FlorIDA Hansons

We just had a "Class of" but here we go again! Maxwell and I drove up to Lycoming for the last move-in of his college years...his senior year! Like with Henry, I'm so glad we got that time together, just the two of us. We had life talks and laughed and cried (because it was Maxwell and I, of course) and listened to great music. We finally sat a bar together and had drinks and watched ESPN.  Go do great things, Moose!! It's hard to believe this is your last year of college but it's also so, so exciting! August 2018 August 2021

One week down and Henry says he's doing great! We had such a fun drive to Tuscaloosa together...he was equal parts excited and nervous, I think. Once we got there on Friday afternoon he was READY though. He wanted to move in right away even though his move-in time wasn't scheduled until the next day. Luckily though, everyone at Bama is super nice and the RA's let us move him in early. By Saturday afternoon his room was totally done, and his suite was almost finished too. It was hard for Yolande and I to say good-bye to he and Morne on Sunday, but it helped to have each other to commiserate with. It also helped to drink wine with lunch and dinner together everyday for the next three days :)  I miss you already, Henry, but I know you're going to do great thing!! RTR!!! Being the little sister is hard.... I'm so glad we made the drive together!!  Some things never change though...LOL Morne and Henry  They're in a 4 bedroom suite... this is the living room with two ...

Viv has decided to give Henry a run for his money! Tuesday marked her first day of in-person school since  March 13, 2020 AND her fourth different school in four years!!  She's had a great three days. She loves being in school although the fact that she's one of only a handful wearing a mask worries her...and me. I'm walking a line between "go have fun and be a teenager" and "please, for the love of God, don't let her get sick". It's a place that I know other parents are in, and a place that our local, state and federal "leaders" have put us in. Florida is absolutely on fire with Covid-19, but I have to trust that Matt and I have done everything in our power to keep ourselves and the kids safe. I just wish everyone else would do their part too.  That being said....here's to another safe and healthy year...fingers crossed!! Ruckel Middle School (RMS) Niceville, Florida 8th grade 2021-2022

 Nineteen years later and this day still makes me catch my breath...

When Matt left Eglin at the end of May he was awarded the Legion of Merit for his 2 year Command and for his work during the Covid response. This past week the AFSOC leadership presented made it official and had a short ceremony. Typically, the Headquarters building is off limits to civilians, but somehow, I was invited to attend...and then was quickly escorted out of the building when the ceremony was over.  It was super cool to be there though. I totally felt like a stealth visitor, and couldn't be more proud of Matt! 

#BestiesReunion is what Viv and AB termed their Florida vacation and it didn't disappoint! These two have been besties since kindergarten in Virginia. Viv has been back to visit AB a few times and AB came to visit us in Colorado. They had big plans for last spring...but Covid....and then last summer...but still Covid...so we were all crossing our fingers for this summer. I think we got in just under the wire.  Thank goodness for the friendships that withstand time AND a global pandemic!  When you surprise two teenage girls with  the news that you're going to Universal Studios The first night at Universal and they wanted to go out in "fancy dresses" and take pics... teenage girls are SO different than teenage boys!  Early park arrival and Express Passes were lifesavers... we spent 12 hours at the park! They promised the water ride would be fun and that we wouldn't get that wet.... they lied.  Watching the fireworks in Destin for AB's last night in town And then...