Thanksgiving 2025

 After spending last Thanksgiving in Mexico and having the best time, we decided to do it again this year. It had been a couple of years since we’d been back to Cabo, so we were all excited to return to our favorite hotel and spend four days relaxing on the beach—and that’s exactly what we did.

We were up and on the sand by 8:30 AM every morning, soaking up the sun until 5:00 PM. It was the perfect getaway. We had the best time just the four of us, chatting, laughing, playing games, and truly enjoying being together.

Grace was in Cabo the same time and we got to walk down and have lunch with her and her family.  Of course, Skylar was thrilled to be with her.

Madden rode a jet ski for the first time.  The smile he had on his face when he returned was priceless!

Baylor University Visit

Skylar took a quick trip to the Lone Star State of Texas! The girls headed to Waco to visit Grace’s sister at Baylor University. They toured the campus, hung out in her dorm, checked out the famous Magnolia Farms, soaked up the sun at the surf park, went to Skylar’s very first college football game, and ate lots of BBQ (which really means Skylar had bread rolls and maybe a little bit of chicken 😆).

Skylar had an amazing time with her friends, but ultimately decided that Baylor is not the college for her. She said it was a little too slow-paced for what she’s looking for… so I guess we’ll be focusing our search on more party schools 😂! 

Halloween 2025

Halloween 2025 was one we’d been looking forward to for years — finally falling on a Friday night. It’s now the third year in a row that we haven’t done a family costume, which I’ve come to accept, and honestly, it’s been kind of freeing. Without the kids holding me back, I can dress up as whatever I want — and luckily, Jake’s always up for anything.

I’d actually been thinking about this year’s costume long before the kids officially bowed out of our family theme, but I just couldn’t convince them to put on the tights and boots. Boy, did they miss out. Jake and I as Hulk Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage were by far one of our best duos yet. We got so many compliments, and there were plenty of “Hey, brother!” and “Snap into a Slim Jim… oh yeah!” moments throughout the night. Jake stayed in character as the Hulkster the entire evening, and when we met up with friends, a few didn’t even recognize me under that beard.

It might just be my favorite costume to date — and as I went to bed that night, I was already wondering how on earth we’re going to top that next year.

Madden invited a couple boys over.  To be honest I don't really understand why 8th grade boys think they are too cool to dress up.  Madden said his costume was a "rapper" 🙄

Skylar had a full Halloween weekend of two parties and two different costumes.  It was my first Halloween without her which made me a little sad, but she has the best weekend ever.

Grace, Henley, Ana and Skylar as Men In Black.  Pretty sure Skylar has never even seen that movie.

The following night Skylar went out to another Halloween party were she, Grace and Ana dressed up as Kiss, Marry, Kill

Scrimmage at SoFi Stadium

Madden’s Pop Warner football league was invited to play a scrimmage at SoFi Stadium before an NFL game! All the boys got to skip school and head down to LA to play on an actual NFL field. It was such a fun experience for everyone involved, and seeing Madden and Jake out on the field together was super cool. Madden had an absolute blast. Before the NFL matchup, a few of us took the boys to Topgolf, which was a ton of fun, and then we headed back to the stadium to watch the game. It was such a special day for all of us!

CHS Homecoming 2025

Homecoming weekend was one for the books! Skylar kicked off her  at Sealy’s to celebrate her sweet 16, where she and the girls made the most beautiful flower bouquets — the perfect start to such a fun day.

Afterward, she headed over to Hailey’s house to get ready and take pictures. The girls had the best time helping each other with hair, makeup, and accessories — giggling, and posing for photos.

This year, Skylar didn’t have a date, but honestly, she didn’t need one. She spent the night surrounded by her friends, dancing, laughing, and making memories that will last a lifetime. It was such a joy to see her so happy, confident, and fully soaking up every moment.

Another Homecoming in the books — and one that perfectly captured who she is right now: independent, joyful, and surrounded by the best friends a girl could ask for.