November 2021

For Thanksgiving this year, we went to Charleston, WV to celebrate with the Cyphers and Shafers.  We arrived on Tuesday evening around 8:30 and the girls got to play with their cousins a little before heading to bed.  Move of Wednesday was doing some yardwork and preparing some of the dishes for Thanksgiving.  Julie and I also got a chance to go to Orange Theory for a workout.  Thanksgiving Day was full of the Macy’s Day parade, football and cooking. The girls had fun playing together with some of the toys and games that Julie & Debbie played with when they were little.  Sarah enjoyed playing checkers against Olivia and Ava had fun playing with some letters.  We came back to Indy on Friday.  Allison had basketball practice on Saturday and Sarah had a basketball game on Sunday.  We did some yardwork over the weekend to get things cleaned up for the fall and also decorated the house for Christmas.   

 

                Allison’s basketball season ended the 2^ndweek of November with 4 games in 4 nights.  Her team made it to the city championship game and came up short against a very good team.  I told her that 2^ndplace is better than most kids get and only one team can win their last game.   Practice has started for her Jr. Trojans team and I’m going to be one of the assistant coaches.  I’ve found that being an assistant is a heck of a lot more fun for me (and for Allison). Allison has just had practices so far and her games will start in January.  Sarah’s basketball team has done much better this year in comparison to last year.  They have won a few games and gotten better each week. Her league ends in early December and then she will play in another league starting in January.   

 

Sarah’s Things of the Month  

                Sarah had her All-Saints Day mass where she was St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.   Her class dressed up and led the school mass.  She also went on a brownie event where they got a chance to learn archery.  Finally, I had fun being the “mystery reader” in her class where I got a chance to read a few books and let the kids ask me questions.   

 

Allison’s Things of the Month  

                 Allison has been training to be an altar server and served at her first mass in November.  She seemed pretty nervous but did a great job.  She has also started her volleyball season with some open gyms and evaluations.  She is on the 56B team with several of her friends.   

 

A few more items from this month: 

• I got a chance to meet up with some of the guys that I worked with at Herff Jones.  It had been 18 months since we had seen each other and it was great to catch up with them.  
• Several of the neighborhood guys got together to watch some college football at the Biberstine’s and the afternoon continued into the evening at the Sipe’s.   
• Sarah participated in a Veteran’s Day program at school.   
• Sarah and Allison both got their first round of vaccines and had minimal side-effects.   
• We had a table with the McHughs, Stones & Bultincks for Bingo at school to benefit the 8^thgrade trip to Washington D. C.   
• We went over to the Steffeys for their annual Friends Thanksgiving.  We had a good time seeing everyone, having a few drinks and laughs.   
• We have finally started to put together our office by buying some new furniture.  We are still trying to figure out some new chairs and a table for the girls, but Debbie and I have new desks.   
  
  
  
  

October 2021

                As we are halfway through November and I’m just now sitting down to remember what we did in October, you can see we have been busy with kid’s activities along with visiting family over fall break.  We have ended XC season, continued basketball season and enjoyed a trip to OH & WV.   

 

                For fall break this year, we started the trip by heading to North Canton to visit my sister’s family and my mom (who lives with my sister).  We arrived on Friday evening and the kids got a chance to hang out for a little bit before going to bed.  On Saturday, we didn’t leave the house as the kids enjoyed playing inside and outside while we watched some Purdue football and played some board games.  Pete made a fire in the evening and we played a fun card game which simulated a mystery and trying to figure out who was “it.”  On Sunday morning, we got up and drove to Davis, WV to enjoy a few days in the mountains and see the Cyphers.  We enjoyed hiking, fishing, and a few rides on the ATV.  We had some fun at a climbing park, where I was the person who took the hardest fall!  I went on a few runs on my own in Blackwater State Park and had a few beers with Randy at Stump Town Ales.  We also went to get pizza at Sirianni’s and Deb helped Anna clean the house.  We came home on Thursday so we could have a 3-day weekend to get things caught up around our house.   

 

                Allison and I have spent plenty of time together this month given her basketball schedule. Her team has played very well and won all the games they played in October.  They have continued to get better each practice and I’m sure at some point, are getting tired of hearing my voice!  Allison also participated in evaluations for Jr. Trojans and that season will be starting after CYO is over in November. Sarah’s 3^rd grade team started in a Cathedral basketball league and she has played one game in October on Halloween.  Both girls ended their XC season with the City meet in early October, which was on a pretty hot day.   

 

Sarah’s Things of the Month  

                Sarah had a rare reaction to a bug bite while we were on fall break and Deb and Beth texted back and forth many times to try to find the right medicine to get it under control.  Deb did a great job helping Sarah take some pretty awful medicine and Beth being able to help out was the only reason we didn’t have to cut our trip short.   Sarah had a very good parent-teacher conference and her teacher had a lot of good things to say about her grades and her attitude in class.   

 

Allison’s Things of the Month  

                 Allison’s parent-teacher conference was unique this year because Allison was in attendance. Actually, she was the person running the conference. Her teacher, Debbie and I were there to listen to what she had to say and ask any questions.  She was nervous but did a very good job.    

