November

November was a very intense month for our little family.  My mom hadn't been feeling well for several weeks and on the 1st my mom started the process that lead to her being diagnosed with lung cancer.  We spent the first half of the month trying to keep ourselves distracted while this was going on and the second half in Idaho with my family (which included the wedding of Ty and Brandee!).

First up, the distraction portion of the month...

This little girl can hardly wait until she has a bike of her own, She will probably get one for her 3rd birthday, shhh:)

We had our first snow this month.  It was pretty wet and melted within the day but the kids were super excited, especially Van who exclaimed "Mom, it's snowing! Now is it FINALLY winter?!?!?"

Brian brought home a real sword (he uses it as a prop for a certain lesson in school) and this non mommy approved activity took place...

So proud she dressed herself, shirt and pants, all by herself! Yup, that shirt is inside out and backwards but I am still impressed:)

 This stuffed zebra is new and she carried it everywhere for a few days.

Van has been working out with my kettle bell after I am done with it.  He is impressively strong.

We spent the better part of one Saturday exploring Provo Canyon.  We played at a park and walked a couple of miles.

This tunnel echoed and they thought it was SO fun.  They jumped and giggled and shouted.  They are so delightful:)

Love him!

The kids went through a picnic phase.

Pretending to be asleep:)

The Idaho portion of the month...

We got to meet our newest niece Skyler who was born Oct 29th.  Brielle loved her!

We tried to gently soak in as much grandma time as possible.

Thanksgiving dinner prep..

These two were attached at the hip.  They ran around crazy and loved almost every minute of it:)

Brielle was obsessed with the newest member of the family.  She spent a lot of time with Aunt Brandee:)

Ty and Brandee's Idaho reception...

Mom and 4 of her sisters at the reception.

The newlyweds and their two nieces.  

These two are so perfect for each other and their marriage was a much needed bright spot this month. Congrats Ty and Brandee!