roll in to support him, my heart swelled. And when he stepped forward for his first solo within the first few minutes of the show, I was bursting with pride!

In short, Danny crushed it. I continue to have people tell me that he stole the show. He was hilarious, and charming, and winsome. He had a blast, too, and of course basks in the glow of his success. He acknowledges how tough it was to manage everything, so we’ll see if he makes a return to the stage…but I wouldn’t be surprised. Bravo, Dan-o!

Danny’s First HOCO

When one of the Moms of the The Boyz (this is our nickname for ourselves and for Danny’s crew of Marist friends) first mentioned that the guys planned to ask dates to Homecoming, I was taken aback. Apparently in a few ways I have not yet adjusted to the fact that Danny is getting older! Turns out Danny was one of the first to take the leap, too. His date: Mary Margaret, a friendship that dates all the way back to Pre-First at CKS.

We moms put together a lovely pre-dance picture party at Cameron’s beautiful home. We lucked out with a gorgeous fall evening, and a delightful time was had by kids and parents alike!

I even managed to snag a picture of Danny and Lulu, a relationship that dates back to their infancy!

Possibly my favorite photo depicts Danny, the lone brave male among the ladies! He was eventually joined by his cohorts, but I think he was the most at ease...

What I do not have any photos from is the group of 15 boys down in our basement after the dance, 10 of whom spent the night! Between their reports on the dance itself, which they said was way more fun than they expected, and the roars of laughter way into the wee hours of the morning, I’d say we can claim the event a huge success!

Clare is ND

In a whirlwind, H O T, but very memorable weekend, we sent Clare off on the start of what we are certain will be four of the most remarkable years of her life!

We flew in Thursday evening, which allowed us time to leisurely walk the campus, see Farley Hall up close, and get a sense of where her classes would be. We lit candles in the Grotto, and finished with a delightful dinner at Salsa’s (which we knew as Don Pablo’s in our day).

The next day was move-in, and the official start of Welcome Weekend. We hit Meijer, Target (including a chance but super friendly visit with Mike Brey, the men’s basketball coach), Bed, Bath & Beyond and Home Depot, so that by the end of the weekend the room was mostly complete. It’s *substantially* larger than the other rooms, which prompted many people to pop their heads in and gawk! This also meant that we didn’t have to loft their beds, which simplified things considerably.

Clare’s roommate Abby hails from New York, and the fact that they could pick out a rug together at Target after very little personal interaction bodes well.

There was a lovely, albeit HOT (did I mention how warm it was?), opening session in the stadium, programs for parents with our respective dorm rector, and another for the college of intended study. Each was really well done, as of course was the concluding mass that preceded the “farewell for now.” Clare and I shed a few tears, but primarily felt so happy knowing she was at home at the Dome.

Tim and I flew out the next day while she was busy with activities like lectures and taking the above Class of 2025 photo. It was so awesome to be back, this time as a parent. Go Clare, and Go Irish!

Danny the High School Student

Our dapper and dashing Danny has officially become a high school student. The comparison of him in his blazer just two years ago to now is quite striking! 

While we were home for his “admin day” that included yearbook photos, he spent his first official day of class as an honorary Slovensky while we were moving Clare into ND. He fit right in…

We’re so excited to see what’s in store for Danny’s high school career!

First Day of Fifth Grade, Volume 3

And she’s off! While we had hoped masks - and Covid - would be in our rear-view mirrors, that is sadly not the case quite yet. BUT desk shields and spacing will allow for a more normal classroom experience, and for that we are grateful!

Laura has Mrs. Cleary once again, after *loving* her for 4th grade, so we are hopeful for another wonderful year at CKS!

Our Return to San Diego!

Two years was WAY too long to go without visiting California, and certainly too long to not see the Needhams! But we made up for as much as we could, with all the classic activities and photos.

We had a couple of days before the Seattle contingent arrived, which we spent enjoying the Fallbrook property, hitting the beach (fabulous waves!), and hanging with the Lyons gals.

From then on it was Cousins Club in full swing!

Everyone but me went whale watching - no whales sighted, but an acrobatic pod of dolphins entertained!

Meanwhile I caught up with Jen and Jill, which was wonderful!

We of course hit Old Town - and Cousins Candy! We also returned to the beach - more great waves! - and shopped in La Jolla, watched Olympics, dined on many sumptuous meals, and even enjoyed a gorgeous pool on our last day.

As always, it flew by - but many memories were made! (Watch “The Moose Man” for some nostalgia.)

Seymours Go West, Part Three: Park City

Being the brilliant travel planner that he is, Tim knew we would be ready for civilization and city offerings - so we ended our trip in Park City! We stayed at an absolutely gorgeous and spacious three-bedroom condo in the heart of a ski village (with laundry!). Here we rested, reconnected with WiFi, swam, and lounged. It was glorious!

We went into the city for dinner both nights, as well as lunch on Saturday. Plenty of great offerings, and it was clear Park City is a summer destination, too!

Our favorite meal was the tapas spot Tim identified for our first night. After a few days of mediocre dining in Yellowstone, we relished every morsel - as Laura and Danny illustrate!

From here we had to bid farewell to Tim, who headed back to reality in the ATL while we headed to San Diego. It was a wild and wonderful family vacation, perhaps slightly more cherished as we get ready to send Clare to college!