Spontaneous Houston Trip

When Ethan called Aunt Sandi and said, "When is the next time we're going to Houston?" somehow it led to him going to Houston that weekend. Somehow, I didn't complain about it. Thanks much to special Aunt Sandi for helping to make it happen! We made the kid exchange at the only meet up location we know.

Aunt Sandi and Ethan drove straight to the high school football playoff game where celebrity cousin Jacob was THE team photographer allowed on the field capturing all the live action all night. Sports lover Ethan was hooked. Cool dude celebrity even came up to visit the fawning fans during halftime!


Ethan's first Pup Cup and sooo much special aunt time:

There was a specific request to go to NASA Space Center, and the request was granted.


Special puzin and special cousin time:

For a short weekend, Aunt Sandi seemed to have worn big guy out. (And Ethan wasn't the only one who benefitted from the visit...)

Halloween 2025

Before Halloween festivities even started, Spencer's soccer coach invited the team to come to practice in costume. Apparently, only the moose got the memo.


On October 31st, itself, elementary school held its traditional Storybook Character Parade.

a very proud Harvey Milk

CohGils at the parade

After school, it was time for pumpkin carving. Jon and I helped with the holes and the gutting. BUT for the first time EVER, the children did ALL of the actual carving by themselves, using sharp tools. They emerged on the other side with 30 fingers and an astonished momma.




That Friday night doubled as Shabbat, so it was a perfect opportunity for CHALLAHween!


It was time, at last, for costumes and candy (and cousins).

Misc. October 2025

We begin the October post with a throwback to August to recognize our new favorite elementary school crossing guard. Uncle Craig keeps the streets of Pond Springs Safe (except for the crazy kids, dogs, and ladies who add certain challenges to his job...)

We move next to a sports recap of the month. Spencer continued his soccer season.


Ethan continued and concluded his season with the Nationals baseball team.

Thank you, Coach Chris!

And where there is kids sports, there is always a family cheering section.

Moving the blog post along to performances, Gabi had her fist dance recital and nailed it!

While you're highly encouraged to watch the whole video, the best view of Gabi begins around 2:05.

proud fan club

Spencer's 3rd Grade put on a performance, called "From the Inside Out" this month. He, too, had adoring fans in the audience.


Ethan also performed at school this month for his first ever band concert. He nailed the ever classic rendition of "Hot Cross Buns."


Sticking with themed sections, it's time for furry family:




The boys (and Reggie) participated in the middle school's fundraiser Ranger Run this month. Ethan ran his first ever 5K!

Spencer with his friend John

Later that week, we learned that they rushed off to shul before they announced that Ethan won 3rd place in the 6th grade category!

We live in a much different political world than I grew up in, and we're choosing to discuss certain current events with our children so that they are aware of some of the current horrors and dangers facing the communities that are closer to us than we'd like to think. These 2 boys threw their own No Kings Rally.

Mommy snuck out to a work conference in Phoenix this month. I didn't capture many pictures, except for one pretty scenic shot and one of my airport shwarma.

Ethan love from afar --->

When both big sibs had plans one Saturday night, Spencer got special time on a date with TWO parents.

The rest of the non-captioned, non-themed October: