Last Monday I dropped off a birthday gift for Carson at about 4:30. When I said “So now you’re 8 years old,” he responded, “Not until 5:30.” LOL. Today, after I picked the boys up from school, he showed me a finished Lego project.

“Grandma, wait!” and he ran off to get a football jersey. “You should tell all your friends …”

Do you mean all the people who read my blog?

“Yes. Tell all your friends who like the Kansas City Chiefs that the 49ers are better.”

You have been duly informed.

I went to Carson’s game at Jesuit on Sunday morning.

The sports-filled day went on, but I went home to watch football. Go Niners.

Sophia played in a volleyball tournament all weekend.

Sunday was the busiest, volleyball all day for Sophia, basketball and flag football for both boys.

In the first half, Carson intercepted 3 balls and returned them for touchdowns. In the second half, he was quarterback for a while.

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.