Finishing out 2024

 I  can’t believe 2024 is already over! It’s been such an exciting year, full of fun events and changes. December flew by way too fast, but we still managed to have some great times with family and friends.

At the start of the month, Steve and I went to McDaniel’s Out of the Darkeness event. Sophia met us there, and afterward, we took her and her friend out for dinner. The event was amazing—it celebrated winter traditions from different cultures and religions around the world. The campus was covered in over 25,000 lights, and there were hands-on activities, cookies, hot chocolate, and all kinds of cool displays and booths. It was a cold night, but totally worth it!

We kept our tradition of cutting down a Christmas tree. Sophia was at college for most of December, so Steve and I handled the decorating on our own. Thankfully, she was able to join us for the tree hunt, which made it extra special.

I also got to take my nieces to the airport for their Christmas trip. It was great seeing them, and we enjoyed a yummy dinner before I dropped them off.

On Christmas Eve, Steve, Sophia, and I went to Winter City, a walk-through light display. The displays were gorgeous, and we loved being outside to take it all in. 

Nick and Mari joined us for Christmas Day, and honestly, spending time with family is the best gift of all. That’s what the holidays are really about! We had a fantastic Italian dinner with a delicious meat sauce—it was a hit.

Wren had a tick-borne infection early in the month but thankfully it was caught and treated quickly. He is doing well. He loves everything he does with Sophia. They are a good pair and really coming together as a pair. 

Our pets are doing great, and we love hanging out with them—they’re such a big part of our lives. In case you are wondering, no one was a fan of the Christmas hat.

To wrap up the year, the three of us had our usual New Year’s Eve fondue night. We stayed up to watch the ball drop and rang in the new year together. It was the perfect way to end 2024.

November 2024

You celebrated your birthday at college. We took you and your friends out the week before because your birthday felled on homecoming weekend.

We went to the PVDA Fall show. You had some amazing rides. Your last ride of the weekend was a First Level, test three ride and you scored an amazing 70.471. You both looked great together. I love these show weekends. It is so nice to see you ride and all the work you put into this sport. 

We also saw you at Parents Weekend at college. It was nice to meet more of your friends and have dinner with you. 

You and I helped out the weekend of the IEA show. It was a fun weekend back at the barn. You spent Saturday night home which is always a treat. On Sunday of the same weekend you had your first choral concert at college. The chorus is actually quite talented. We loved watching you and enjoyed the concert.

 

We had a full house for Thanksgiving. The pets were thrilled to have you home again, especially Otto. Nick and Mari came down for the day. Mari's parents also joined us for dinner. Aiden and Lindsey spent a couple days in town. The food was great but being with family was the best part.

On the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend we went on a trail ride up at Fair Hill. You and G found out about all the trails earlier this summer. Peggy trailered Wren and Macy and her mom joined us. It was a COLD weekend but you all had a blast. On Saturday you were out for over three hours and on Sunday about an hour and a half. The moms sat by the fire all weekend. We went shopping at Fair Hill on Saturday, out to dinner and you and the girls went to see Wicked. It is so nice to have these relaxing weekends.

 

The pets are all doing well. I know I said it before but I am thrilled that the cats get along with Loki. They really do love each other.

October update

 October was a pretty uneventful month. Sophia came home for her fall break. It was great to have her home. I cooked some of her favorite meals. The pets were so happy to see her. 

Steve and I celebrated our 21st anniversary with a delicious dinner. So thankful he is always by my side.

 

We all spent a day together at the Maryland Five Star. Sophia and I went up early and Steve met us there later. We shopped the vendors, watched the corgi races and saw some amazing talented riders in the show jumping arena. 

We celebrated Sophia's 19th birthday a couple of days early with friends at a local restaurant. Can't' believe she will be 19 on November 1st. 

Our pets are all doing great. The cats love Loki.  So glad they all get along.