A Morales Minute

Even though Jaime was exhausted from traveling home from Dallas he still made it to so many other things on Saturday. Tyler and Olivia's piano recital, the ward Christmas party, and then he had to go to the school to chaperone winter ball. He asked me to come and keep him company.  I came late because I stayed for the entire ward Christmas party, then baked a cake for Tyler's birthday, and then changed and headed to the school. I enjoyed getting to see and meet people Jaime works with and lets face it, I don't get to dress up much so it was kinda fun to be able to do that last night.  The photo booth was fun. The high schoolers would walk up and cut us in line because they thought we were just there to chaperone. But we didn't say anything until a girl asked us if we were in line. hahaha We said yes then walked into the booth. They thought it was weird we went in for pics but hey, we needed a little fun that night. Walking around in a dark gym with loud music wasn't...

We came home from the ward Christmas party tonight to see a gift had been left for us from Sarah and Brandon. Sarah always has such cute and creative gifts that she gives to us each year. This family portrait puzzle is one of my favorites. It was cute hearing the kids say they wanted to put their own face together.   

Tyler and Olivia were able to have their Christmas recital in person again! Last year only the piano students could be at it, in the teacher's home, and everyone else had to watch it via zoom. This time we were able to attend in person...but with masks.  They did a great job. Tyler played Carol of the Bells and Olivia played The First Noel. It's a number that she's been working on for a long time. I was super impressed with her growth in the song as well as Tyler's He was able to play his song real well. I love it when they practice at home. Hearing piano music in the house just makes the place feel so peaceful and homey. 

 Jaime went to Dallas with about 7 other administrators. It's been a while since he's had to travel for work because of the pandemic there wasn't any conferences.  They had some good food at a place called Beto and Son. They ate outside at this beautiful venue. Jaime enjoyed the 80 degree weather.  Jaime sent a few pictures while he was there. What a beautiful sight seeing so many lights.  This is a segment of the Berlin Wall. So neat to see a piece of history like this.  Jaime had a good conference but getting home was another story. Their flight from Dallas was delayed 55 minutes (reason was not given) causing them to miss their connecting flight in Seattle by 10 minutes. They were told they were put on the 10am flight the next morning. Last I heard they were at the customer service counter finding out what to do about staying overnight. I went to bed because I was so tired and wouldn't have to go get Jaime when he landed.  I ended up waking at 5:10am hea...

  We went over to hang out with Brandon and Sarah the other night. Jaime and Brandon were watching the BYU game while Sarah worked on her Relief Society lesson while I kept her company and watched the game. I happened to get a picture of the guys laying on the couch, so comfy, as a good play happened. Kind of a fun moment to capture. 

Thanksgiving was a little more low key this year. Jaime's family was gone in Arizona visiting Marcus. None of my siblings were able to come visit at moms so it was just Jaime, me and our kids at mom and dad's with grandpa Noble. It's been a while since it'd been just my family at mom and dad's so we did enjoy the time with them. We always enjoy visiting.  At one point in the afternoon mom said Grandpa was feeling chipper. She asked him if he'd like to play his harmonica. He said yes. So mom got the harmonica and Grandpa started playing the Battle Hymn of the Republic. He doesn't have the air capacity that he used to but we could still make out the song.  He tried playing Silent Night, which started out good, but then he transitioned it right on in to the Battle Hymn of the Republic again. hahaha. He turned 95 last Sunday. His strength and energy has really declined this past year. I felt so grateful to be around him when he felt well enough to play for us. I...

Lindsey's team had their champions dinner.  Every player got a beanie with their mascot, team picture, and a framed photo of them with their position on it.  Coach BT (Brian Thomas) handing Lindsey her varsity bar, pic, and certificate.  Lindsey has had a great run learning to play softball. She was voted most improved. Coach said to pick up softball for the first time her freshman year and then get to pitch in the state championships shows real improvement.  A cool thing coach BT said was that as they first got the program started they struggled getting enough players. Had Lindsey not joined, and even recruited friends, they may not have had a team and not be here today...state champs. Congratulations Lindsey. You're truly a key part to the team.  The "L" Trio. Leah, Lilly, Lindsey. Well decorated. Well done.