 

A few more items from this month: 

• We went to a Chatard football game in early October.  It was CYO night so some of the boys from school played a few snaps at halftime.   
• Jeremy and I found some time to play some frisbee golf and then went and had lunch at Ale Emporium.   
• We had fun at Lobsterfest at the Bassett’s. The rain had us inside but we still had a good time with everyone.   
• I met out some high school buddies to watch the Colts vs. Ravens game.  I don’t recall the last time I saw that group, but always fun to catch up with John, Gareth & Brian.   
• Watkins, Jeremy and I went to a Pacers game against Milwaukee.  Jeremy was able to get some great tickets and it is amazing how much different the game looks when you are that close.   
• Deb went to Bonges with a group organized by Diane.  Our sitter fell through, so only one of us could go.   
• Randy and Anna came to visit over Halloween.  As previous years, Anna made the costumes and Sarah was an Oreo cookie and Allison was a dog.   
• We had dinner with Tony & Amy Bultinck at Seasons 52.  It was great to get a chance to sit and talk without being in a gym, church or in a rush! 

 

 

September 2021

Between kickball, cross country, basketball and brownies, it seems like most days are consistently booked with kid’s activities in September.  It would be very easy to complain about it (as we find ourselves doing), but we are glad they want to be active in at school and be with their friends.   

 

                Allison is on the 56B basketball team and I’m coaching that team with Matt Tedford.  There are 6 girls from her grade and 2 girls from 6^th grade.  Over the last month, these girls have gotten much better at the fundamentals.  I’ve spent some time reaching out to people that have coached basketball for years and gotten their input on how to run a better practice along with what to focus on at this age.  Overall, the girls have gotten much better in the last month and that is my goal.  We lost our first game against a very good St. Barnabas team but look forward to the remainder of our schedule in October.   

 

                Over Labor Day Weekend, we went to a wedding for Alexis and Spencer.  Alexis watched our kids during the summer of 2020 along with helping out at the end of the school year due to COVID.  This was the first wedding that our girls had been to and they enjoyed watching the ceremony and dancing at the reception.  The Sniadeckis were also invited to the wedding so it was fun to see the kids having a good time with their friends.   

 

Sarah’s Things of the Month  

                Sarah enjoyed playing her first season of kickball with her friends.  At her age, there is a lot of scoring and one of their games they won 53-50.  She has had fun with cross-country this year, which seems to be more of a social event than a competition for her.  Sarah’s brownie troop has also had a few gatherings along with a campout at one of our classmate’s backyard.   

 

Allison’s Things of the Month  

                 Allison’s kickball team ended the season with 2 losses and they enjoyed playing with several of the 6^th grade girls.  Cross country also seems to be more FOMO than a competitive sport for Allison.  I believe she does the sport because her friends do, but her times indicate that she isn’t getting any better when compared to the prior few years.   

 

A few more items from this month: 

• Timber has starting training at PetSmart.  It is probably more of at training for us and not her since we have never had a dog before and are still learning as we go.   
• Deb went out for a girl’s night to celebrate Corinne’s birthday.  They went to a restaurant in Carmel and went and made some candles.  
• I made it to Watkins’ house and played poker with Foulke, Watkins, Bleill and Anderson.  It had been a while since we had seen each other so it was a good opportunity to catch up.   
• We went to our neighborhood progressive dinner.  We move around the neighborhood to 3 houses and get a chance to talk with our neighbors without the kids around!  
• We enjoyed the last few days at the K of C pool over Labor Day weekend.   
• I participated in my 3^rd “Dri Tri” at Orangetheory.  I’ve continued to improve my time every time I’ve done it.  I did the first one in 44 mins, the 2^nd in 41 mins and I completed the 3^rd one in 39 mins.   
  
  
  
  
  

August 2021

                Our August had our girls going back to school during the 2^nd week and getting more involved with cross-country and kickball.  We also made our annual trip to St. Joseph, MI for a fun weekend with family and enjoying some time on the beach.   

 

                For the last 31 years, there has been a gathering up in the St. Joseph / Benton Harbor area organized by my Uncle Frank, Aunt Jan, my mom and Terry Miller.  It has become quite a tradition that everyone looks forward to and enjoys.  Every year, my kids talk about hanging out in the conference room and climbing the dune.  Jackie and Adam offered to watch Timber so we could leave early on Friday.  We had dinner with mom, Pete, Jake & Grace in downtown St. Joseph and enjoyed some ice cream on Friday evening.  Saturday we were at the beach as early as we could with Beth and her family.  I got a chance to play “Kings in the Corner” with Grace and “Guess Who” with Jake and found myself losing a lot more than I was winning.  Chelsea & Chris bring some great friends along and hang out with the kids and hit the volleyball around and play keep away in the water.  We left the beach on Sunday around noon to head back to Indy and get Timber.    

 

                We started school on August 11^th and both kids were excited to get back into the classroom (mostly for social reasons).  We are fortunate enough that our kids get to see several classmates throughout the summer with sports, camps and the pool, but nothing is quite like having them all back in the same place.  Always a little rough getting back into the routine (especially with a dog) but we are starting to get used to it.  

