Much to be thankful for

What? A Thanksgiving post not even a week after? Look at me go.

I have loved reading all of the "thankful" posts all over social media this month. If I were that on top of things, I would have participated too :) I could go on and on with all that I am grateful for. I'm going to leave it at 3 things- my family, my health, and my faith. 

We started off Thanksgiving day by running the Human Race with my family. My parents were gracious enough to let the kids sleep over so we could get up early and run the 10k and then they pushed the stroller in the 5k. They're pretty much the greatest. We ran it with some of Trav's family last year and I hope it continues to be a tradition. Not only is it a great cause, but it sure helps to off set the pigging out that comes later!

I realized I wanted family pictures a little too late in the season (once again, I'm so on top of things. Ha.) So I wanted to at least attempt some form of a picture of the four of us. I had my dad snap a few right as we arrived before the feast began and I am pleasantly surprised with the results! And there wasn't even any complaining (thanks honey!). Here's one below, but my favorite I'm using for our Christmas card :)

   

Making a comeback

At least for now :)

It's no surprise that the ol' bloggy blog has taken a back seat. Work has been extremely busy the past couple months and I can't remember the last time I felt "on top" of anything really. So the blog was easily the first thing to let drop. However, I feel the need to journal somehow and what's the point of having hundreds and hundreds of pictures if I don't do anything with them??

I'm not making any promises on consistency. Chances are, these spurts of blog vomit followed by silence, will be the norm. But, I'm going to at least document the big stuff.

Halloween happenings

Gosh. Halloween (really any holiday) was much more fun having a little buddy who got so into it this year. He talked about how he was going to "be a cowboy" for weeks (after a little persuasion from us- easiest costume ever thanks to a couple sisters lending their items) and asked everyday "Is it Halloween today??" Trick-or-treating was a dream come true for this candy-loving soul. Lola did wonder woman proud and I couldn't get enough of her chunky thighs in tights. 

I sure love living through my kids and getting to enjoy childhood experiences (and excitement) again. 

We had our annual Halloween bash at the Turners the Sunday before Halloween. As always, Randal and Shirley went all out to make it a fun celebration for all. We attempted a picture with all the kids....yeah, you can see for yourself how well that worked out for us.

McCall

Gorgeous mountain scenery. Crystal lake. Awesome group of ladies. 4 days of no responsibility. Delicious food. Shopping. Sound good? Yeah, it was heaven. 

Annika brought up the idea of her and I crashing her sister's girls trip for our birthdays (within a week of each other) and it took me all of 2 seconds to say YES! I needed a break (I was being pushed over the edge with work being so busy/stressful) and luckily Travis knew I needed a break too and was willing to help make it happen. I kept trying to make him understand that I didn't need a break from him or the kids, I needed a break from my work and motherhood responsibilities. Moms, you know what I'm talking about.

We packed up the afternoon of my birthday and drove 7 ish hours to Annika's cabin in McCall, ID. It was honestly one of the most beautiful places I have been. The cabin was incredible. We each had our own little "cave" of a bedroom- huge beds, thick down comforters, and shutters that blocked out all the light. Sleep in? Yes, please. 

We had a few things on our agenda: watching Downton Abbey, bike ride, running, crafting; but mostly we were just concerned about relaxing and seeing how long we could stay in our pajamas :) We ate like Queens (ate it while it was warm AND didn't have to feed/clean up after any little people!) thanks to all the wonderful cooks and to Emily's awesome menu planning.

I had never met any of the other 6 girls that were there and was a tad concerned about the dynamic, but it turned out to be fabulous. We were all very different, however, we all complimented each other and mixed so well together! 

Saturday we packed up early and headed down to Boise to do some shopping. And boy, did we shop. I had fun spending my birthday money and found some awesome buys. It was the perfect way to end our trip! Both the drive there and the drive back was great. Chatting the entire time, not having to stop, and not having any crying/whining kids in the back made the drive fly by. Or maybe that was just Annika's driving :) A girl after my own heart, I tell ya. 

I came home missing my kids and hubby, recharged and ready to tackle my crazy life. At least for a few days! Thank you Annika for the invite and to Emily for letting us tag along on your girl's trip. It was oh, so wonderful! See you girls next year right?! ;)

Silver lake round 2

We were so fond of Silver Lake, that we decided to go up again. This time we ditched baby sister and had a date with our little man. The colors were even better and the weather was perfect. We decided to walk around the whole lake, but ended up taking turns carrying a too tired little man. We loved having some one on one time with him.