2024, January 15-21

Here's the rundown of the week. We have settled into the routine of the new semester. 

We all had Monday off for the holiday. This also meant Eliza did not have BUH except for music on Wednesday.

Landon went to the orthodontist to have a check up. While there we found out he had a broken bracket, and they put on new bands. He is always thrilled to be there. He was so thrilled to be there that while we were waiting for the orthodontist he started putting on the different protective eye wear. Taking Eliza along with us always ends up being not a quiet time at the appointment. They really like to egg each other on. 

Eliza and Hallie went to Sam's Club to run some errands. It was 29 outside, and Eliza was dressed like summer. We can't quite convince her to put on warmer clothes. Some battles we might be tired of fighting.

Mike continues learning the ropes as a substitute teacher. He got some new information about working in the local school district. He also cut some snowflakes in keeping with the winter weather that we got this week.

 

Fergus let Hallie warm up to him. 

Here Landon is dancing along with Cocomelon. Sometimes you have to be a kid again.

Snow came in earnest midweek. The roads were not Hallie's favorite. Most of the schools start a little later that Mike subs in, so the roads are cleared more for him than when Hallie and Landon head to the high school.

Priscilla had her birthday this week, and she and Hallie went shopping. They found these cute buddy plushies. The tag said, I like you a latte. They each have one.

Priscilla also got Kai this new coat. Kai now has three families who love on him! 

On Wednesday we went to the Melos to celebrate. The boys each have a VR, so they played shooting games with each other virtually. The girls had their own console games. 

Having passed his permit test, Landon has enthusiastically taken to the road to get his 40 official practice hours. Mom's heart races each time he mentions he wants to drive.   

Landon can be a funny goofball sometimes, and Hallie tries to catch him on occasion. We won't discuss what he's doing here.

 

On Saturday, Dad and Eliza went to the Michael's craft event in Orem, where they painted picture frames. Usually, your local Michael's does the Make and Break activities on Sundays. Ours is not open on Sundays, and we don't always remember Saturdays. Mike and Eliza have gotten into several activities together lately. As noted in a previous post, they're both learning to play the ukulele. This week Eliza even made Dad a book with copies of the sheet music they're learning. 

At the same time, Hallie and the Amandas (with whom she went to Disneyland last year) went to The Friends Experience in Salt Lake. 

Afterwards, they went to a couple of restaurants to eat. Nacho Daddy (voted Best of State 2023) in Salt Lake City was so dang good, Hallie said.

Amanda has always wanted to try the Japanese dessert bar Doki Doki. The packaging was amazing! The food was even better. Try Doki Doki when you go to downtown SLC.

They even went to Jack in the Box for treats for the big game on Sunday. Hallie really likes the Utah touches to Jack in the Box.

Hallie and Mike are celebrating 25 years married this year. On Sunday morning we went to TRUreligion and had breakfast together in one of the old booths from Lamb's Grill Cafe. Our waitress is getting married soon and gave us a crepe for a free treat to celebrate.  Hallie hasn't taken a bite of her omelette yet as she is still so full from the starters. 

Mike sort of recreated a photo from about 19 years ago when Lamb's was still around. Hallie remains as beautiful as ever! 

In the afternoon, we watched the Lions beat the Buccaneers while dining on our JitB tacos and curly fries.  Thank heavens for air fryers to help our leftovers taste slightly more appetizing than they could have been. After sitting so long watching football Mike, Hallie, and Eliza put on our rain boots and took a walk. It was nice to get out and to be able to feel the rain.

We ended the day chatting with Grandpa O, Grandma O. and Alie. It is fun to talk to them. We're grateful for modern technology.