The kids got gift certificates to the movies from their grandmother for Christmas. So we went to Arundel Mills and saw a show. Movie theaters have changed. Check out these seats. The matinee was clearly a popular time to go. We had a blast though. Saw Sonic 3. Gonna go back in a few weeks to see the new Marvel Captain America movie with the Red Hulk.
Eden and Lila dancing in the living room on New Year’s Eve. Liz is riding a tricycle.
It has become a Thanksgiving tradition since Liz was in 3rd grade. The Catonsville HS XC Turkey Trot. Liz is still rehabbing from ACL surgery. But wouldn’t miss Maggie’s first Turkey Trot.
And if there is an adventure, you know Jack is up for it. He came out in the cold to cheer Maggie on.
Maggie was ready. Poised at the start and ready to run her race.
Once Maggie ran away from the insanely large and scary clown, she came around the last turn headed for the finish line. One more hill to go, and Jack was there to cheer her on.
It was freezing cold, and Maggie was pretty awesome. It was great to have Jack and Liz there to support her. Happy Thanksgiving!
We had a great time celebrating Halloween at home. Liz had an Incredible time at college celebrating with her lacrosse team
Luke was the lucky sibling that got to go with me on a quick trip to Louisville for Liz’s lacrosse banquet in Sep 2021. It was a grueling 18 hours behind the wheel in just over 48 hours. But it was so worth it to spend time with Luke, and to get to see Liz.
We made the most of limited time. We left at 4AM on Friday. When we arrived late Friday afternoon, maybe 2PM, Luke wanted to work out and then get in the pool. So we lifted some weights, did some cardio, and took a quick dip. Liz was at a practice and then mandatory study hall before we could pick her up.
We got her! Picked her up at her house and took her out to dinner. We went to the Old Spaghetti Factory. It is in downtown Louisville. Had a huge meal. Liz ate it all up, lots of carbs, and she probably could have kept eating. She was smiling and talking all night. We loved her company. The next day, we knew we wouldn’t get to see her much because the team had three lacrosse games, so we relished every second of our time together.
Next morning, Luke and I went out for a special breakfast at Highland Morning. Luke got the leaning tower of waffles. And yes, we did some Pokemon GO. Really, I was more into it than Luke. But we both loved the meal before heading to the fields.
We watched Liz’s games. She is still injured from her ACL surgery. But we watched and cheered on her team. And then we needed to go get some clothes for the banquet. Oh no, we did not pack appropriately!
Luke cleaned up nice! Great new shirt. L’s up for Luke as we checked out the Louisville stadium. The banquet was in the stadium in one of the banquet rooms off the main level. Very cool to see how far the lax program went last year. And great to see Liz and some of her teammates and coaches. Luke and I were watching the clock, because we needed to leave at a reasonable hour to get home.
We were sad to leave Liz. Said goodbye at 9:30PM Sat night and hit the road. We drove through the night. Luke asleep in the back seat. Me driving. Had to stop at a rest stop to take a quick nap somewhere in WV. But made it home just before 6AM. I had lacrosse practices all day, so we made it in time to saw some Zs at home before heading out for lax.
Til next time Liz, we will miss you.
The plan was to put Maggie and Eden on a plane and send them to Louisville for the weekend. But when we figured the budget and it didn’t work, we made something even better happen. I booked Liz a roundtrip home for two days. And we loved it.
Liz got home and everybody wanted to be around her. It was a fun family weekend. Relaxing and all together. We did not want it to end when I had to drive Liz to the airport on Monday.
They grows up and they grows up and they grows up.
Look what we’ve made. Lila’s first few weeks of life zipped by. Dad was dealing with lacrosse nonsense, per usual. Liz was recovering from ACL surgery and going back and forth to the rehab several days a week. Jack trying out for lax teams. Noah and Maggie finishing up a summer schedule for lax. Eden and Maggie preparing for a new school. The boys all getting ready to go back to school for the first real time in a while. Liz was finishing up summer school; she managed to take three classes with exams (which she had to take in Essex) and have surgery in the middle of it. Luke got a bike for his birthday and everybody was wheels up in August. Maggie went camping with Becca in Chincoteague. We all took a quick trip down to spend a night or two with Aunt Joan and Uncle Greg. Eden started a job at Play It Again Sports. All the while, Lila was eating, sleeping, crying and pooping. And being loved.
And in a blink, it was time for the seven to part, at least for Liz to hit the road to go back to Louisville.
Taking stock. Seven is a lot. There is a lot of love in this picture right here. A lot of kids who are smart, respectful, funny, conscientious, and, in my opinion, pretty amazing. And I want them all to be happy. So, we do our best as parents to provide for them. Help them become good citizens. Help them through their struggles. Help them dream. Help them grow. Help them to learn the value of hard work. And help them find joyous moments in life.
2020 was tough. In so many ways it was tough. It was tough on Liz. It was tough on Eden. Noah did well, but 2021 threw up new challenges. Maggie seems to bee bop through anything that comes her way. 2020 was tough on Luke. Jack is a cool customer and is ready to be back to school soon. It certainly had some hardships for Marcia and me. And Lila is coming onto the scene with no expectations.
At the end of 2021, I hope to have two (licensed) drivers in the house, and one working on it. And Eden figuring out where she wants to go to college. And for the seven to be together again for a few weeks around Christmas.
On April 28, we traveled to Chapel Hill, NC to watch Liz in her first ACC Tournament. Jack, Maggie and Dad made the trek. There and back again in one day. Left REALLY early in the morning, maybe 3:00 or 4:00. Made it into Bellwood, VA, just south of Richmond, where we stopped at Waffle House!
We made it into Chapel Hill. We “explored” to find a parking spot and get to the fields. Bought some cool ACC hats. And settled in to cheer for the Cards. Watch Liz in warmups. And then watched her play against UNC. UNC was ranked the number 1 team in the country, and Liz looked good on the field against them. Her brother and sister were so into the game and definitely excited and cheering for her when Liz took the field.
Liz’s team lost to the #1 team in the country. But that mattered not to us. Our highlight came after. We hustled to the bus to catch some time with Liz. And then found out we could meet up at the team hotel. What a treat! We had taken our sticks, so we got them out of the truck and played some catch with Liz at the hotel. This was after a full season of lacrosse for Jack since Liz had seen him last, so she was very impressed with how well he could throw and catch.
We topped it all off with a stop at the Yogurt Pump, YOPO, before piling back in the truck and driving nearly 6 hours home. 12 hours behind the wheel to see my girl, and for her to get to see Maggie and Jack. Worth every second.
Elizabeth was notified today that she was selected to play in the MD Senior Game next Wednesday night at Archbishop Spalding! She was the only one from her school selected for this honor.
Also selected were Lizzie de Guzman (Maryvale) and Sidney Snyder (Dulaney).
We are so proud of our girl.
Six With Sticks 