The Smiths in 2021

by Jeremy Smith

Although we’re in covid round two year, we’ve still found lots of ways to make the most of it. We’ve been able to make our yearly trips to Enchanted Rock as well as other novelties like Natural Bridge Caverns, Dinosaur Park, Austin’s Revel, the Texas Capital, Washington DC and more. I know not all of life is about the getaways, but it seems to be what sticks out in my head.

As for the work side of life, the first half of this year was undeniably a strain to endure, both for ourselves in the middle of this crazy market, and for our home buying troopers. Not only were we the hottest market in the nation (when everywhere was hot), but the first six months of this year will probably make the real estate history books and have case studies written about it in the coming years. Almost all realtors I know are like us- glad things have calmed to something below a piranha frenzy.

For those of you outside of Texas, you might not know we also had a bit of an Icemagedon. I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but when Texans already have panic attacks for a hundredth inch of ice on the roads, this one was kind of a big deal. For the Smiths though, I think it was more novel than nuisance. Not only did we have lots of fun playing outside and snowboarding in the neighborhood, but we also got some time off from work, in a white-hot market that was hardly even taking a breath. While some of our friends had no power, gas, or water for several days, we were fortunate that we only had no power for about 12 hours.

Besides turning the big 4-0 this year, I have also taken a few other lumps, filing three big insurance claims for car damage (none my fault), and making two visits to the ER (all my dumb fault). I also had the privilege of finally getting covid myself, well after my second vaccine dose. Fortunately it was light and only lasted about 36 hours. Unfortunately that was JUST enough time for me to earn my “Super-Spreader” badge. The day my symptoms started I happened to be at a small family reunion. Lots of people had a few rough weeks following it, but fortunately everyone is still with us now and mostly recovered.

Addie and Logan have taken strides this year, now all capable bike riders, shoe tiers, and doing very well in school. I’m also very proud to have seen Logan blossom into a super-reader. He just finished his 100th chapter book! There’s hardly any accomplishment at age eight that would be better than that in my eyes, and I’m excited for the lifelong trajectory that puts him on. Now, if we can just pair that with being a “doer,” then he’ll become superman.

What’s going on with Hillary? Well she killed a five foot snake with a spoon. She was defending her rabbits from being eaten. Her jam these days is all things furry.

We’d love to hear what’s going on with you. Give us a shout!

If you enjoy watching the kids grow, here are the ghosts of Christmas past: