Literally minutes before we were heading back to the airport Debbie snagged her neighbor to take a group shot. Gregg commented the photo looked like two smooshed together with a perfect seam going down the middle. Debbie thought it looked like a promo shot for Wife Swap or some reality TV show. Nope, it is just a couple of sisters and their families sharing a couple of days and for that we were very thankful.

Most of the time these days our AA passes amount to frustration best case or worst case loads prevent us from getting a seat. Be thankful for the high load factors...be thankful for the high load factors... But this week they worked like a charm! The five of us were able to take the flight of choice up to North Carolina to spend 24 hours with Debbie and the rest of the McCaffrey family. We had the most picture perfect Thanksgiving weather...enjoyed their company...ate like nobody's business and then zipped back to Texas again on the flight of our choice on Friday.

We have been enjoying the Thanksgiving break and cannot believe tomorrow is Sunday...which means the next day is Monday...which means that the ol' routine kicks back in!
We have some wonderful friends who have left the great state of Texas.
They were back in town this week for a visit and we enjoyed their company at our home for dinner. Their daughter and Gregg share a birthday (11/30) so naturally we wanted to acknowledge that. Gregg knows a more manly dessert is forthcoming!

Now you see it...now you don't!
More then 10 years ago Gregg lovingly built this for his kids.
He was assisted for a few days by his brother-in-law Gil.
It has been the backdrop for many a Christmas photos,
Kindergarten get to know you events, and birthday parties.
Friends have climbed on it, cousins have hopped on for a swing
and the Mattson kids have logged many a hours on it.
It has had the roof replaced to match the house,
it has been adorned with Christmas lights
and necessary repairs were made along the way.
It is showing it's age and although it needs a
fresh coat of redwood stain it is in relatively good shape.
It is hard to part with, but instead of a Craig's List posting
we offered it to a roofer with seven children. It makes us happy to know that this labor of love stands to have a few more years of outdoor playtime!

This is certainly not the team with the most yards gained...and maybe not more then one TD to date, if that, but Jacob enjoys his opportunity to be the occasional QB.

After 2 falls of hot Texas football Jacob decided that he still loved the game, but wanted a change. Flag football meant one practice a week plus a game - unlike the 3 practice a week plus a game. A casual jersey instead of mini-pro like gear from head to toe. And no hitting. Or being hit. Or watching your friends get hit. Gregg found himself roped into coaching in the 11th hour and that has proven to be a challenging experience that likely won't be repeated.