End of November

Somehow my pictures got reversed, so we have hanging Christmas lights before wrapping up the trip to Shannon's house for Thanksgiving.  We'll just roll with it because it's too much work to swap it.  Cool?

The day we got back from Shannon's we decided to put up a few strands of lights as it was a pretty warm afternoon.  The boys were appropriately eager and excited.

Such a handsome husband and father.

And such adorable helpers.

Nora had no idea what was going on but obviously wanted to be a part of it all just the same.

She was equally excited about the prospect of riding the tricycle.  She's been trying to get time on that thing all summer and fall.  Me thinks she is still a touch too young and small.

And before all the outdoor fun we had a day of gingerbread house making and eating.  Katie was the girl in charge and had a fun job of directing and helping all the rest of the crew.

And then, Nora woke up.  And wanted to be a part of it too.

So hard to get a photo of all the kids looking at the camera.  We do the best we can I guess.

I was also practicing for Shannon's family photos and found the light in the backyard compelling one evening post sunset.  The golden hour they say....

These two look pretty golden to me.

My Turkeys

Isaac got to dress up like a Wamponoag Indian for his kindergarten Thanksgiving feast.  Pretty sure he's the cutest little Indian in our house.

We were lucky to spend this Thanksgiving with Shannon and her family at their home.  As you can tell, at least a few of us were happy to be there.

Nora struggled.  She was super clingy almost the whole time we were there.  There was one night where she was being really difficult and having a lot of trouble falling asleep.  I was pretty ready to pack us all up and head home but said a little prayer and stayed.  It was worth spending time with family.

And Aubrey was a more than willing photo subject with her cute Thanksgiving braids.

Of course, whenever my family gathers that means board game playing.  Good times!

Nora did eventually warm up to Shannon and some of the kids.  

And cute Hannah turned 11 on Thanksgiving day.  So fun!

Just looking at these pictures makes me want more pie.  Yummy!

I have more pictures from our trip that I will post soon...and then I guess I better catch up the whole month of December.  How is it that I'm always so behind!?!

Snow Days

We finally had our first snow in the middle of November.  It was enough they kids could even play in it for a couple of days.  They had a blast.  Nora would have loved to live in it if I would have let her.  But I'm old, and I got cold way faster than she did.

But before playing in the snow we took some pictures inside while staying warm and enjoying the beautiful light.

I love the look of determination on her face.  I'm not sure what she was looking at, a scratch I think, but she was determined about it regardless.

And Ben looked so cute coloring at the kitchen table.

Nora always looks cute, even with her eating a chip face.

And then after picking Isaac up from school the snow started to fall.  This kids loved to stare out the window at it.  Especially Nora.

I don't know why but I love looking out the window photos.

She also loved finding all the winter gear and trying it on.  

But nothing topped the post-nap play in the snow!

She is a persistent girl.  She figured out how to grab things with the mittens on even though it took her quite some time.  The boys were to fast and furious in the snow to get too many pictures of them.  But Ben wanted me to take a picture of him where they "ice skate."

I snapped these two pictures earlier in the day through the window.  Isaac is same old, same old, eating the snow.

I sure hope we get some more snow soon.  Especially since these older boys have figured out how to put on and take off the snow gear all by themselves.  Brilliant!