November Wind up

November was a great month. We started it all with a little snow storm. The kids and I were excited to wake up to a white yard and quickly went out to build a snowman. Our neighbor Haven joined in on the fun. This was my first one, I ended up doing 4 in total because every time I left one unsupervised one of these lovely children destroyed it. What a workout.

Emma Jean turned 8 months and is moving and grooving. She has 2 teeth now, and loves all things food! She crawls, and last night got up to a table by kneeling. We're entering my favorite baby stage.

We also pulled out the Johnny Jump up. Who knew my 6 and 4 year old would have more fun in it than my baby, but they have had a blast with it many nights. (Thomas is wearing shorts and yes he does eat, skinny little guy!)

Nolan had a birthday and so did our nephew Kyle. 21 years difference. They were staying at our house and it was fun waking up and singing to both of them before school and work. You can't see it well in the pictures, but they each got a star burst with a candle in it.

We went to Park City for a few days and had a lot of fun eating, shopping, swimming, spending time with friends, and family. It was a much needed week after such a busy few months of farming. I loved it all. Plus we scored some great deals and got most of our Christmas shopping finished. Nolan has memories of always taking these inflatable toys on trips so we got the kids one and they loved it!

On our last day there we went to the Olympic Park and watch the Bobsled races for the World Cup. USA took first and second place. It was really fun being there.  You could feel the adrenaline from the athletes. I couldn't believe how close they let us get to the track!! Sometimes ice flicked on our faces.

Johnny and Alli were the favorites. At one point over the weekend Grace mentioned she wished Alli and me could both be her mom.

We had to do a lot of walking to get to the top of the runs. The kids were troopers and threw snowballs our whole time up. I get a kick out of this picture because this team member is checking Grace out haha

Thomas couldn't be a happier kid. He giggles his way through life. I love being around him.

My handsome man and sleeping babe!

LET'S GO USA!

This was a sharp turn in the course and Thomas and I were standing there when all of the sudden the sled crashed. It was unreal being right next to a crash, but they were okay, but it cost them first place! Here is Thomas with the Olympic mascots of the SLC Olympic games. We also had a good Thanksgiving. I don't say great only because Grace got what I think must have been a concussion the day after and Thomas came down with strep. But it was a lot of fun being with Nolan's extended family and the meal was AMAZING. And of course I love me some black Friday (Thursday night) shopping.I have no pictures, but my brother Ben and his family came the day before and I did manage to snap a picture of all these cute girls!

 We got home and put up our new Christmas tree. It's our Christmas gift from his parents this year. We ordered ornaments to make it more fancy but they haven't got here yet. That's right, Nolan has beat me out of using my childhood ornaments, lights, and the tree we got from a thrift store when we were first married. Don't worry though we're still setting it up, just not the main tree!
   I like this picture because it shows everyone's personality. Grace our goofball, Thomas so playful and wants Emma on his shoulders, and Emma distracted by the lights and everything that is happening around her.

Overall we had a great month and I am overwhelmed by the life that I have. I feel extremely blessed for all that I've been given, I wish I could freeze time because this is such a great stage of life for me right now. Nolan and I are so unified in our goals, I am feeling settled here in Malta after a year of ups and downs, and my kids are so special to me. I am grateful for the season we have to give to others and reflect on what is important in our lives. I love this time of year because no one is making resolutions to be worse people. We are all working on being better and kinder and it's a great feeling. Happy November to you, and now onto December!