We finished out our California trip and later in the week got to have all our kids at home for a few nights. Its something we don't take for granted since we have less than two months worth of nights left with all the kids in their beds before Avery gets married and moves out.
But for now, back to the middle of November...
November 11
Veteran's Day held extra meaning this year, being right near the navel base. Our speaker gave the statistic that active duty personnel are less than 1% of Americans. For many years, I've watched, in small part, my brother and his family faithfully serve and it comes with great sacrifice. I'm so grateful.
With a fun and relaxing weekend behind us, it was time to get to the conference part of our trip to San Diego. I loved our 15th floor view of the sunrises and the mountains of Mexico off in the distance.
Just down the hall, this was the other side of the fresh morning light.
My guy is diligent in all things. His responsibility plate is more than full yet he is steady and. competent.
We didn't make a big deal about it, because life, but this fall marks 10 years of Shaun being a financial advisor and having this business. Three weeks after he became licensed, I was first diagnosed with cancer. At the time we had three small children and a high-maintenance foster teen.
With his brother Nathan's help in providing the overhead through our partnership with his H&R Block franchise, the little baby business started to grow.
God has honored Shaun's integrity, commitment to excellence and genuine desire to help people and make a difference. Ten years later, we have a thriving business and this truly remarkable team.
As Shaun and I were reflecting, we both agreed our favorite part of this San Diego trip was being able to provide the experience for these people who have partnered with us in the vision and daily work of Hale Financial.
Jack and Aiden had a blast hanging out together during the day and so sweet that they were both excited about it. As part of their exploring, they did a tour of the USS Midway.
Avery and I spent some time by the pool during the extended lunch period.
In the evening the group met together and we did an eclectic, fun restaurant downtown.
November 12
Day two of the conference.
Jack and Aiden did the San Diego Zoo.
The closing speaker was Lt Col Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot
and a pro golfer. (I may or may not have been privately smug about the fact that my brother out-ranks him). Rooney gave an impressive talk and shared about his even more impressive organization,
Folds of Honor.
As we were gathering on the patio for a group photo, the speaker poked his head outside. Eric chased him down and asked for a picture, and he was happy to comply.
In the past, the closing event has been kind of lame, so I booked tickets to leave on a red eye. Turns out, the closing event was really great this year. The company rented out the entire Midway aircraft carrier for dinner and the evening.
Shaun, Nathanael and Eric walked over to do as much of it as they could, the rest of us headed to the airport with all the luggage so the guys could arrive at the last minute and zip through security.
November 13
We got home about 6 AM and muddled through the day. That evening, Amanda came home, a planned visit for Jason's senior football day. What a happy thing to have both my girls hanging out in my kitchen!
Avery got to do the bathroom reveal and Amanda was very impressed.
So sweetly, and all on his own, Aiden made several trips bringing her luggage in from the car.
Finally, Avery got to officially ask her sister to be maid of honor in her wedding.
November 14
One of Amanda's responsibilities on campus is to bake chocolate chip cookies twice a week for the campus cafe. This day, she made them for her family.
She met up with Jason in between his school day and practice.
Amanda and I ran out to see Nana and found a bunch of little cousins who were happy and squealy about seeing her (she has a gift for being able to wind them up ;)
November 15
I got to live-stream Amanda's 8 AM class with her and we took notes together. So fun!
I was leaving TBQ practice and found these four who had gathered for youth group. Made my heart happy.
November 16
Amanda jumped in to help with things around the house. Dishes, a dump run, etc.
Jason had a nice crowd on hand for his early afternoon football game and senior recognition.
Jack and Avery spent the evening at the house.
November 17
Shaun was driving shuttle and Aiden was helping in kids church but I got to sit with the rest of the crew, which was super special.
We got some Sunday afternoon football time before Amanda headed back to PA.
