Our November Happenings

1. The arrival of our winter wood supply. As usual, this coincided with a visit from Grandpa so all the men headed outdoors to stack the wood in the woodshed. Every year our boys become more capable - they really carried the wood into the shed. Of course, Grandpa pulled his weight too and must have made at least 50 wheelbarrow trips.
2. Mommy's Birthday - I was treated like a queen by my family which included dinner at Bickfords. (not sure if I am going to let Brian live that one down.)

3. Montauk Fishing Trip - Brian and Grandpa arrange a fishing trip every year from Montauk but unfortunately since I was not there I do not have photographic evidence of the rather large striped bass and cod that they caught. However, we have had the opportunity to eat some of the catches so mission completion.

The flip side of the fishing trip is that I get to visit Long Island so we took advantage and managed to see almost everyone. Of course, when we visit we turn the house upside down and boy does it get loud. Papa had a blast playing with the kids and loved holding Emily.

Jen had us all over for breakfast on Saturday and the kids had so much fun. No one could pass up a chance to hold Emily.

Allison is so tiny which makes Emily look so big.

The kids loved running around, playing wii and all the treats.

Garrett took great pride in being the big brother who got to hold Emily.

I let Garrett, Connor and Olivia take pictures with my camera because they honestly take some pretty good pictures. As you can see, Olivia is a natural photographer as well.

During our visit, we spent lots of time with Aunt Daph since she has moved back home. It was great to ride our bikes over and to simply run across the street. To think, I have been just running across the street for over 30 years to Aunt Daph and Uncle Eric's house for visits - my how we take the simple things in life for granted.

4. Thanksgiving Time - To all of you who know me too well, you obviously fear for the life of my family when I say I was preparing Thanksgiving dinner. I have found a great way to cheat and I recommend it to all. Buy a precooked turkey! This is my second year doing this and I have to admit that it is delicious and you wouldn't know the difference. Grandma will even attest to that.

Since I didn't have to worry about prepping the bird, I focused on appetizers and side dishes. The boys had made special candle holders at school so we dined by candlelight. I honestly can say I haven't seen that much food in ages and I must have done well because Brian looked full and happy.

5. Family Outing - We went bowling one cold and blustery Sunday. I convinced the kids to take a quick picture...are you wondering why Emily is looking away. The television was on in the room and she was hooked. Looks like she takes after her mommy in that department.

Here we come December - Santa we are already decorated for you at home.