This week had us traveling to the Austrian mountains, Canyon Lakes, and surviving on Mars with a hint of forensic bouncing along the way.

What????

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We started the week bouncing like Tigger at a party for Little Diva.Even big brother had fun...Along with the bouncing fun, we had the beautiful opportunity to reconnect with friends from the old neighborhood. Both LD and I were overwhelmed to have been re-embraced in such a loving manner. Yet again, I found myself reflecting on the week and realizing how blessed we are.

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Blessed...

In fact, that has become my understanding late in life. I need to live "in" my blessings. I have so very much for which to be grateful everyday and if I don't take the time to see it, I shall miss it. I don't want to only this beauty in reflection and memory but rather absorb every drop of it like a sponge.

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We then bounced onto Canyon Lake only to return to the very alive hills of Austria. Celebrating my mother's birthday, we sang along as every mountain was climbed by 16-going-on 17 year olds who must have done something good. Yes, I did get at least four songs into two sentences. I shared a picture of my beautiful mother and me at the show on Wednesday.

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Returning to the hills of Central Texas, we have actually been a bit under the weather. We have been relaxing and taking it easy... not something that comes naturally to this crowd.I have been enjoying the conversations that the downtime has stimulated with the kiddos. We have been watching the debates with the kids and trying to discuss the upcoming elections with them. My daughter has developed very serious opinions about all of the candidates. Some are not flattering, frankly. When she shakes her head in frustration, she looks much like the new FB emoji.We have also discussed the power of fame and how it doesn't heal wounds. This was in reference to Marilyn Monroe and the Kardashians. I will spare you the winding path  of conversation that took us there but it was probably longer than the Von Trapps escape and possibly more treacherous.Finally, her new chosen career path is forensic scientist. Of course, this very grownup job is pronounced as "fowansic" which makes it very precious. We are working on her lisp and I know that is important but I shall miss it when she fully loses it.

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Last night, we traveled to Mars with Matt Damon. If you haven't seen "The Martian", I highly recommend it. Not only was it enjoyable but it has gotten my tween boy interested in becoming an astronaut even though that involves dreaded science. In the film, Damon's character announces he will need to "science the s--t out of this". Sonny-Bunny really dug that and was intrigued by how Damon works the problem. As I pointed out, he has to science his way out, not  game. It made an impact on him. We'll see how long that lasts but I'll take it.

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Now you see how we traveled across seas and the Solar System using forensics along the way. So what did you do this week?