November in a Nutshell

I blinked and November came and went. Obviously the main event of the month was Thanksgiving, which was at our house this year. This is what our costco trip looked like the week before Thanksgiving. He's actually sitting on the turkey.

But one turkey is never enough at our house. So Thad went out the weekend before Thanksgiving and brought home one of these.

Don't worry, he didn't bring it home looking like that. There's no way I would have helped in any of the "processing" that has to happen. I don't care what he shoots, as long as it comes home looking like it does at the grocery store.  Also, that thing looks huge, but it's mostly feathers and fluff. Here's what it looked like when it came home. See? Grocery store.

We deep pitted both turkeys again this year and the meat just fell off the bone, but the wild turkey definitely had a bit tougher texture. The kids loved helping with the pit prep, which means make a huge bonfire and dance around it like Maleficents' minions in Sleeping Beauty.

I managed to steal one group shot from the day, though most of the kids are missing and a couple adults as well. But Grandpa Richards was able to join us which was s super big deal as it was his first outing from the rehab facility in three months. 98 and still going strong.

Dinner was followed by a rousing game of headbands. Yes it's made for kids, but it was difficult for the adults!

The next day the kids and I went to my parents to help put up lights while Thad went to pick up an early Christmas present. It was supposed to be hidden till Christmas, but he couldn't wait a whole month to take it out, so everyone has been enjoying it already.

Andi is a stress ball and doesn't like to drive because she is so worried about every little thing and what could possible go wrong, but she likes to ride with Thad. Sammy is actually a good driver, and for once in his life, follows direction behind the wheel. Peter just loves the buggy and will hang out on it in the backyard anytime.
We have also been decking the halls at home and Peter has been a big helper as usual. He climbed up one of the 6 ft tomato cages I was wrapping with lights and got stuck.

But he did let me make this porch sign uninterupted, so I'm calling it a win.

And Sunday we decided if we didn't take pictures that day, Christmas cards just wouldn't be happening.
So Thads parents came over and helped get a couple good shots. I really do plan on sending out cards. Plan being the key word. If you don't get one from us here's our picture. Merry Christmas.

And a few of the kids.

We tried to get a group of the kids but Peter had past his limit of cooperative time for the day, so this is as good as it got.

In other news we've been bunny sitting for a few weeks. It's got a little house with food and water, but it mostly just roams the backyard and gets it's exercise by running from the children.

And now I feel like Christmas will be here tomorrow. The year is just sprinting to a finish. Here's hoping we can keep up!