Thanksgiving

I didn't take pictures of the table feast this year, but it was comical listening to the preparations. While I was trying to follow the recipes, the little one was making adjustments based on her own tastes. For examle, our pumpkin pie had twice the spices but only half the sugar. With the whipped cream on top, we decided it was perfect.

The best part of the holiday was simply having all my littles home. They may not be so little anymore, but they still make me complete. 

After just two days, the older ones headed back to Columbia. Their schedules are so busy, and I am grateful for the time we were together. Ashlyn had a wedding to attend with her boyfriend, Alex.

Our youngest couldn't wait to decorate the house! So when the other two left, she was ready to start right away. She loves all things Christmas, including the scented ornaments.

Quinceañera

In the Latino culture, girls have a party at the age of 15 called a Quinceanera. Both of my daughters have been invited to one, and this is the post of our youngest attending one for her friend. Click here for the earlier post from my oldest when she attended one in 2012.

The 10-hour party begins with Mass. This special church service compliments, but doesn't replace, Confirmation. Only a few of her friends attended the church service, and only our little one was Catholic. The entire Mass was in Spanish, but we responded when we recognized the prayers. The Mariachi band was an unexpected treat!

The birthday girl and her friends got to ride in a limo from the church to the dance hall.

I arrived to the hall before the limo and took a picture of how pretty everything was decorated.

Once the guests arrived, it didn't take long for them to hit the dance floor.

Here's a video clip:  https://youtu.be/kpuc13AbY-0

The birthday girl had quite a few choreographed dances with her family and cousins. Her friends had a front-row seat to all the action. 

After a while, there was dedicated picture time for all the guests to take a photo with the honoree. It was a cute group of teenagers!

I sat at a table in the back with the parents. We were right next to the smoke machine! 😅 

With all the haze, we kept feeling like we were at a different type of party that involved more than the adult beverages of beer and magaritas.

She then changed into a shorter dress so she could dance easier. Her friends all had a great time! We were one of the first to leave at 10pm, although the party continued until 3am. So much fun!

SC SofS

The nonprofit organization I work for, the Center for Developmental Services, was recognized as a 2021 Angel by the SC Secretary of State Mark Hammond. I received that award in Columbia at the State House.

This award can only be received once during a charity's lifetime for being good stewards of public funding. To qualify, the charity must:

• Be timely in registering their license and submitting financial reports to the state
• Use at least 80% of revenue on programs that benefit the community
• Make good use of volunteer time
• Not rely heavily on government grants

Each charity was allowed to bring 2 representatives. When my board chair and vice-chair were unable to attend, I phoned my son to see if he would be interested in joining me. After promising him lunch afterwards, he agreed.

The local news broadcast the ceremony. But guess who got the most airtime? My son (or rather his phone). 😂  You can watch the news clip here: https://www.wyff4.com/angels. 

Bald Knob

The first day of November was just gorgeous! Highs in the upper 60s, full sunshine, and a great day for a hike. The little one was on fall break, so Eric & I took a day of vacation and we headed to the mountains.

The waterfalls and rivers were a plenty, which is usual along the trail. The sound of the water running with the colorful foliage did wonders to reduce stress and refresh the soul.

We met quite a few through-hikers just starting on the Foothills Trail. We wished them all well, and were grateful for our small daypacks that just held a little water and some snacks.

Our destination was Pinnacle Mountain, and specifically, Bald Knob. It was one of my favorite lookout points along the Foothills Trail. The hike is rated as strenuous, but we found it to be slightly easier and would call it "difficult". The in & out 3.6 mile route didn't disappoint.

It was the first hike that our little one has been on since spraining her hip muscles, and she did great! I think she may have enjoyed it the most.