Turkey and Travel

Within a week from our trip to Austin, we were back in Denton, TX to celebrate Thanksgiving and an early Christmas with the Spence family. Thanksgiving Day, Pat and I continued our annual tradition of participating in the Turkey Trot, only this year it was the Denton Wishbone Waddle - and I did just that..waddled, while he ran. Satisfied from some exercise, we ate until we could eat no more and then did it all over again with Cari and Paul on Friday, who had just returned from a trip to Canada. We are now back in Chicago for good, but wanted to share some final holiday moments as "just the Spences". Gobble, Gobble!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dogs and Babies

Yes, for the past several weeks, it seems that we have spent a lot of time with the two things that we don't have....yet: dogs and babies. The month of October and much of November has been busy with travels away from home to visit friends, family and their dogs...and their babies. We're are about to embark on our third trip to Texas (in six weeks) for Thanksgiving, as we are soon homebound. We've been thrilled to catch up with loved ones and their...well, you know.

Dad Spence's 60th Birthday
We kicked off October with a "surprise" trip to Denton (turns out he already knew we were coming) for Pat's Dad's birthday. His sister Cari and her husband Paul had a wonderful cake waiting for him and we also had a lovely visit from Pat and Cari's cousin Mark and his wife Ana, who are returing home from a two year trek around the world.

 

 

 

Trip to Culver
We got out of the city and travelled to Troy's family's home in Culver, IN to cook, carve and look at naturally occurring grass. 

 

Pat and Matt supervise as Simon and Troy bring in the boat dock for the winter.  

 

Mrs. Fujimura

Allison, Simon, Matt and Mr. Fujimura

 

 

 

Halloween Babies
Spent some time with new moms Kimberly and son Noah and then with Annie and Mira as they were suiting up for some first-time trick-or-treating. 

 

Frankenbaby

Austin Trip
Pat had a recruiting trip in Austin, so I tagged along to catch up with old friends and family. On Saturday I had lunch with my St. Stephen's High School friend Nevie and her wonderful mom, Cissy. 

Sunday afternoon we visited Mark and Ana, who were also spending time with their nephew Blue and three-week-old niece Maya. Mark and Ana have finally settled in Austin after travelling the world for two years. You should check out their travels on our link if you want to feel inspired...or inadequate.