Greetings from this little, quiet corner of the world. We are well, despite having disappeared from this space for a long while. I can hardly believe another May has come to a close and that we have lived and worked through another academic year. Kids’ birthdays are right around the corner, and summer is upon us once more.
Before documenting an 11th and a 13th birthday (whhaaatttttttt?!?!) here soon, I thought I might first reflect a little on this school year. As I look in the rear view mirror, I feel goosebumps of gratitude, for there were some truly wonderful highlights.
August ’24
Back to school! Jameson started fifth grade, and Harper started seventh grade.
Jason and I went to see a Dave Matthews Band concert … talk about feeling old! It sure was fun, though.
And we celebrated two birthdays: a special pup who turned two (we celebrated with an extra long golden hour walk), and a very special dad who turned … ahem … (we celebrated his youth with not one but two sheet cakes, chocolate and strawberry).
September ’24
School was in full swing with happy kids and happy teacher parents. I was gifted with a sweet group of third graders this year, and Jason had lovely students throughout, as well! Harper was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.
We enjoyed a Cubs/Rockies game here in Colorado. Cubbies got the W!
Jason and I headed to Vermont for our anniversary at the end of the month. It was our first autumn visit and … sigh … it was so beautiful.
October ’24
On a long fall weekend this month, we drove to Omaha to visit Nana’s new house for the first time. We frolicked around their giant pumpkin patch, wore Nebraska red, played a little pickleball, and surprised Mary for her 70th birthday.
We celebrated a very special Grandma’s birthday, too (despite Gramps having a cold!).
November ’24
Grandpa turned a youthful new number on November 9.
Jameson brushed up on his apple pie making skills and tried out competitive robotics for the first time.
We turkey trotted.
And visited, ate, and giggled on a great Thanksgiving Day.
December ’24
This month was cozy and festive. We spent a lot of time at home, excepting our weekly barn visits.
And Christmas this year came with a big surprise … a future trip to Paris.
We spent a day on the slopes to wrap up 2024.
January ’25
January brought a bit of snow to the front range. Little did we know this would be about as much as we would get this dry winter.
It also brought sadness as we watched news of an unwanted transition.
February ’24
Harper got her ears pierced.
And mild temperatures brought a streak of bluebird days that meant hiking for us.
March ’25
Jameson earned “The Spirit of the Fox” award at his school and was nominated for his character, kindness, and hard work. Yes to you, Jameson. We were invited to the assembly that celebrated him.
And then, spring break arrived. And we … went … to … Paris! We traveled smoothly and lucked out on terrific spring weather. The kids loved this city, and we filled our days. I am so thankful to have taken this special trip.
April ’25
Things started to bud out around here, a welcome flash of color after months of brown.
Harper loved her seventh grade track season, and as it turns out, she is a pretty good hurdler. She ended her season with two school records.
Jameson tried a new sport: flag football. He had the chance to play down in Denver at the Broncos stadium. That was pretty neat!
May ’25
This month was all about wrapping up the school year. Jameson had his fifth grade field day.
Finn kept close watch over things while we planted the garden and did a whole bunch of spring yard work.
Jameson celebrated fifth grade continuation with a sweet school ceremony followed by a barbecue at the park. Though he loved his teacher this year, he is really excited to head off to middle school in the fall.
Harper wrapped up her seventh grade year with a sunny and short last day of school.
The weather warmed, the garden started to bloom, and a sense of slower times eventually arrived.
That brings us to June, a special month around here. We hope it’s a good one for us and for you, too.
