November

 

The public schools had a two hour delay on voting day...so that meant everyone got the experience! Thankfully, there was no line when we went. There was a gentleman giving out beignets and we divided two among the kids. Only had two sobbing breakdowns by children developing the concept of sharing. A sweet lady did offer hers, but I let her know that the little ones are learning and it was okay :) And within a few minutes, they were fine once they'd adjusted.

 

We did it! So grateful to be able to vote freely in our country.

 

When Nicole and I were at Biltmore and saw a poster for wine tastings, she remarked on how crazy it was and that instead we should  have something better- like a smoothie bar or a hot chocolate bar. We had fun thinking of all the different ways we could have fun with the idea. So...this month we turned on the Nutcracker and enjoyed a little culture while enjoying a popcorn and hot chocolate bar.

 

I took the kids to the Zoo when they had a day off school. Gorgeous weather and somehow we had enough energy to walk the entire thing! Much thanks to grapes, cheese, and carrots :)

 

These hogs are so hairy, they are usually asleep and it was interesting to see them up close.

 

We love the climbing rocks scattered around.

 

Ape riding?

 

We spent a long time at the gorilla exhibit. I had to feed John so the kids had a blast watching the little gorillas wrestle over a blanket and watching the dad hang out looking at us. He really liked John when I brought him up. I do have to say, whenever he laid down and raised his arms to relax, we could smell the most disgusting body odor it was insane! There was all of that glass in between but the scent went over a very tall wall and right to us!

 

They have a bee area. Where they encourage bees to live. We spend about a half minute here because it's not too fun walking through a bee area. And the kids always freak out running from the bees.

 

Sea otters are so much fun to watch because they are so playful and interact. Nicole took this pic.

 

The mud area in the playground is so fun. I love letting the kids get dirty and explore, especially since we always walk off the dirt by the time we exit.

 

My two biggest messmakers right at the source of the water. No surprise!

 

Nicole's mud and acorn pie.

 

The cougar was pacing for his lunch.

 

And came right up to us!

 

John in his little play world.

 

Happy guy who loves to make loud shrieks everywhere and all the time. Sometimes has that sweet cooing, but mostly it's full vocals :)

 

Hey ladies

 

Cuddle time before bed. Love my sweet John. 5 months old tomorrow.

 

Right before Thanksgiving, I made 6 salted caramel pumpkin cakes for Jim to deliver to referral sources. And one for us :)

 

Diana's preschool presentation. I love seeing even the little things she has learned, especially when they don't come naturally to her. Standing in place, listening to directions, taking care of something she's made. Those things make the world a better place :)

 

 

So very proud of her turkey hat!

 

Nicole and Kiersten making fairy gardens in the back yard.

 

Playing sharks and minnows with the cousins. Lots of room to run!

 

Diana and Evelyn communicate in a way only known to them. About half of their communication is unintelligible but they love each other's company. And that every Friday they are in the same preschool class!

 

John loved all of the snuggles from aunts and uncles.

 

Tday morning our family went with "the uncles" to the Turkey Bowl. Sprinkled a little but only for a few minutes and was a good temp the whole time. The kids had a ball riding bikes and playing soccer on the side fields. I love watching Jim play and seeing him get interceptions or great catches.

 

Nicole needs a bike!

 

Lining up while Jim calls out numbers for teams and the stake president looks on. I heard Jim calling out numbers and although it's hard to tell in the picture, it totally looked like some military procedure. Had me laughing.

 

Brandon ready to apply his carving skills to the roast of the feast!

 

Daniel serenading Ruthie in the warm afternoon sun with the windows open to let in the fresh air. The weather couldn't have been more perfect.

 

The Truehafts joined us as well, it was such a full and fun house!

 

Last half hour is always a rush! The gravy bombed and was only slightly rescued, so we can safely say I won't have gravy duty again haha. But everyone needs Jenica to make them some roasted vegetables or her very tasty salad, they were so good! Daniel and Benjamin brought enough food to feed an army (and by the way we ate they did!) The 25lbs of mashed potatoes the Koffords made- serious labor of love!- blessed us with the perfect side the whole weekend. Pies and ice cream and rolls and all sorts of other delicious foods filled the weekend with great food. And although we didn't get a picture, Brandon's filet mignon wrapped in bacon fresh off the grill could be in a restaurant. So good!

