November 2024

 November was fast! And with Thanksgiving at the end of the month this year, we had a quick 3 weeks and then Christmas break. As I type this, Christmas is in a few days and I can't believe how fast this year has gone. One day, I will look back at this blog post and soak up these sweet little faces. These are the days. Oh, yes, these are 100% the best days of my life. Nurturing my children and watching them as they grow into these sweetest humans has been one of the best experiences of my life. I can't wait to see where my children go in life. I'm so grateful to be along for the ride.

We got out for the hot tub a few times. Avery loves hanging out and chatting with people next to the tub since she isn't old enough to get in yet. She doesn't mind. 

Payton and I took off to a nearby college town and watched their volleyball team play. Best money I've ever spent and I have asked myself so many times why we have never done this before. It was the last game of the season so next year I plan to take the whole family and go multiple times. 

We got to the park:

There are cattle across the field from us this winter and one night, we watched one get out and come say hi. It kept us highly entertained. He took himself back home before his owner made the trip to check on him:

And, oh how I love a sleeping baby picture. I have said that before. It is still true. Allow me to fill this spot with pictures of my sleeping princess:

We had some sickness this month so several of these pictures are from sickness or teething. These times are hard but also so precious. Avery June, we love you so much and all you offer this world. The craziness of you getting into everything and never slowing down (especially not for a long nap) has kept me so tired. I try to keep soaking up every second I get with you and find gratitude in this season.

I went out for a mom's night out and made a little pumpkin. It holds memories of a fun night with friends for me:

My husband got a deer and Riley got to be a part of the whole experience. He can't wait to start hunting himself:

The next week, Monte got another deer as part of deer season:

Just some pictures outside on our property:

One day, the kids decided to have their first tea party with Avery. She had the best time and was still found playing tea party long after the other 3 had grown tired of it.

Riley works really hard to read regularly to his siblings:

We went out to eat once this month, a real treat for us:

We did a Thanksgiving meal just our family in our home and that was great.

This year all the kids made something and it worked so well. Payton made the bread. Riley made the pies and cranberry sauce. Jayden helped make the pies. The food was great but the family time together was top notch. 

Over break, we hosted family for thanksgiving. It was a great time seeing the cousins play:

As soon as Thanksgiving ends, Monte finally gives the okay to put up the tree so that's what we do! The kids can't wait to put up the Christmas decorations around here.

My mom made us new stockings this year and I love them:

Payton had her first ever dance performance, in the nutcracker ballet:

Grandma came to watch, too and we loved the visit with her.

One day, while at home, I noticed people were outside. A tree came down in our front driveway and we never knew for sure they were coming. A few of us got to watch this:

Payton was selected for all state choir this year for the upper elementary school. So, we all went to the state capitol for a few days to cheer her on. We stayed at an airbnb that had a vault in the basement that contained a pool table. There was also a workout room. The kids loved this area.

While Payton and her classmate practiced during the day, we took the other 3 kids to the children's museum.

Then, late afternoon we watched her perform. She did great but I could not take any pictures or videos (rules). But we have this picture after the performance:

The next day we took all the kids to the zoo and enjoyed time as a family before returning home. 

It was a great month for our household. And now, on to enjoy December and Christmas!