This is it. The mother post. The post to end all posts.
Actually, it's just a really long post, in which my mother happens to make an appearance.
Is it really mid-December? We passed our six-month mark without so much as a second thought. Really?! Time truly flies.
We celebrated an early Thanksgiving at Aunt Sharry's house.
We are so incredibly grateful for nearby family!
We broke Welsh family tradition (long tradition -- two years running) and bought our tree before Thanksgiving. I know, I know. But Ty had to work the day after Thanksgiving, and my family was visiting.
All my Mickeys made the move in one piece! Phew!
I had class on Monday and Tuesday during the week of Thanksgiving. My family arrived Wednesday afternoon, but we knew the grocery stores would be mobbed the day before the big day. I went to Sprout's solo on Wednesday morning at opening time -- 7AM -- and had no trouble whatsoever. Best decision ever.
Thanksgiving morning was beautifully quiet, and I read. Yes, I read a novel.
Naturally we took the fam to the lake.
My sister has been training for her first 10K -- so proud of her!
Brooklyn was excited about the festivities.
Mitchell ladies in the kitchen! Everyone kept asking me about my Thanksgiving plans; when I told them my family was coming, they said something like, "Wow! You're cooking for a lot of people!"
I laughed and told them the cooks were coming to me.
The men. (And Brook)
Dad asked me what I wanted to do with the turkey. I said I wanted to give it to him. :)
Guests arriving!
The spread!
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| Ty, Dad, Mom, Julia (behind the camera!), me, Eva, Sharry, Mary Anna, Jacob |
And this is where Brooklyn could be found.
Post-dinner games!
The following day, Ty had to work, so I took the family for a little touring. We hit up the GW Bush Library and Museum. The 9/11 portion is incredibly well done and even more moving the second time through.
Of course, there was lots of hanging around time, too.
Friday evening we attended an SMU Women's basketball game. It was tournament weekend, so all the games were free! Here's the fam, in front of the iconic mustangs.
Saturday we hit up the Arboretum. It looked so different from when we went there with Glenna! Totally different beauty! This is one of their 12 Days of Christmas displays.
Ah. The fountain. I suggested we take a few pictures under the oak.
Afterward, we all continued along the path -- except for Dad, who was looking at the photos on his phone. We heard a cry, and we all turned around to find Dad standing knee-deep in the fountain display. What a hoot! We couldn't stop laughing the entire time! Here, he's wringing out his socks.
The Scottish men with the 11 Pipers Piping.
While they were transitioning everything over to Christmas displays, we were able to catch the final weekend of the pumpkin theming. So cool!
Our bellies were a'grumblin at this point, so we loaded up the car and headed to Klyde Warren Park for a picnic. Remember Klyde Warren, the park that is built atop a freeway tunnel? It's in the heart of downtown across from the DMA.
We couldn't have asked for a better day!
I forgot the food trucks arrived at 11, so the fam ditched the turkey leftovers for street tacos. Can't say I blame them. :)
Saturday evening was our planned dinner out. But first, the boys hit up a sports bar for some Gator football.
We joined them for the last quarter. What a disappointment...
Our Thai food, however, was not a disappointment! I am so pleased that I found a GF Asian restaurant my sister approved of! That green curry was to die for!
Highland Park was all lit up!
I filled in for our regular pianist at church. Fun that this worked out while my family was visiting!
The fam's flight didn't depart until Monday afternoon, so I brought my sister to school. I told her she had to perform in my piano class, though! She did so well!
Then it was off to the airport! We had such a wonderful time, and it was easier to say goodbye this time, since we'll be home so soon!!
Matt and Hannah were both home for Thanksgiving for practically forever. (What's the deal with "reading week?") It was so fun to get back to the regular game night schedule! This is the ice cream run to Kroger.
Since then, it's been more of the same normal, just taken up a notch due to end-of-semester craziness!
Running on campus...
Getting kicked off the couch...
Attending lots of student recitals...
SMU Piano Prep Dept faculty right here
Plenty of time in this place...
Finishing my final prospectus!! Over 35 pages and nearly 9,000 words. Huge relief!
Rehearsing for juries in Caruth with Eva. Serious treat.
Working with Michelle Bill Photography and having a blast!
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| http://www.michellebill.com/ |
Taking care of Christmas business in one fell swoop. Unfortunately, Brooklyn got her eye on his monkey before I had wrapped it for Ty. (It has elastic arms and screams when launched. Quite the gift, I know.)
It became her favorite thing ever. Lasted two full days, even.
Brook and I ran to the lake. It had been a while since I'd been there. It's so peaceful.
On my way to juries! This was after my coffee maker exploded everywhere. My husband is the best, hands-down: he saved the day by cleaning up the coffee mess and bringing me a fresh cup from our favorite local shop. I love him! Totally made my morning go smoothly.
And just like that, I'm finished with my first semester of grad school!
