Mary and I presented at the international Lilly conference on teaching. That conference has so many panels, workshops, keynote addresses, networking opportunities, etc. Wow! The perfect conference for anyone serious about improving teaching strategies. Our research poster was a smashing success and only a few attendees were smashed while they discussed our findings with us (Lilly had an open bar during our session). She flew into Kentucky only for the conference, but I insisted she stop by my house just to say hello to Steven, Elizabeth, and Michael and pose for a silly picture. Because I was driving, we took a super quick detour on our way through Cincinnati to 2374 Madison for probably the last time. Mary and I already have an idea for our next collaborative research project!
Elizabeth performed in her first piano recital. She was so very poised, kept an even tempo, and knew exactly when to play forte v. pianissimo. Her teacher constantly compliments her abilities and gives her more and more difficult pieces every month. The next day she took a very cool selfie, although she may have been mocking my big hair a bit. :) Yesterday she and I went to The Nutcracker (do you see us waving at you?) in Louisville. Afterward she and I commented on the multiple differences between the Lexington and Louisville performances. Louisville won, hands-down.
We realized Michael has grown about 6 inches in 4 months. His middle school team took second place in a central Kentucky tournament this weekend (the team is looking a little rough in the photo). Michael was ON FIRE - the true MVP. At one point, his team was down 0-14 and they came back and WON - Michael made multiple three pointers from almost half court. He had 20 points in the second half alone and scored the game-winning basket while being triple teamed. Crazy. Steven was asked to step in and coach one of Michael's games when one of the coaches had to leave. Steven gets my vote for MVP coach. Such a happy weekend. 
Thanksgiving was spent in Shelbyville. Beautiful weather, so we took a
walk in an attempt not to fall asleep after too much delicious turkey.
Now our home is decorated for Christmas and we are so excited to have time
together as a family without work and school. Hope you have a beautiful
holiday season as well. 
Happy Holidays 2015!!!
