It’s been a year of ups and downs for us (seems true for every person, every year, no?). We started off with a wonderful visit from Tom’s youngest sister and her family. They were here for a conference and we were happy they took the time to come hang out with us in the afternoons! Seeing their two youngsters always makes me smile. I enjoyed lunch with a highschool friend who was also here for a conference with her family. Nice to catch up after MANY years.
Over the Mardi Gras “holiday” (only in New Orleans!) we again headed to Big Bend National Park. This time my parents joined us for the train trip and hiking. Later in the year than 2010 was, so it was quite a bit warmer but not yet hot. We enjoyed 3 strenuous days of hiking, super dinners at the lodge, and a relaxing ride back home.
We all enjoyed a visit from our second au pair and her daughter this spring. Aina lived with us for over 2 years in Holland and is currently living in Ireland. Her daughter is 2 and we enjoyed showing them around the area and how crazy the life of a suburban “mom” can be in the US.
Spent Easter in Houston with Tom’s family, also celebrating his dad’s 75th birthday in style. Tom and I returned 2 weeks later to attend a friend’s wedding for a pretty quick day-trip. It was a traditional Indian wedding and what a wonderful experience for us!
Maggie spent a week in Los Angeles at the beginning of the summer with Tom’s sister and her family and had a GREAT time. She then worked as a CIT at the JCC summer camp and loved it. I enjoyed seeing her at work while I was there exercising in the morning!
Abby participated in a theater camp and performed in “Peter Pan”. She’s participating in the same program’s Christmas Play (“A Christmas Cinderella”) this coming weekend. She then took the opportunity to head to North Carolina and spend a week alone with my parents. Maggie and I joined and the three of us spent another week there.
We closed out the summer sadly with the passing of Tom’s dad. While his death wasn’t unexpected, it is a felt loss. Tom and his siblings had all been in Houston and the rest of the family gathered for the funeral and to be together.
Back to school was quickly upon us. Maggie is now half-way through her freshman year, her second at the high school. Abby is in the sixth grade. Maggie continues to participate in Cross Country (the team was state champs this fall!) and Abby is keeping up with her violin, adding on participation in an ensemble group as well.
We returned to Houston again for Thanksgiving with the Webbs. Ray’s absence was definitely felt, but it was a true blessing to be together again. We’re home this year for Christmas. Maggie is taking driver’s ed the weeks after the holiday and Abby will take babysitter’s training on 2 January. Babies are growing up!
May you find God’s blessing every day of this coming year.
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