Let the wrestling begin!

First big tournament in Darien - almost 2 hours away!  These guys wrestled hard.  I cannot believe how ripped and determined Nick is.  He is out for it this year.  Tough 126 weight class.  Won this match.

Impresses me how they can catch some rest in-between.  So necessary considering how long the days can be.

I had this photo pulled up while Nick walked by, and he instantly remembered this match and as he started to describe it, I realized it's a match I cannot forget!  The kid dropped nick on his head TWICE!  The first time the coaches reacted, the second time the coaches were furious.  Sadly, because it wasn't called on the first time, he didn't get disqualified like he should us.  Nick narrowly lost the match and was needless to say a bit frustrated.  He went on in the consolation and did well overall, wrestling sure can be tough to watch.

On to months' worth of healthy eating yogurt, granola, oranges and salads.  I do wish I had his discipline!  Especially during the holidays.

 

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Snow up at Stowe - the Adult Briggs went chasing it - we got the kids just for dinner that night.  Crazy they can stay solo for the evening.  When did they get so old??

Office Holiday lunch at Zahara

Wrapped gifts rolling in.  Hoping there are new PJs in there for this guy!  Those are some high waters!

The wreath is up!!  With the antlers this year - total win.  (I am blogging this in March, and declaring the wreath IS STILL UP! I love it so much.

 

Shopping with Shane..... And Nick

Gotta do a little blog on this guy.  Would say he has changed the most over this year.  Tall, filling out, determined (but not in a way know can always see) more of the quiet constant.  He does get fiery if you poke him, but he sure is a teenager.  Thankful for the moments when he will really talk to you about things that matter to him, whether he is quietly proud of a class grade, or a sport scenario or the thoughts on what makes him tick.  These moments dont come often, so you gotta be ready.

I still love the simply goofy things he chooses to do.

It was a RAINY Sunday, and the BEST part was shopping with these 2.  From Dicks, to Sephora, to Francesca's They were fish outta water in some elements but learned the aspects to keep them swimming (ask an employee!)

Loved how they knock out shopping for their cousins and girlfriends one rainy afternoon!

Love being with them!

 

The gift

Saturday morning started by spreading a bit of Christmas Magic on the lawn of the Izzo's.  They unexpectantly lost their brother-in-law in his sleep.  You never know what you can really do to help.  Asa came up with this idea.  A true gift.

  It was truly fun to do and such a surprise for their kids that evening.

Later that night we all went to see 'The Gift' at Valley Baptist.  It was a play and laid out Jesus's life from birth to death.  The actors were incredibly talented, it was an impressive performance.

Here are are mingling after the performance.  Jesus is actually in the background!

The gift of this crew together - My folks were with us, but apparently they already bolted.

Ashley joined us at the performance.  Loved her questions about the story along the way.  Thankful for the little ways friends and family can learn about his story.  That is the gift.

Drews Concert, old lady chair and wrestling

Can you believe it snowed?!?  These boys escaped for the morning and chased it - totally worth it to ring in the season!

Ashley's first college acceptance letter!!  So excited to see these next big steps for her

Christmas decorations up and the Rose bowl ornament is poised to bring good Luck to Michigan over Alabama this season - every finger is crossed!  

Time for Drew to look all dapper!

Band AND Jazz band concert.

Totally impressed seeing these kids play tonight.  Drew resists jazz band, so I am savoring tonight's performance because he may not be on this stage next time.

Thankful that he did it at least once....

Snuggles are always good - 

In case you are wondering, this is not the snuggle hold.

Found this chair on the side of the road.  Always wanted a good glider.  Bummer is, it squeaked.  My dad offered to fix it and I took him up on it!

All done and I love it!! - Thank you dad!

 

Diane is here and Champagne walk

Diane's family was up here for Thanksgiving, but they are so stacked with family visitations that it's hard to escape.  BUT - she is her niece's confirmation sponsor and needed to fly back the next weekend.  Total win for us!  I got her Thursday night, took the afternoon off to explore Collinsville together.  Love the time with Diane doing just about anything.  Fun seeing all the little notes she left around the house and on the calendar.

Tonight, in Collinsville is the champagne walk.  We were getting a little preview.

Went through the Christmas tree showcase.  Love finding this gem made by Tyler!  Of course we voted for it.

Popped out to the lake house and sang happy birthday to Farrah!

We drove to Waterbury with the intention of meeting Tina in Holy land.  Tina beat us there and reported that Holy land wasn't the safest part of Waterbury, so we opted for another spot to link up.  So thankful to have enjoyed the time with Diane!

Back to the Champagne walk - Collinsville is ready

Really bummer that its RAINING....  yuck.....

Keeping it festive anyway!

 

The Wizards, the win, the banquet

Fund raiser wizards game Monday after Thanksgiving.  Impressed these guys pulled it off.  KUDOS to the teachers out there.  Loved how they got all the kids out dancing.

We scored the best raffle basket of canton swag!

Next up, soccer banquet at the North house.  Nick and Shane sure do love being on the field.  Crazy how fast this season went.

Love that Colleen snagged this photo - kicking myself for not getting one of just our crew.

Bringing a little holiday spirit to the office