 

Sarah’s Things of the Month  

                Sarah had a belated birthday celebration this month which included a sleepover with several of her friends from the neighborhood and school.  They enjoyed some fun games in the backyard and sleeping in the basement.  Sarah has also enjoyed playing kickball with her classmates this season and is running cross country again.   

 

Allison’s Thing of the Month  

                 Since Allison is in 5^th grade, her basketball team is decided based on evaluations.  She is on the 56B team which I will be coaching.  She has been playing on the 56A kickball team and it is amazing how much faster the games go when both teams can play defense and catch the ball.  She is also running cross country this year and enjoying the social time with friends.   

 

A few more items from this month: 

• On a few Sunday evenings during this month, a few dads from church have gotten together to play some basketball and go out for a few beers.  It has been fun to meet a few guys I haven’t talk to much before and get back onto the court.  
• Deb helped manage the used uniform sale at school and they did a great job and raised more money this year than ever before.   
• I helped manage a basketball clinic for KG thru 3^rd grade during the month of August. We had about 75 kids sign up and had the help of about 6-8 volunteers each session. 
• Timber has started going to a doggy daycare some days of the week and seems to enjoy it.  She also was spayed this month and was back to her normal self after a few days.   
• We had a great time at Smokefest at the Steffey’s house.  They had all kind of smoked items from the grill and we enjoyed seeing our friends while the kids ran around playing football, 4 square & hide & seek.  
• Debbie had fun with some moms from school at the Verspelt’s house on a Saturday evening. I took that opportunity to invite Beth over for a few beers since Deb had plans.  
• We had a group of dads meet up at the Sipe’s house one Thursday evening and we enjoyed some beers and watched some baseball.   
  
  

July 2021

               To be honest, never really felt like much of a summer break for us and I’m assuming that is due to our kids ages.  Swim team ended in late June and then July was busy with cross-country and kickball practices.  We were able to squeeze in a trip to Wisconsin and West Virginia, which are always fun trips to make every summer.   

 

                We started off the month making a trip to Lake Geneva to visit the Rago family.  We have enjoyed this trip for many years as it usually has no agenda more than hanging out by the pool, letting the kids play and having some good meals off the grill and drinks made by Joe.  We enjoyed an addition this year with their firepit.  Since we have our own dog now, Sarah was a lot better around their dog which made the trip more enjoyable.  I got a chance to get into the pool and throw the kids around as I have in the past, but as they get bigger, it has become more challenging!  Our drive home was longer than expected due to a road closure on 65, but we got home as quickly as we could following directions on the phone.   

 

                We were off to West Virginia for our annual trip to Bluefield.  We left on Thursday and went to Charleston for the night before driving to Bluefield on Friday morning. We stayed at the Bluefield Inn and with all 4 of us in a relatively small room, it was challenging but we survived.  Friday evening was a gathering at Bubby’s house, which is the same house that Anna and her siblings grew up. Saturday morning was spent at the batting cages and seeing a newly renovated theater located downtown.  After that, we had lunch at Chuck’s house and the kids enjoyed a fantastic slip and slide along with a visit from the police department to meet their dog, Thor.  The evening brought more laughter and beers until it started to rain which ended the party.  We had a few detours on our way home due to road construction on 70.   

 

                Deb enjoyed her birthday this year as she received several new clothing items from Zyia, some she wished for and some items added to the order from Shiloh!  We had the Bassetts, Steffeys, Ferrands and Lawton over for a cookout on that Saturday evening and had some laughs and beers.  The kids enjoyed playing with Maya and Will in the backyard and even did a little face painting.  As expected, Tracy made an awesome cake, which everyone loved! 

 

Sarah’s Things of the Month  

                Sarah had a busy month.  She attended VBS at church with her friends and enjoyed teaching us all the songs when she got home each evening. She attended a week-long basketball game for girls at school, participated in a few cross-country practices and also started kickball.  She enjoyed a pool party with her Brownie troop and also went to a birthday party for Alexa & Jorgie.   

 

Allison’s Thing of the Month  

                 Allison went to her first “summer camp” and enjoyed 2 nights at Camp Rancho Framasa.  She went with a few friends and came back ready for an entire week next year.  Allison also went to the basketball camp at school and squeezed in some cross-country and kickball practices.    

 

A few more items from this month: 

• My mom came to visit on her birthday and we had a cookout with the Dodsons, Mark, Kenny & Chris.  She stayed for a few more days so I was able to see her over at Beth’s house before we left for WV.   
• Tony gathered all of the coaches from Allison’s softball team for an evening of beers and dinner at Half Liter.   
• I took the girls putt-putting on an overcast Saturday afternoon.  
• We got a new water heater this month along with a new washer and dryer.  Not super exciting, but part of life being an adult…spending money on things like that.   
• Margaret, our summer nanny, had her last day on 7/30 as she was starting medical school.  As she has in the past, she did a great job keeping our kids busy all summer and also taking care of Timber.   
• I enjoyed a few beers with Beth one evening at our house and also met up with Jeremy at OrangeTheory and then had some beers at Dare Devil.