Noah's HS graduation

So, we are near the end (or at the end for some people in this house) of the school year. Back in April, Noah got his wisdom teeth out.

Before graduating, Noah racked up some awards at Conant High School. During Honors convocation night, he was recognized for many accolades, including a departmental award from the administration department.

Sam returned to archery and is really enjoying it!

Noah opted not to go to prom and instead had a fun night out with some friends.

Noah and Vince were awarded the "Community Builders" award at the club honors night.

Last day of school for Noah!

Graduation was so awesome, he wore a stole made by some of the preschoolers from his early childhood class.

It was cool to see his name crawl across the screen.

Class of 2026, Noah Joshua Rodriguez!

Sam came home with quite the pottery collection from his art class!

Noah got to spend a day at Walker School with me as his shadowed an OT and a social worker for the day. Fun to have lunch with him!

So now we just clean up this school year and on to summer fun, can't wait!

Birthday bonanza

So the late winter/early spring has been filled with some band concerts and celebrations. Isaac had a concert that we all attended.

Sam also had jazz band and concert band concerts!

We celebrated my mom's 75th birthday with a gathering at Maggiano's in Oakbrook with many family members there, it was a fun night!

In less fun news, the basement flooded (again). This time it was a singular blown fuse that caused all the drama. The usual routine of pulling out the flooring, removing baseboards and running commercial dehumidifiers has become all too familiar. Thankfully now we have strong young people to help us with all the labor.

We celebrated Isaac's 13th birthday with a trip to Benihana's!

Happy birthday newly minted teenager!

Mike got himself a pottery wheel and has started throwing some pots. Sam has also tried too!

Kittens continue being cute (and naughty)!

And, we celebrated this guy turning 18! Can't believe we made it here, but dang he's a good one! Happy birthday dude!

End of 2025, beginning of 2026

So, the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026 have been a fantastic combination of busy and lazy! Let's roll it back to Halloween and pumpkin carving!

The kittens were very curious!

Noah was a squirrel for the Conant preschool Halloween.

Sam did "Men in Black" with some friends.

Isaac did the hot dog!

It's been a very exciting time around here as Noah makes his college decision. We are super proud of him, we know he will do fantastic wherever he goes. Augustana is definitely a front runner!

Love the kitty snuggles!

We hosted Thanksgiving and the kittens were curious about all the company!

Cousins!

More cousins!

Annual matching holiday pjs!

Christmas tree work.

Holiday band concerts!

And Sam had his first experience with High School Pep band!

We celebrated Sofia's 1st birthday!

And we began winter break in a fun rental home with lots of space, a crazy arcade room, an indoor pool with hot tub and sauna! We did some cooking projects, including authentic Bavarian pretzels. Noah had the recipe from his trip to Munich!

Back home we celebrated Christmas day with our usual top of the stairs picture!

Nice shirt!

Christmas Day with cousins!

New Years annual film festival, this year we did Transformers triology!

Some winter bowling, dad continues to dominate!

Noah did Conant's Prom Fashion show, looking sharp!

I was able to go watch, he and his buddy Vince were amazing. There was indeed a majestic hair toss!

And back at work, I celebrated Galentine's with my coworker Susan, our other friend Natalie got us matching cat lady sweaters!

So now we wait for winter to exit and we welcome more daylight!