Sunday, February 25, 2024

2024 :: week 8

February 18
Soni was in town for the long weekend and we got together for dinner Sunday evening. Soni's dad has ALS and my mom is healing from a stoke and dealing with the after effects of that, so we have a lot to commiserate about. 

February 19
Monday the kids had no school, but Anthony had to work. In the afternoon we drove out to Kaw Point so Will could film a video for his YouTube channel, Xplore KC. It was good to get outside. The kids had fun throwing rocks and sticks into the river. Will got some good footage for his video. One thing I did not expect as how bad the river would smell. When we went down last year I didn't notice any distinct smell, but this time as soon as we got out of the car we all immediately wondered what was causing the bad smell. On the way home we stopped at McDonald's for a late lunch. 

February 20
Basketball is the sport du jour of the John boys. After school until it gets dark (and sometimes even after it is dark) you can find one, two or all three John boys working on their game. 

February 21
Miles and Elliott helped me pick up a few "essentials" at Costco. The kids have been enjoying these mini muffins lately, though they are pricy enough they are only allowed one bag each per day. 

February 22
Post-mutual knockout has become the expectation for the John kids. Recently Lauren has started getting in on the action too. She doesn't have as much basketball experience as her brothers, but she's got a great touch when it comes to soccer throw-ins, so she did surprisingly well.

February 23
Friday evening our older kids had plans. Will went to Target and Chick fil A with school friends. Lauren went to Ethnie's birthday party. Elliott went to the SMS basketball games with Townes and his family. The Wilsons invited us to go to their school carnival with them. Emily knows that Miles is a HUGE mascot fan, and their PTA arranged to have KC Wolf and Sluggger take photos with kids for an hour. Miles was so excited! He brought his Sluggger stuffie and was beaming with excitement while we drove to Brookridge. As soon as the mascots entered the gym it was a different story. He started crying and was clinging to me and buried his head in my shoulder. He finally agreed to take a picture if Anthony held him and we were both with him. Eventually he calmed down enough to let Sluggger hug him and get his autograph. It was a super fun night! Emily wins aunt of the year award for making the mascot magic happen for Miles. 

February 24
Elliott had another basketball game Saturday. He played well, despite being given some tough defensive assignments. The kid Elliott was guarding had several inches and pounds on him, but Elliott didn't back down. He made him work, then swatted the ball away and ran it back down the court to score a layup. 

Sunday, February 4, 2024

2024 :: week 5

January 28
Miles and Dad played catch with the football while we watched the Chiefs take on the Ravens. I was a bit anxious as we watched the game, but they played well and are heading back to the Super Bowl in a few weeks!

January 29
The day I was dreading finally came. The city chopped down the ash trees along Bond. It feels so naked when you walk or drive down the street. I am sad. Luckily within the week they were back, ground up the stumps and planted new trees all along the street. 

January 30
Tuesday evening Anthony and I took Will to the "Come Look at South Night," at SMS. I am excited for all the opportunities coming Will's way as he heads to high school. He is planning on band, and is hoping to get involved in the digital media program (these classes have limited enrollment and freshman get lowest priority). I was flattered Will was willing to pose for this picture with me. I can't believe my baby is going to be going to the same high school I did later this year.

January 31
Miles is getting pretty good at writing, letters and numbers. He wrote this paper that says "4 Miles 40 Mom" all by himself. He likes that he is 4 and I am 40 years old.



 


February 1
He's at it again! Grabbing Elliott's backpack and making sure it doesn't get left behind. Miles is definitely the Felix to Elliott's Oscar if they were the Odd Couple. 


February 2
Lauren bought Elliott this mini Bop It! game for Christmas and the kids have had fun trying to beat each other's records.


February 3
Another busy Saturday with basketball for both Will and Elliott, football for Elliott and volleyball for Lauren. Four sports for three kids has made for a busier winter than I expected, but it has been so cold I'm glad the kids have gotten plenty of chances to be active. This Saturday Anthony was asked to be line judge at the volleyball match and he took the responsibility very seriously. In the evening I went over to Allison Bishop's house. She has been serving as our ward's Primary President, but as of tomorrow I will be taking over. Allison and her presidency and me and the new presidency met to share ideas and ask questions. It was a good meeting and I feel a little less overwhelmed.