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!
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.
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!
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??)
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’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.
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!
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!
