Luces de Sevilla

So happy we could be here to see the Christmas lights in Sevilla. Here are a few shots to capture the memories. 

Captured from the car on our two hour hunt for a parking spot

Each street has a different themed set of lights

Over the Plaza de Altozano

 

Tapas and beers at the Plaza de Altozano 

Triana bridge with holiday lights 


City center lights 

International Christmas

A year a part and worlds away. And another year without turkey on Thanksgiving. 

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Airport 2018

London, England Heathrow Airport 2019 

Celebrating Marshall

What a great evening celebrating Marshall with our village. We had 20+ people join us at RedGarden Brewery on Saturday night. What a great turn out. We had some good food and drinks and good laughs. A small group then hit the silent disco and did last call at the arcade (as the dive bar wasn’t open).  We are so lucky to have such a wonderful group of people in our lives that have been there this year through the highs and lows. 

The ladies and the guest of honor 

Most of the group 

The birthday boy!

Fun times cutting a rug at the silent disco 

Last call at Tilt - Marshall said he hadn’t laughed that hard in a long time 

and because this is just fun!

silent disco 

Another Year Around the Sun

Marshall’s right: birthdays in the middle of the week stink. However, we tried to make the most of it. 

 I picked him up around 4:30 for happy hour at Via Toscanini which is a favorite for us. We had a drink and some appetizers. Then, we picked up the boys and went out to dinner at the pub down the street (with a coupon of course). Then, we headed home and opened gifts. 

The boys and I are extremely fortunate to have Marshall in our lives as an amazing father and husband. I’m thankful for all he does for us and all the strength and stability he provides to our family. Here’s to another amazing year around the sun. I wouldn’t be on this crazy ride with anyone else. 

Happy hour

Presents 

Happy birthday baby (no D-man is not feeling well) 

Outdoor Ed Exploration

It was a gorgeous weekend to be outside. Saturday morning brought a make-up soccer game with T-man in goal. They went down 4-3 and T-man took it really hard, but he played super well and we were very proud of him. 

He ended up hanging with friends on Saturday afternoon so we pushed his outdoor ed hike to Sunday. Marshall showed him how to do directions and we made him lead the way on the hike. It was a fun outing followed by some birthday shopping for Marshall with then boys. 

Ready for the game 

Ready for the penalty kick 

We found the sign!

Amazing this is so close to our home 

Fun outing! 

Middle School Life

College day followed by the middle school dance. Very cute that he wanted to dress up and woke up early to make sure we could find his khaki pants. He didn’t end up wearing his dress shirt, but did wear his pants and shoes. He enjoyed pizza, some group dancing and the photo booth. Glad he had a nice time. 

Dancing Through Life

I arranged my travel plans so I could be back for T-man’s band concert on Wednesday night. He was excited to dress up and Marshall helped him iron his shirt and he tied is own tie. 

It was great to be able to see the concert and be able to hear the bands perform songs from broadway musicals. For the finale, the 7th/8th grade band played songs from Wicked with the Monarch High School band.  It inspired me to listen to our Wicked CD this week. Dancing through Life - a good motto to keep in mind. 

https://youtu.be/exhvnXzxxPs

The Bajou State

I don’t think I ever thought that when I checked Louisiana off my list of states visited, I would be visiting Pineville. But, life is full of surprises.

Things I learned during my visit:

• There are two colleges in the greater Alexandria, Louisiana area (Louisiana College and LSU of Alexandria)
• You can drive a car with only a sign that says “tag applied for”
• There are several drive-thru daiquiri places (newer to Pineville as it was a dry town until recently) 
• Bread pudding can actually be good 
• There is a lot of styrofoam 
• Boiled shrimp is yummy 
• Everyone cheers for LSU and the Saints 

Boiled shrimp 

Two different Cajun restaurants

Drive-thru daiquiri - legal as long as the straw is not in it 

A good reminder 

Long-Time Friends

We had a nice weekend that was balanced by social time and down time. On Friday night, I took the bus downtown after work to meet Marshall and the engagement couples for dinner. It was an enjoyable evening with good food, good conversation and good friends. It is pretty amazing that we are all still married and all get along. 

On Saturday, soccer was canceled, but we had the end of the season pizza party. We then enjoyed (well, enjoyed might be a strong word for it) watching football and hanging out. We had a nice dinner and played ping pong and watched Nebraska beat Penn State in volleyball. It was a fun family night. 

Sunday started with a wonderful breakfast cooked by Marshall and a trip to Cherry Hills to watch some football and see the Ayers home remodel. Nadja and the Smileys were also there which was great. Once again, so thankful for these long-time friends. And the Broncos actually won! 

This view never gets old 

Getting some inspiration from coach

Ping pong games 

Such good friends