Back to the Land of Enchantment

In mid March, Elizabeth headed back to Albuquerque for the last six months of her internship. She and Lee drove across the country again, following the same route as they did last spring. The trip was mostly uneventful, although they narrowly missed a severe tornado outbreak in Indiana and Missouri. Elizabeth is working 30 hours a week while finishing up her masters classes. She will transition to 40 hours per week once her exams are finished. She is doing really well - found a gym, hikes and rides on the weekends, and enjoys her work. It's hard to be sad that she is so far away when she's so happy. 

I can't believe that Lee got all of this into her car. It must have been quite the game of Tetras.

We don't have a set time to speak, but she usually calls us about something funny.

Visiting her fellow intern in El Paso and checking out his lab at UT.

First time everyone answered their phones at the same time for a family FaceTime.

Beta Gamma Sigma

A few weeks ago, Emily was notified that she had been nominated for membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. This is an honor given to students who are in the top 10% of their university's business school and Emily's grades last semester put her into that top 10%. We are so proud of all of her hard work, especially considering that several of her classes are math/engineering. She takes extra classes every semester, including during the summer, and is on track to graduate a year early, even juggling the demands of a busy soccer schedule. The ceremony was last Saturday and while we were not able to make it, she did send me a few photos.

Clarkson Spring Games

D3 sports are allowed minimal practices and only one game (or play day) during the off season. Clarkson women finished up their spring season last weekend with round robin play against three other colleges. As expected, they completing dominated play, although watching them crush a team that beat them in the fall gave me some hope for the upcoming fall season. Emily looked great at wing and striker, scoring three goals and adding four assists. A couple of other girls scored more goals over the afternoon, but they are all forwards and Emily is still getting used to what we think will be her new position. We can't wait to see her back with the Sporting women this summer. 

Arizona

After dropping off Elizabeth in New Mexico, Lee headed to Arizona to spend time with his brother and his family. In addition to quality family time, Mike played tour guide, taking Lee within yards of the Mexican border, as well as introducing him to hiking in the southwest. Despite a too close for comfort encounter with a rattlesnake, Lee really enjoyed the time he spent out there and is looking forward to future trips. 

Spring Break

After a brutally cold winter in Potsdam, Emily really wanted to spend spring break someplace warm. Her friends were unable to agree on a location or a budget, so it did not end up happening. Despite the fact that it wasn't particularly warm in Connecticut, Emily and I made the most of things and had a pretty good time together. 

A few hour after she got home, we headed to Quinnipiac to watch #8 Clarkson beat #1 Quinnipiac in the ECAC tournament.  Our seats were excellent and it was an incredible game!

On Saturday morning, we headed to NYC. Emily had our entire planned and I didn't have to do a thing. She even led the way on the subways. It was a completely stress free adventure for me.

But first, coffee.

And bagels at Leon's to fortify ourselves for shopping.

Emily loves SoHo.

We picked up some excellent tacos before catching the train back to Connecticut.

After an excellent workout, we headed to Brunch on Sunday morning, followed by more shopping. Emily is one of the best bargain shoppers around. She has an excellent sense of style and really makes the most of clearance racks.

And, of course, more coffee.

Winter Odds and Ends

 Some odds and ends from the holidays and this snowy winter:

When it's below zero so pickup soccer has to be moved inside.

NYC trip for Emily and her Mtown besties.

Elizabeth is so extra.

Christmas Eve pick up

Christmas Eve at the farm.

All grown up, but stuck in the backseat for holiday road trips.

Taking this photo every year will never get old.

Visiting TikTok famous Nitro Bar in Newport.

When the girls say that Lee looks like a baddie....

Emily got to play lots of pick up over winter break

   Making 2026 vision boards on NYE

Newest cook in the house.

Elizabeth was called into work at both Starbucks and the farm for all of our winter storms.

So much snow and cold

When it's so cold in Potsdam that SnapChat puts Emily in an ice cube!

Unintentional latte art

Emily was one of four business students invited to a dinner with the largest corporate employer at Clarkson's job fair.

When you know the baristas at Starbucks...

Visited Kathleen last weekend.

Champagne and shackles

Elizabeth's last day as a Starbucks barista!

Beau's last ride with Elizabeth.