mexico, 2023

Everything went perfectly.  It was a long day flying, but we don't do that very often, so that's actually part of the fun too.

The picture above--those dark spots are shadows the clouds make on the surface of the ocean,

Took this pic in the cab on the way to our hotel.

And this one from the balcony.

 Now it is the end of the day.   He's watching an  Adam Sandler movie all in Spanish, and the ocean waves outside the balcony are one of my favorite sounds.

Love, Val

not much

It was a very quiet week, lots of snow, a little youth basketball.   

Last Sunday a whole bunch of kids were going to sleep overnight, and enjoy the holiday on Monday.

Well, vomiting occurred before they even arrived.

That sleepover never happened.

Just this quiet week.

The clouds were so pretty that night, and my phone camera is so much better than the old one.

This guy was here tonight, bright spot in the week.

Tomorrow we get on a plane to Mexico early in the morning.

Love, Val
 

a couple extra pictures

These are a few extra pictures that were sent to me for fun during the week.  I never did see the curls after the sponge rollers, but sure looked like a fun time.

And this hilarious guy, looking so good in his plaid suit

We went to Jay and Katie's for supper last night, and the dog LOVED IT. She was so excited to have people in the house. She ripped up wrapping paper and in her exuberance kept accidentally encroaching on the cat. (They have a funny relationship.)  

When we got home, Elin sniffed me over minutely, even my face where the dog had been enthusiastically kissing.

Jay sent this after we left. Apparently we did wear her out.

And that brings us to the end of a fine Saturday night.

We're to the middle of January now, and things are looking fine.

Love you all, MOM
 

a little advance birthday

Her birthday is next week while we're in Mexico, so we got in on this little party ahead.

Dannell had a unique approach to the whole kids party situation.  She said the child has enough toys and no friends need to bring MORE gifts.   So they have this fancy table set, and play dates have been arranged with a number of her friends, one at a time.  This way they all can enjoy the festive situation with way less pressure.

There will be a family party later.

I like it.

Anyway, it's very exciting to be eight.

Always has been.

Darling, we sure do love you,

Happy Birthday, love Grandma and Grandpa
 

youth basketball

Youth basketball has been a bright spot this winter, fun to get out of the house.  We've been to enough games that we recognize the players and the opponents.

The fans are predictable too.

These were taken at games in Woodbury.  We haven't been to any games over there since before Christmas.  It was a lot of fun.

And then we ate, and  they borrowed us a suitcase from the storage room, and what a nice afternoon.  

Love you all, Grandma and Grandpa

 

january week

It started with lunch and a fun afternoon at my parents.

Then there was an orchestra concert, really nice. They've been working hard.

Love, Val

baby

Maria and Dalton stopped by with this guy, ate with us and spent a few hours playing with this sweet guy.  

He's growing so fast, is so personable.

Look at you!

Love, Grandma