 

More backyard games and fun.

 

The wonderful salad presented in my serving dish from the Philippines. I always feel like there needs to be an adult present to be in charge at Thanksgiving before I realize it's our job. I think I just miss my parents and the always -delicious Thanksgivings they host.

 

Dinner time! At 3pm.

 

The girls at outside to avoid the noise and enjoy some lovely weather.

 

We kept the rabble rousers... I mean, those in a state of acquiring proper dining etiquette...inside by the adult table. Diana and Makayla were laughing so hard together- we needed to share a piano bench to eat and they loved it.

 

We made the crescent rolls in the shape of turkeys instead.

 

The adults. Love these people.

 

Once it was too dark for outside, it was playroom time!

 

John playing with Daniel.

 

Putting on a small house concert for Josh and Jen one morning. Fun times. "What makes you beautiful" with the boys and D on vocals is unforgettable.

 

Random shot at Marian's house. I'm sure I'm not nearly as short as I look.

 

Michael made a pamphlet- with a quiz at the end- on Santa and Jesus Christ and what Christmas is really about. 2 sides! A lot of thought went into this, he is so sweet.

 

Josh and Daniel helped Jim move the lumber back for our next backyard project!

 

Lunch at Chilis! Fun to talk and spend time with these forever siblings.

 

Benjamin's lost wallet was found by Daniel after days of searching and one last big hunt including, but not limited to, Josh cleaning my entire playroom, Diana pulling over a dresser that barely missed smashing her, serious consideration of checking out trash bags in our street can, Marians minivan getting cleaned out... Daniel found it under the couch tucked on a metal rod. We broke out in spontaneous "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" and did the second verse since Daniel was such a good sport. The kids loved it!

 

Josh found an old movie we used to watch on Sundays- Lorenzo's Songbook- and the kids were riveted. Good times.

 

Diana with her preschool pet Bananas in front of our Christmas tree. We had a lot of fun setting up with Josh's family- Ryan was a big help on the tree, so precious- and a grateful for the collaborative efforts of Daniel, Josh, Nicole and Jen with the front lights and bow.

 

We tried out the Town of Apex Christmas tree lighting this year. It was held at the chamber of commerce on main street next to this old train car donated to the town.

 

Our spot by the tree.

 

We joined around the tree with the town and sang Christmas carols along led by a small family choir from a Lutheran church. After we sang Silent Night, then the mayor, town council, fire and police chiefs were introduced, and they had a prayer by the Lutheran leader. Then, after a young boy chosen from the crowd put antlers on the tree, we counted down to the tree being lit. It was so fun and wonderful to be together as a town and recognizing in song and prayer our mutual love for our Savior.

 

Singing carols

 

The tree being lit

 

Horse drawn carriage rides or a ride on a small train were available up and down main street that they had closed down for the event.

 

My crew downtown with the lights and moon on the beautiful Friday night.

 

On Saturday we began construction on a new structure to replace the old bike ramp that also served as start of the zip line.

 

The kids would help make sure things were level and hold things in place. It's a big project, but a great time as a family doing things together.

 

Some pics from Jacob's fall festival last month. Decorating cookie station.

 

Parent reader station. I haven't been able to help out with these fun events yet since my littles would make more distraction than help, but it's wonderful when they share pictures of the fun times.

 

A great photo from Grandma Kathryn's visit of her and John.

 

Michael ready to go to scouts. Those kerchief holders are hard to keep on for the hour :)

 

Jim took Michael on an adventure before Thanksgiving. Skipped school to go surfing with daddy.

 

Jim thought the waves would be mellow, but they were 4 feet that day! So Jim hired a surf coach and together they helped Michael and he had such a great time. He actually surfed and got up multiple times, with the coach holding the back of his board down so he wouldn't nose dive. Both Jim and Mike had a great time together.

 

And Mike caught a puffer fish too! But for some reason, they couldn't make it puff up! Guess Jake was lucky. You can see Mike was still thrilled!!

 

Michael wanted a pic with the local shark.

 

 

I guess these pics are a little out of order. The kids relaxing in the front yard while we put the finishing touches on Christmas décor. Such nice weather.

 

Jacob blocking out the sun with the sled. The three oldest were attempting to sled in the front yard. Didn't work out so well :) But it was worth the fun of trying.