Xander and Clare

Emily was in town just before her big move to her new East Coast ESPN job. She, of course, gave X ESPN swag.

At a WWU volleyball game.

Anya taking a selfie with X.

Cathi brought X cookies!

Michael keyed us in so we could see the new Multicultural Center on campus.

Josh came over for video games...

...and then Clare had several friends over for a video game party.

Everyone know how much Clare loves hugs.

Clare started her third fall volleyball season with the same coach and teammates. This year they've named themselves Sugar & Spike.

Clare and I at my birthday breakfast.

Xander posted this Instagram story, since his school day started too early for him to join us. (Sweet kid.)

And later: birthday dinner!

She found the next coat she wants, when she outgrows her current one. 

More WWU volleyball!

We made two new friends at Meg's house.

Clare and Meg heading out on an adventure to Barkley Village (AKA pizza at Mod and then buying a bunch of candy at Haggen.)

School picture day, before she went out in the rain without a jacket!

Xander and a bunch of his classmates helped decorate the freshman house for homecoming.

The theme was the Wizard of Oz. How cool is this??

We took the kids down to Seattle to see Vampire Weekend, a band we/they used to listen to non-stop back when we lived in Olympia.

Singing loudly and dancing with Xander to a bunch of the old songs is something I won't forget. So fun.

Clare had a decent time too, though she can't ever see much at these big shows and had to take breaks every once in awhile to sit down.

Another day, another volleyball game.

Trying on clothes for his first homecoming dance.

Dad helping him with his tie.