I picked up the boys from school today. Avery finished his homework in the car. Carson waited until we were home, then got online with his friend Hudson. I could hear from the other room, “Number 2 is …” and he read a sentence. “Number 3 is ‘Will wanted to go fishing with his grandfather’.”

I asked: What are you doing? Giving him all the answers? Big smile.

There’s a new pet in the household. A quest by Carson for over a year. This is Mango, a 2 1/2 foot-long yellow belly python:

Hmm, what’s going on in the back yard?

Everyone came over for brunch which was perfect because I got to try out a new waffle maker and recipes for yeasted waffles. Ham and Swiss with sour cream/mustard and orange-zested basic waffles with butter and maple syrup. Grandma was devilish this year with Carson and Avery’s gifts. Both were gift cards which required some creative packaging. Carson received a handmade felt cube filled with large dried lima beans. The letters and words on the outside formed two puzzles to solve.

I hid Avery’s gift card inside a large (heavy) box of walnuts.

And that’s where my picture-taking began and ended.

At Leah (Lenin’s sister) and Jeff’s. Jeff made a perfect prime rib roast via sous vide, smoking and searing, in that order.

Rita (Lenin’s mother) and Lino:

All the cousins. Leo, Jeffery, Lauren, Carson, Sophia, Brooklyn, Cameron, Cameron, Avery, Christian:

Sophia, me, Lauren, Brooklyn, Cameron, Cameron, Thais, Holly, Leah, Rita:

at St Ignatius. I went to the 9:30 dress rehearsal, much less crowded than the evening performance. Carson/2nd grade with 8th grade buddies:

The Christmas story:

Avery/6th grade with 1st grade buddies:

The Parochial Athletic League held a basketball tournament at St Ignatius on Saturday. #10 is the player to watch.

Three points!

Carson was so excited when we got home after school. New basketball shoes.

After the first picture, I asked if he had any other good poses.

The cousins: Leo and Jeffery (back row), Brookyn, Carson, Avery, Sophia, Lauren:

The plum palette of outfits. Thais, Lauren, me, Rita:

The plum/beige palette. Gina, Rita, Leah, Thais:

Supervising the football game. Gary and Charlie, Lino, Jeff:

Hans, master turkey fryer:

As the desserts came out, it was also time for …

bingo! Uncle Jeff was in charge. There were many great prizes to win. This is a family favorite.

I hope your Thanksgiving was also filled with family and happiness.

In soccer, a hat trick is scoring three goals. And that’s just what Carson did today.

His fan club: Auntie Leah, Lauren, Avery, Mom:

St Ignatius got out early today in preparation for the Veteran’s Day holiday tomorrow. After lunch and a bout of online gaming with friends, it was time to play outside.

Carson and I rode around the block:

Carson played soccer in the morning.

At noon at Woodcreek High School, Avery played football for the Jesuit Marauders.