Festive Fun

November flew by! Andi's soccer team participated in the tournament at the end of the season and probably played one of their best games of the entire season. And instead of the traditional pizza party we had a taco party, which made me very happy. 

 

Peter has been loving his wednesday playgroups. It's his favorite day of the week and just loves to hang out with the boys. They are a cute bunch!

 Thad has been out of town a lot on a big project, and big projects mean big tools. The boys thought this one was pretty awesome. It's totally real, so imagine the bolts that it's used on!

We also took the annual backyard family pictures, and a miracle happened. We got a good shot, no photo shop necessary. I feel like this was a milestone, like family pictures won't be such a ridiculous and painful endeavor going forward. At least I hope so! And I even liked the picture of just Thad and I, which I never do.

 

We had two Thanksgivings this year, one with my moms extended family the weekend before, and then hosted Thads family on Thanksgiving day. I love Bakersfield Thanksgiving. While everyone else is bundled up braving storms to get to gatherings, we set the kids table up outside and they run free while the adults talk in peace. 

Then December came and we've been busier than ever. Sammy had a cub scout push cart Derby the first weekend and had a great time. 

 Such a great time that he talked Thad into building him his own. Which they did that same day. Then Sam and Peter painted it and named it Thunder and they've been having a great time with it, when they aren't arguing over who's turn it is to push.

Then Andi decided to break a growth plate in her pinky the day before her school band concert. Don't worry, her teacher still had her come play the notes that she could with her remaining 8 fingers.

She plays the flute, the same one I used to play, and that my Dad used to play. Her piano teacher is also going to have her perform at her recital this week, cast and all.  With December we finally got some fall like weather. Peter was so proud of the leaf pile he raked all by himself. They've been raking leaves almost daily. Not putting the in the trash or anything, just reusing them for jumping in.

Andi was also able to go to Camp KEEP with her 6th grade class last week. They go over to the coast, and it rained on them all week. But they had a great time. Here she is with her friends and their 4th grade teacher who went as their councilor. They love Ms Sloan, and the fact that they are taller than her now.

And last night we went to Christmas town to see the light display. It was actually cold, so we bundled everyone up and had a fun night. They of course had to ride the sledding hill very first, and after that they were moving too fast for pictures.

I can't believe Christmas will be here in 5 days. I think I'm ready.