A Cozy Escape to Athens

 

A huge thank you to Grandma Jo for staying with the kids! Her generosity allowed Seth and me to sneak away for a much-needed, cozy time in Athens.

We stayed at the Deer Ridge Bed and Breakfast, a long-time favorite spot run by wonderful hosts, Peter and Linda. Their hospitality is unbeatable.

The weather certainly added to the atmosphere! It was fairly cold, with a light snowfall, creating the perfect excuse for maximum relaxation. Our agenda was simple: watching shows, reading, and taking naps. The cold, wet conditions limited our outdoor activity—we managed a lovely half-hour walk by the university, but that was plenty for me!

Even with the cold outside, we enjoyed wonderful warmth and great food. We had a nice, relaxing dinner at The Side Bar. Peter and Linda treated us to a wonderful, hearty vegan breakfast each morning, along with plenty of snacks. It was the perfect, restorative getaway.

MWX Showcase 2025

 

With the first competition just one week away, the Lady Nukes hit the mat for the MWX Showcase, giving them a chance to show off all their hard work. 

Winnie’s support crew included Seth, Emerson, Grandma Jo, and myself (Kit was cheering her on from work). Winnie is excelling as both a "base" (the foundational position that lifts and supports the flyer in stunts) and a tumbler. Her dedication really shone through!

Best Concert Ever: The Magic of Paul McCartney

 

Seth and I had the chance to witness a rock and roll legend! We attended Paul McCartney's "Got Back" Tour at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, and the show was beyond amazing.

At 83 years young, Paul McCartney put on a masterclass in musical longevity and sheer stamina. He performed for nearly three straight hours, covering an impressive 35 songs! The setlist was a journey through music history, featuring iconic tracks from The Beatles, his time with Wings, and his extensive solo career. His memory and energy were astounding—an inspiration for sure. 

We were incredibly impressed by the quality and tightness of his long-time band: Paul "Wix" Wickens (musical director, keyboards, and more), Brian Ray (bass/guitar), Rusty Anderson (guitar), and Abe Laboriel Jr. (drums and infusion of comedy!), plus the Hot City Horns brass trio. 

Beyond the music, Paul's personality shone through. He was so funny, down-to-earth, and genuinely loving toward the sold-out crowd, which spanned all ages. The entire night was filled with sing-along opportunities, creating an electric atmosphere.

A highlight we will never forget was the performance of "Live and Let Die." The pyrotechnics were so powerful and perfectly orchestrated. Paul gave lovely tributes to John and George, and he shared stories dating back to the 60s. For both of us, this was the best concert ever!

Morning Snuggles

 

As the day was just beginning, I caught a sweet moment: Winnie and Emerson wrapped up in a heartfelt hug. 

Emerson Hits the Court

 

Emerson's basketball league at the YMCA began. He's playing on Team Two with a familiar face—Vincent, who also was babysat by Michele. 

The games are being overseen by Coach Drake. According to Dad's report, Emerson is already proving to be good on defense and is a great hustler, sprinting up and down the court.