Happy Thanksgivig

We had a lovely, low-key Thanksgiving. We hosted Jason's Sister Amy and her husband Steve, along with Jason and Amy's niece Bethany and her husband Quinten, and their baby Oliver (who came to visit from Ohio and stayed with Amy and Steve).

Jake LOVES having littler ones around, but I was pleased by how much my older kids enjoyed Oliver, too. He was quite good entertainment.

I am so thankful for this family of mine. This year has been one for all the feelings, with two seniors. I have been trying (and have so far been successful) to notice, acknowledge, and feel all the lasts without being overwhelmed by them or having too much pressure put on each last thing. I doubt we'll have either of them here next Thanksgiving, which will be so strange, but I want all the changes that are coming for them, too!

The day after Thanksgiving, we decorated our tree all together- another last! I was glad Ali snapped a picture. 

The coming year holds lots of change, but it won't change how thankful I am for my family and the privilege of having a front-row seat to see the growth of these four amazing kids, and for a husband who brings me daily joy.

Northern Lights

One night recently, Ali was at work and sent me pictures of THE NORTHERN LIGHTS! I ran outside and down our street, and sure enough, you could vaguely see some pink in the sky, and it was even more dramatic through our camera lenses. I called out any of my boys who wanted to see (and explained to my neighbor why I was loitering at the end of his driveway). This has in no way checked my bucket list item of seeing the Northern Lights (I want the drama of the whole sky lit up, no camera necessary), but I was glad to see this beauty.

Chick-Fil-A

I love that my kids enjoy spending time together! These two have gone to Chick-fil-A a few times lately (the joys of having a bit of cash now that they work regularly!)

Friends

Eli had a friend over and the two of them cooked homemade fried chicken! It turned out great!

Ali, Eli, and I enjoyed going to the High School's fall play (have I mentioned that as a school employee, I get into plays and sporting events for free? I love that perk!). We love supporting their amazing actor friends (we've known these two since Eli and Mason were two, and Ali and Leah were in Kindergarten!).

Pinewood Derby

Jake's Activity Day leaders hosted a Pinewood derby. Jake had a great time creating and racing his car, The Monster. (Eli printed the spines from his 3D printer!)

 

These Two

Late-night chats with these two are the best- except on school nights...then it's a lot of me trying to balance being with them and telling them to go to sleep!

I also joined Snapchat to be able to snap with them. They tease me because they are my only friends on Snapchat and tell me to invite my friends...they don't get my purpose!

One about the Pup

Max knows that certain family members are likely to give him food if he hovers (and no, he never hovers around me for food!).

And he always rests in the funniest ways.

He's a good dog.

Family Fun Day

We had a rare day when everyone was home and took advantage of it! We went mini golfing and had a great time (probably in part because we broke into two groups...can you guess the split? Me, Jason, and Jake in one, and the teens in the other!). I'm soaking up every last bit of time with us all together while trying not to obsess about these times coming to an end and therefore putting too much pressure on them...I sure love this family of mine.

Shoes

Eli bought these crocks for Jake for Christmas about four years ago. They were a bit big when he bought them, making it possible for Jake to wear them for many years. And wear them he did- all the time! They finally broke recently, but they had a great run (haha). 

Truth and Treason

A movie about a teen boy standing up for the truth in Nazi Germany seemed like a good excuse to take these two to the movies! Truth and Treason was great, though sad. These boys are great, and wonderful.

And that's a wrap

Marching Band is a huge time commitment. During the school year, they had two four-hour practices after school each week, four Friday night football games (5+ hour time commitment), and four all-day Saturday competitions (8am-9pm or later). Ali didn't enjoy it as much as last year, but overall was glad she participated.

I drove the three hours (each way) to one competition.

Ali was part of a small group section this year; it was fun to get to actually hear her play!

The last event was an awards night. Our cute girl knew where we were in the crowd and looked at us during the group picture.