Good morning. Much has happened since we last spoke. Wasn't it wonderful? We're definitely on the downhill slide, and I'm just thrilled. I do miss you so.
I might have forgotten to mention Hunter brought his sour dough starter he's been nurturing and using all semester on the airplane. How he got the jar of starter through security without being stopped is a mystery. Whether or not it is considered a liquid shouldn't matter. It was over 3 oz. We all enjoyed his efforts though, as he made his bread several times. It was not as strong as other sourdoughs we've eaten which I enjoyed.
Your crazy Orton clan
As soon as we were able, two cars departed for Tyler. Crazy times in the piney forest area of Texas were had as we played new games, tried out Murder in the Dark in the mansion, continued the epic ping pong battle between your aunt and Hunter, and held the first of many to come Kan Jam tournaments.
TannMarie gifted us with this plastic slotted can times two, including frisbee, played in teams of two. After a few practice rounds Cooper became the hot commodity, but Sawyer and Miller pulled out the win. Your Dad and I battled from the L bracket, but couldn't quite make it to the top. Chairs lined up on the side of the driveway with lots of jeering and cheering complete the picture.
Due to impending icy weather, we all had to leave, dragging our feet until 8'ish Tuesday evening. By Wednesday morning the cars were all iced over, the power out, and the dishwasher and washing machine sitting with full loads. We enjoyed the heat from the fireplace, hot cocoa, and games. Six hours later the power came back on, and we enjoyed our three year tradition running of Panda Express Chinese food, and a case of sparkly juice. That also might need to be a tradition - everyone enjoying their own bottle.
Thursday Tanner drove down to Houston to visit a few receptions commonly held during Christmas break in an attempt to wine'n dine law students. He was glad he went. The law offices frequently have offices in Dallas as well. He had a fellow student fly in from Georgia, and drive back to Granbury with him. He slept on a cot for a bit, as they got home at almost 2 a.m., and then everybody went to the airport together.
Nora was a joy to have in the home. Christmas was magical with her there, she delighted all with her speaking ability, and was fun to play with. We pulled out the old baby toys, and had plenty to go around. We borrowed a high chair for meal times, which worked well, and a port a crib for when we went to Tyler. She slept well in your crib - the same crib her father slept in. Unfortunately her last day here she started to get sick and by night time we could tell it was croup. AnneMarie was up and outside a few times during the night to help with the cough. By morning you could tell she was feeling better, but I haven't heard how the airplane ride home was or what, if any, was the doctor prognosis.
Miller and Breyer on the new backyard tree swing
Sawyer had a couple of practices here and there the last two weeks, with a game Friday afternoon. He was called up with his friend Nathan to play in the JV game. They didn't get a lot of playing time, and the JV team lost, but you could tell he was a bit nervous. He got right back into it for the 9th grade game, and was the player that carried the team. This Crowley team (varsity) is ranked 42nd in the state of Texas, so their program is decent.They lost the game by a basket after an overtime extension. Sawyer was at the line a LOT and made all but two, he hustled and bustled all over the court, and was recognized by his coach as being the only player that played like he wanted to win.
Aunt Janel and Luke came down on Friday night to watch Sawyer play, hang out, go on power walks, and visit the fossil park in Mineral Wells. While I was teaching piano lessons Saturday morning they were digging in the mud for fossils. Aunt Janel found a shark tooth, and more.
That's the week in a nutshell, of which your father has been cracking a lot over the holiday break. He purchased a mixed bag of raw nuts, bought a nut cracker, and we've left them on the table to enjoy. It is a fond memory of us both from our childhood, cracking and eating nuts during the holidays.
Tonight Breyer is sick. I had my haircut yesterday and the beautician brought her four kids and their germs. Grr. The kids have one more day of vacation, tomorrow, and then they'll be back to school the rest of the week. Life's routines will begin again, and the time until we're together will speedily pass. Make the best of your time that you have left. Know of our love for you. Be good, and stay safe.
Love,
Mom
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