Laura’s Turn for Spring Break

Not to be outdone by her siblings, Laura also got to head to Sarasota for spring break, accompanied by moi. We left the day after Easter, and planned very little - we just wanted to relax and enjoy a change of scenery and the company of Donna and Larry.

We did hit the Selby Botanical Gardens and the beach, plus a few restaurants that synced up with viewing the sunset on the water - always a glorious sight. But I think Laura was most happy when we hit the pool and played Bananagrams each night!

The time flew, as usual! We are always so grateful for Grandma and Grandpa’s hospitality - this year more than ever. Until next time!

Easter 2021

While we didn’t state a family photo this year, we DID get to leave the house and go TO church! For that we were very grateful!

Since we opted for the evening mass, we enjoyed a leisurely day - backyard egg hunt included - and finished the day with a lamb feast. Blessed beyond measure.

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!)

Shine 2021

This past weekend was my fifth SHINE conference with Noonday. It was also my first virtual one - and if I’m being honest, hopefully my last. But it was still wonderful, primarily due to this group of women!

Connection is truly the primary force that keeps us so tightly bound to Noonday. So when we found out we wouldn’t be gathering with hundreds in Austin, we quickly pivoted to Plan B (a familiar move in these many months of pandemic living). We rented a house in the Atlanta area, and gals came in from four other states to join us (preceded by COVID tests for each of us).

Dissecting the new line, being inspired together by artisan speakers, new ideas, and more defined our time together - plus SO much laughter. It was balm to our weary souls.

We celebrated each other, too - it’s not easy to stick with this job, particularly when the bulk of it is virtual these days. But it’s worth it - and accolades help! 

We truly hope to be back in Austin this time next year. But until then, my cup feels full.

Laura Turns Double-Digits

Evidently everyone in the family gets to experience a Covid-style birthday...sigh. Fortunately, the tradition of Laura spending her big day with Meghan remained intact. And while outings like Stars and Strikes were vetoed by us, my suggestion of re-enacting Cupcake Wars was met with great approval!

The girls baked the cupcakes first, then played various things while they cooled. Eventually it was time! There were three rounds, each with a different theme, to be interpreted as they so chose. It was so fun to listen to them comment, laugh, etc. - they clearly enjoyed themselves!

The remainder of the day was spent hanging out, with a flank steak and crescent rolls dinner at home - followed by a cake featuring The Boys!

It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since Laura joined our family - but even harder to imagine our family without her!