at Leah and Jeff’s. Jeff make the best prime rib. The best.

I learned from Cameron, Lauren, and Sophia that this is the latest “look” for photos on TikTok:

Avery, Carson, Jeffery:

#1 on Carson’s list was a frog:

After a haircut but before a bike ride, I had a few hours to spend with Sophia Avery and Carson (aka SAC on my calendar). Sophia and Avery were on their devices, Carson blew up a whoopee cushion, and Charlie stared me down. After a few minutes, Carson said, “Grandma, close your eyes, stand up … ok, now sit down.” Like I didn’t know what was going to happen – lol – that boy is entertaining!

Three rousing games of Chutes and Ladders:

This morning I went to the daytime presentation at St Ignatius. Avery’s class sang with their 2nd grade buddies.

Carson’s 1st grade sang with their 7th grade buddies:

Sophia’s 8th grade class sang with their 1st grade buddies:

Just before the evening performance:

Even better than going to a Christmas party is getting to be with Sophia, Avery and Carson while their mom and dad go to one.

Friday night is game board night. First up, Parcheesi:

Then we picked up Sophia from volleyball practice.

A few games of Chutes and Ladders. Guess who got the number he wanted to roll?

At Thais and Lenin’s.

In the background, Uncle Lino carving a turkey and Thais. Foreground: Rita, Gina, Leah, Hans:

I made sure ALL the meat came off the thigh bone even if it didn’t make it to the serving platter.

Rita, Lauren, Holly, Leah, Sophia, Thais (Leo in the background):

Jeff organized the bingo game:

Leo, Jeffrey, Sophia:

Early morning, three of us on the couch each on our own devices but still chatting. He-who-shall-not-be-ignored, Charlie, wasn’t satisfied being 3 feet away, climbed up and sat across our feet … until Dad noticed. “Charlie! Get down!” Charlie listened immediately!

In the afternoon, I went to Justin’s to gather walnuts. I only harvested from 5 trees this year. My back now prefers that I rake, scoop and fill bags for just two hours. The cows came to watch what I was doing.

One small area looked like it was the daily gathering spot for meals. Lots of empty shells.

Lots of leaves and twigs were also scooped up which meant there was more sorting at home until there was a good layer of walnuts drying on the chicken wire rack on the patio.

Tonight was the 8th grade annual spaghetti dinner at St Ignatius. Lilli, Sophia, Esperanza:

Thais co-chaired the event.

Raffle winners:

A special treat at the end of the evening, a visit with one of my 4th grade students, Becky, whose own 3 children are in or just graduated college. She and her husband are now empty-nesters.

At Thais and Lenin’s.

Carson-Groot:

Avery-sumo riding a flamingo, Anthony-wizard, and Ethan-Marshmallow Man:

Emma, DD, Sophia – construction workers (?):

St Ignatius played in the finals at Christian Brothers HS this afternoon and won! Sophia serving:

Lenin (scorekeeper), Joie, Sophia, and Coach Dickerson (Joie’s dad):

September was just too busy to celebrate three birthdays: Justin, Jennifer, and me. Today we all got together for brunch at Justin’s.