Catch-up and individual pics

We have had a lot going on for quite some time. We had entertained the notion of spending Thanksgiving down at the hunting camp, but with all the travel in the fall it was too much to organize another trip. So we find ourselves home in the crisp, cool air of Rancho Santa Fe for Thanksgiving. Every last member of this family has waded through a strong headcold in the past two weeks, so we could all use some restorative downtime.

The travels above included several days in Houston. Upon landing, when we all turned on our phones, mine had an urgent message from my mom that my dad was on his way to the ICU! That was the beginning of a very trying few days for him, where he had a lot of discomfort in areas not usually discussed with daughters. I cancelled my plans and dedicated several days to accompanying my mom and comforting my dad, as best I could. Kidney stones are a bitch. I should know. When I had them I was pregnant with Evelyn, so no lithotripsy could be performed. One of my dad's stones lodged itself in the path-o-pee, causing sepsis and situating itself in a likewise position where lithotripsy was not an option. A stent was put in and that freed willy, so to speak.

Daddy was stable, my sister was coming to town to support my mom, so I was able to head to Spain with Al. It was a very interesting work trip, and we were able to walk together exploring the streets and shops of Sevilla, Spain. We found treasures for our loves, and enjoyed carriage rides in the park. Idyllic! Evening were spent with advisors from around the world and we all gained perspective on global, political dynamics.

The following week I left Graham and Evelyn in the care of Ruby and Devereaux (surf/guitar instructor) while Paige and I headed out to Oklahoma City for the Morgan Grand Nationals. Paige's hard work in all the regional competitions earned her a place competiting at the national level. We had zero expectations, and thought this would be a good opportunity to garner some experience without pressure. She loved the whole thing and improved with each ride. She collected a couple of ribbons (5th place and 7th place) and a ton of experience. She and I enjoyed our time together, shopping at the newly-opened Whole Foods of OKC and finding treasures at the boutiques in Nichols Hills, as directed by my friend Lisa who hails from the area.

We made another trip to Houston for a celebrity the kids adore - Al got them tickets to see Cake Boss. This guy, Buddy Valastro, has a tv show that our gang loves! They waited in line waaaaaay past bedtime to meet him personally in the Green Room, (thanks to some tireless work by Al's assistant Emelie we were VIPs :). It was great.

So home we are. The leaves are rustling, the sun is shining, the laundry is ginning, coughs are waning, and we are counting down until we feast and then break out the Christmaspalooza.