Ladies Christmas

While the boys watched the big game in Kettering, the girls and I headed north for a day of Ladies Christmas. We celebrated Noah's 6th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese, exchanged gifts, and caught up with everyone. The ladies did a stenciling craft and had dinner at Beckett's.

Black Friday

We had a relaxed Black Friday with a girls trip to Old Navy and Target (still crazy busy in the afternoon!), some online shopping, and games/shows together. 

Thanksgiving

Matt and Molly hosted Thanksgiving. We had fun celebrating Maggie's first Thanksgiving with them, Casey, and Jovi. 

Touches of Thanksgiving

Winnie's chalkboard picture cracked us up. Emerson brought home a sweet placemat with drawings of things for which he is thankful.

Cold & Cozy

We had our first real snow, and the kids had a blast throwing snowballs and playing on the trampoline (it's put up now!). Dr. Minga gave Winnie a turkey, and in our trees are up just before Thanksgiving so we can enjoy them for a full, long season. The girls are wearing their new jammies from Grandma Jo.

Big E

Emerson's cuteness I want to remember: how he wears his headband as a sleep mask, his interest in meditation, and the quick liking he took to Luke after not seeing him for a few years.

Basketball - Sportsmanship Award

Grandma Lovie and Grandpa came to watch Emerson's basketball team, the outlaws, at the Lazelle Woods Community Center. He received the sportsmanship award.

Getaway at Deer Ridge B&B

A very big thank you to Grandma Jo for staying with the kids Thursday - Saturday so that Seth and I could stay at the Deer Ridge Bed and Breakfast in Athens. After picking up new hiking shoes at Dunham's, we hiked the lakeview trail at Strouds Run, stopping to cook lunch. Other highlights included nearly stepping on a large snake, chatting with hosts Linda and Peter and enjoying their vegan breakfasts and dessert for us, eating good local food, hiking in the rain at the Ridges at OU on Friday, seeing deer, listening to birdsong, reading, and watching comedians.

Honoring Veterans

Happy Veterans Day, especially to our family members who served. Hyatts arranged the students in this formation.

Creation Station

Emerson decided he no longer wanted the plastic drawers in his closet. I used them to make a "Creation Station," which thrilled Winnie and him. They got right to work decorating it.

i9 Basketball

Emerson began basketball for the first time through i9 at the Lazelle Woods Community Center. He noticed the standout on his team, and started passing the ball to him to shoot. He told us, "He is sooo good!"

Skatepark on Saturday

Winnie, Emerson, and I stopped by the skatepark. Emerson impressed Winnie with his adventurous skills.

Time Together

With a slower extracurricular schedule, the kids get more time together. Kit babysat on Thursday night so Seth and I could eat a special dinner to support the nearby seminary garden project.

Trick or Treat

Everyone had a good time with friends during trick-or-treating. Thanks goodness the kids decided to donate some of their loot to the school collection. So.much.candy!

Emerson's Pre-K Class

We are thankful for the great year Emerson is having with Ms. Cara at Bright Beginnings! He's learning a lot and enjoying himself.