Happy 18, Jackson!

Because where else would an 18 year old boy

Want to go for his birthday dinner

But Waffle House?

He upped his game to quadruple hashbrowns this time.

The cook was NOT pleased.

We managed to cram in some Jack Stack carrot cake too—

Because you HAVE to have cake on your birthday.

Happy birthday, Jack!

Ice Ice Baby!

Time for another favorite holiday tradition—

Crown Center, baby!

We wandered the Hallmark Experience

And scored free hot chocolate in the heated tent

(They may have thought we were USAA members, we aren’t sure…)

And then it was off to skate!

The ice was EMPTY

So we got our feed under us quickly

And Mom could take all the pictures

Even Tucker was rocking it!

LOVE the Ice Terrace!

Ok, we (Mom) also love a family selfie

 

Annual PJ pics

There was a twist on Christmas PJ’s this year—

Mom and Dad figured we’d need a jump on Mizzou gear

And could always use some lounging pants.

Hence…

A different look!

But same classic poses

How much longer can the pull this one off?

We even got Ranger to participate this year!

 

Decking the halls

The final touch to the decorations—

The tree

There’s more every year!

Putting them down low

And way up high

(With some pizzazz) 

Ooooh, this is going to be a pretty tree!

A chilly walk on the Wild side

We haven’t been to GloWild before

And thought this would be the year to check it out

Even better—

The Reeds have season tickets

So we got to spend a THIRD night together!

A bit chilly,

There was some snow and rain,

But overall a good time

Checking things off the holiday to-do list!

Family Turkey Time

Thanksgiving Day means all the food, family and fun

You can stuff into one day.

We stuffed BBQ on one side

And turkey on the other!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bring on the holiday season!

We love our annual trip to see the

Christmas in the Sky fireworks show.

It’s the signal that the holidays are coming!

It’s even more fun when we meet up with Austin and Kayla

And Adam and Michelle

Funny how fireworks

Make you ready for Christmas!

 

Git up that wall!

No school?

We are literally climbing the walls…

(Ha!  Get it?)

All 6 of us headed back to RoKC Olathe—

We wanted to show Jack and Wes all the auto belays!

Jack hadn’t climbed in about a year

And was a little tentative at first,

But he was shimmying up there before we knew it

Mom didn’t have any of the jitters she did a few weeks ago

And Tucker took on the challenging run again—

And made it look much easier by attempt 3 and 4

How about this for a family selfie?

Not a bad way to start off Thanksgiving break!

 

Wrestling for a space

Weston has gained about 6 inches and 30 pounds 

since last wrestling season…

So his weight class is much different this year.

There are 4 or 5 guys vying for position

And tonight was the intersquad meet to help sort out

Where everyone lands.

He lost the first

But won the second

We’ll see how it all shakes out!

 

Bring on the holidays!

We LOVE Trip the Lights Fantastic—

There is just something about riding through all the lights

How can this not put you in the holiday spirit?

You know what else will put you in the holiday spirit?

Eating pizza surrounded by twinkling lights and tinsel

The company puts you in a good mood too

We’re ready to ring in the season!

 

How Italians Celebrate the Holidays

Because nothing says Thanksgiving

Like chicken spiedini and lasagna—

At least if your family roots are in Sicily!

That’s how you kick off the holidays!

 

Off and running, er, wrestling

Beckett is back on the mat

As a new Bison wrestling season gets going

He’s had some good matches

Several near-pins

Who got saved by the clock

Some good coaching

And even already had his first tournament of the year

2 pins so far

And a lot of close ones

Can’t wait to see what the season brings!

 

“Just” a Novice

Jackson had some “free time” in his schedule this year

And decided to try out Debate.

He’s one of only 2 seniors on the Novice team

And is definitely running circles around the competition.

He brought home his 2nd trophy

(Out of 2 meets)

For Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking.

I mean, come on.

The guys LOVES to flex his knowledge about current events!

Bummer he found debate his senior year.

 

Two Varsity Lettermen

It’s been a great year

With lots of looooong distance swims

And multiple PRs

Tonight, we celebrate all their successes.

Weston and his sophomore crew

The whole team

And our very own Varsity Lettermen.

Hard work pays off!