Halloween

Always wanted to be a red head - so this wig is just perfect.  Now the costumes are just limitless.

We may have to do this one on repeat.  It is just too easy for us.

PERFECT night.  Parked so we could enjoy the walk in.  LOVE how folks are so creative.  THis skeleton is the best.

What do you think is in the water bottle?

Loved the range of costumes.

This is the parade, right here.  Just the harlaquin pulling the organ, than we all fall in behind.  Yes, we are part of the parade.  Its people watching at its fullest.

The houses in the area have no choice but to join in the fun - electric chair and all.

No joke its ages young and old.

We were VIP having a bathroom inside the office area of the Axe factory - thanks to ITP rail.

Anyone else singing the Pulp Fiction Theme?

A drone photo I later found on FB capturing the evening perfectly - moon and all

Just 2 nights later in our spooky neighborhood - a bunch of platypuses.  Or maybe platapi?

Meanwhile, just 2 years younger.

The post trick or treating blood sucking

Yup, the dating giraffe and platypus.  Gotta save this capture.

Meanwhile, are dating older HS kiddos graduated to handing out candy.  Gosh how far we have come.

 

First to fly

He has been talking about flying for years.  Has quite the fascination with it.  So, we booked him a learn to fly introduction for his birthday.  To say I was terrified for him is an understatement.  Baby steps for mom.  Last weekend it was delayed due to unsteady winds.  So, it was re-scheduled.  BEAUTIFUL evening and plenty of fall colors to see.  Now we ARE NOT joining him.  Guessing there is BARELY room for 2.

His instructor was AJ and they did a pre-flight intro in his office.

Next was a full check of the plane.

I mean can Drew fit in there?

Listening to them start the plane was a bit un-nerving.  I mean it did sound like a glorified lawn mower that took several tries to get going.

Drew COULD NOT STOP GRINNING

https://youtu.be/YyyTqKO758k

Off he goes!  They are in the air for 45 minutes.  We snuck away to grab food (have a drink!) and let Nick golf shop.  Memorable moment - Shane finally divulging his new relationship with RUBY!  That is a showstopper!  GO Shane!

So proud of Drew for continuing to chase this desire of his.

 

Fall Sports wrap up

Something tells me he really cares about soccer.

This one enjoyed the cross country for the social aspect

Love every time they ran across the field like this.

Just a few treasures from the season

 

Longfellow

Super cool project that I was blessed to manage.  School building built in 1923, renovated for senior housing in 2023.  From home room to home sweet home.  Classrooms were turned into apartments and new building has 50 additional units.  Biggest challenge was passing the lead paint dust wipe test.  No thank you!  Just barely.  Here is our team, regional manager, Property manager, Marketing, Director of A&D, VP, Lifelong learning and me=)

 

Now with more of the local staff and Councilman Polensik who's family attended the school and he was passionate about saving the building.

This photo includes Marous Brothers Construction - our design build general contractor partner.

Loved all the things our marketing team did to finalize the beauty of the building.

They actually cut the ribbon

Phil Migas who is no long with Marous but an architect that I truly enjoyed working with

Went to Top golf with our team.  Impressed someone captured me looking as if I know what I am doing.  Pretty sure I still whiffed the shot.

A little employee appreciation with the local staff.

These are some of the things I truly appreciate about the company that I work for.

 

Closing up the cabin to start a project

Every year Highland Lake drops the water level.  One of the many reasons is to allow for repairs or renovations of the sea walls, docks, etc.  I am sure there are other reasons we will one day learn, our neighbor Candy came by she is not only a mega water skier that is thrilled to have boys that can drive a boat, she is also heavily involved in the lake HOA and water quality. 

Anyway, here are the boys learning to take the dock out - Chris and Mary got a little class from the previous owner.  I think he mentioned 100 times that he did it himself.

Meanwhile our neighbors still have theirs in.

First capture of front porch rocking chair living

While this photo is supposed to capture us chilling on the front porch, I seem to be drawn to the repair oppurtunity of the front porch.  Hope these projects are fun =)!  There might be a few...

Moving up in the world to actual furniture!

Love the May's sleeper sofa and chair.  This spring we will welcome a new rug.  Mary is going to the be decorator - thankful as that just isn't my strong suit.

Makes me so happy

Fall leaves

Yup, the projects started.  This was hopefully the biggest one.  The kitchen floor felt warped.  Likely because the plumbing leaked years ago. They tried to support the beams, but they had just rotted.  So, this was a big one, but thankful to be getting it out of the way.  

Bathroom too - guess its a great reason to grab new flooring, toilet and vanity

 

Home coming 2023

Loved the different stages of Homecoming this year.  Nick as a junior is ALL IN.  He looked great (loved shopping with him and Shane to grab pants, a shirt and tie.  Their level of enthusiasm was a direct reflection of their age) Nick orchestrated his outfit and flowers with his date.

Loved getting shots of the dress

Off he goes

The older kids got photos at the Briggs

We hosted the Freshmen crew

All were invited to chill and head to the dance together

Meanwhile loved getting these photos

They were so fortunte with a BEAUITFUL sunset

Check out all these handsome freshmen!

The Murphys hosted the girl crew for the class.

Love that the mom's managed to get a fashion shot too.

Love the photos of the sweet couple

Can you imagine this car ride into the dance?

Love that Schoomby bear captured a photo with his lady Ruby!!

Nick bouquet for Ashley was so large I was able to enjoy it too.

Glad the boys enjoyed a fun festive homecoming evening!!