Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

 

We started Tuesday with a relaxing morning on the covered porch of our cottage, watching deer. Later, we headed to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, which has several different areas to explore. There was no shortage of wildlife, and the big highlight was spotting alligators (look closely at the last photo). A park ranger told us there were probably 200 alligators in the body of water we were viewing.

O’Leno State Park

 

Monday brought a foggy morning and cooler temperatures as we headed to O’Leno State Park. The park was beautiful in the morning mist, and we especially enjoyed checking out the suspension bridge. After exploring, we made our way into High Springs for an outdoor lunch at Spinwiches.

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

Sunday evening, we headed to San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park and squeezed in a two-hour hike just before sunset. We came across a stately buck who didn't seem the least bit bothered by our presence.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

 

Thanks to Grandma Jo, Papa, and GG helping with the kids, Seth and I were able to get away for a little getaway to North Central Florida! We landed in Orlando Friday night, and on Saturday, we made our way to our cottage just north of Gainesville.

Along the way, we stopped at Wekiwa Springs State Park, and what a beautiful spot! We enjoyed hiking around the park before dipping our feet into the spring water. It's amazing that the springs stay at 72 degrees year-round.

Slacklining at the Park

 

Kit let us know that Zack, a friend of Simon and Charlie’s, was hanging out at our park slacklining and invited Emerson to come give it a try. Emerson and Vinny headed over, and they ended up having a blast! They stayed for over an hour, maybe closer to two, and they had a great time. I also had a nice time getting to know Zack. He was one of Kit’s “car angels” who helped get her Accord’s dash up and running, so it was nice to meet him.

Trick or Treat 2026

 

The kids all had a fun Halloween! Seth and I passed out candy and enjoyed seeing all the neighborhood kids (and even a few grownups!) dressed up in their costumes. Here's our neighbor, Uncle Masoud! Emerson headed out to trick-or-treat with his buddies. One of his favorite parts of the night was coming home and sorting through all the candy. Kit and Simon went to a party, while hung out with Ria.

Finishing Strong on the Soccer Field

 

The Green Goats, Emerson’s soccer team, wrapped up their season with one final game, and Emerson finished strong with two assists! Even better, the team went undefeated, finishing the season with an 8-0 record. What a great season! 

Supporting the BHS Music Program

 

Seth, Emerson, and I had a great time volunteering at the concessions stand during the BHS playoff game! We were floaters, refilling the drink coolers and restocking condiments. Emerson was a fantastic little worker and a great help! We will do it again. It’s a fun way to support the BHS music program!

Exploring More Colleges Closer to Home

 

Kit and I spent time this week visiting Capital University, Ohio Dominican University, and Mount Carmel College of Nursing as we explored some closer-to-home college options for her. The first two schools weren’t quite what she was looking for, but she saw potential at Mount Carmel! We liked the realistic hospital environment where students can practice their skills and gain hands-on experience, as well as the high-tech Anatomage Tables that allow students to explore the human body in detailed 3D. Another plus is that Mount Carmel simplifies the clinical rotation process through its own system, giving its students priority for placements. 

Emerson’s Hoverboard Fun Begins

 

I finally got a replacement charger for our hoverboard from Uncle Zech! Who knows where the original cord disappeared to, but now we can finally enjoy riding it. Emerson has picked it up quickly and is already figuring out how to maneuver it like a pro.

Emerson at "Be a Star"

 

Emerson participated in Olentangy High School’s “Be a Star” with the show choir, where he was paired with his buddy, Alex. We’re proud of him for being brave enough to try something new all on his own, especially since he didn’t know anyone there! He may decide it’s a one-time experience, but we’re proud of him for stepping outside his comfort zone and giving it a try. 

Girls' Fall Choir Concert

Doc, Emerson, Simon, and I went to cheer on the girls at their fall concert, and they did a wonderful job once again! Emerson especially enjoyed that the seventh-grade choir joined them for the performance since he recognized a few of the singers. It was fun for him to see some familiar faces up on stage.

Kit almost made it through the entire concert without coughing, too! I love getting to support the girls and enjoy their musical talents.

Ashland University Nursing Visit

 

Kit and I visited the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Ashland University in Mansfield. There were definitely some positives, including the Christian values, a kind and welcoming teaching team, and excellent high-fidelity simulation labs where nursing students can practice their skills.

That said, the overall feel was a little quieter than we expected, and we wondered if it might be missing some of the excitement of college life. While touring the housing, we asked our guide what kinds of fun activities students did. She shared twice about grocery bingo, and later, Kit and I had a good laugh about that!

Silent Disco at Shale Meadows

 

I got to volunteer with the PTO for the Silent Disco at Shale Meadows, and the kids absolutely loved it! It was so fun to watch them let loose, singing, dancing, and just enjoying being silly with their friends. They were so carefree and uninhibited, and it was wonderful to see everyone having such a great time. Even the teachers joined in on the fun!

Celebrating Seth's 49th Birthday

 

We celebrated Seth’s 49th birthday with some of his favorite traditions, including puppy chow and birthday singing at dinner! I made him lasagna for his special meal and gifted him a much-needed carry-on luggage for our travels. He was also showered with lots of love and birthday wishes throughout the day.

Random Moments

A few random moments worth capturing! Winnie helped Emerson learn how to use his new Apple Watch, which we got so we can keep track of him while he rides his bike and hangs out with friends. Meanwhile, Emerson and Vinnie continue to love the skatepark.

We also wrapped up another excellent season of Big Brother. Kit kept the chalkboard updated with all the latest happenings, making it fun to follow along with the drama, alliances, and twists throughout the season. 

And then there’s Tego, who gave us all a good laugh! At first, we thought he had somehow gotten his cone of shame stuck on his neck and broken it. Turns out, it was the lid from the bathroom trash can! 

Kit's Senior Homecoming

 

Kit had a full Homecoming Day! It started with brunch at Piper’s, followed by getting ready at home and enjoying some special time together talking and getting everything ready for the big night.

She headed to Highlands Park in Westerville for pictures before dinner at Giammarco’s Italian Restaurant. Thankfully, Simon was able to make it after a trip to the ER because of hives—not an allergic reaction, thankfully. 

After dinner, they swung by Orange Leaf for froyo. Then, they were off to the dance, followed by an after-party at Gavin’s. Then, many of the girls from the friend group came back to our house for a basement sleepover.

Kit says it was the best way to celebrate her final Homecoming—surrounded by friends, family, and so many special moments.