November...

A blink and a wish and the season is here...I'm a big fan of celebrating the days as they are here and with 2 October birthdays...the season of Thankful comes at the perfect time.  The days are pretty short, but the chaos of school starting is winding down and we start getting into a groove...right in time for the Christmas season to come in FULL force...but November, you are a season we are thankful for and this year we have so many blessings to be thankful for!

Smiles from these troops....

to cuddles with the pup....

to sneaking in those afternoon walks in the sun...

to slowing down enough to enjoy watching the cousins play basketball...

to more sunshine and walks...

and wrapping up another fun year of cheer....

to friends coming out in a storm...

and papa there too!

Cheer season wrapped up in the craziest way, but through all the weather, the smiles and growth this year is something I'm so grateful for.

And then it was ELSA day...I mean, Leighton's day at Disney on ICE!!!

Papa got to come share the magic with the girls and I...and we were all smiles (most of the time)

The Elsa obsession is real and seeing the magic through her eyes is so special!

Back to the grind...and this one is "drop" off clothes...oh, the battles I don't fight with number 3.

SURPRISE...early dismissal and end of quarter celebration at GREAT WOLF LODGE!  This was LJ's first trip and the perfect age for all the F U N with these 3!

New wands...sure!

Ears too, why not!!!

Build-a-bear...you got it!

Arcades and magiquest and all the fun!!!

All smiles and such a fun little get away :)

Rich headed to the cabin and the kids and I had a fun weekend at home...

Food bank for church...

And the Husky volleyball game!

When you sneak out of work a little early to get the pup a little walk and soak up the sunshine...when all it's been doing is pouring.

I'm thankful for this turkey and finding time to be the "FUN" mom again...

And that's a wrap...off to the Bothell Junior Cheer banquet with this beauty!

MOST FEARLESS...pretty appropriate for this love!  The Lord has given her a heart that is strong and fearless!!!

And it wouldn't be us...if we didn't head straight out to the lake for BREAK...no rest for the weary, until we get there, at least!

I mean...these 3!  I can't!  The littlest is a fan of "are we there yet" and we haven't quite broken her of that yet!

Each trip to the lake is a little different...a little same...but the view and the peace found when we arrive is always the best!

LIGHT IT UP.....well, until the fire alarm goes off.  Hello warranty, we have an issue!

This guy is helping learn how to cook breakfast and I'm in for it!

Cold weather and walks...pretty sure that what time at the lake looks like in fall.

Epic adventure to somewhere new....and snoozing on the way!

I can't even explain the beauty we find on each new adventure! Truly at peace when we are here and love that there is never a plan, just time together!

A ferry...sure, why not!

And then we added some more to the cabin...new rug and Christmas tree!

Wouldn't be the Christmas season without getting into the SPIRIT with Meyer Spirited Coffee!

And my manly man...

More walks...but at night!

Adding the "spirits"...

Rich headed to be with his mom for the day and the kids and I did ALL the things...

The COLD never bothered HER (not me) anyway...

That's a wrap and off to celebrate Thanksgiving with Kennewick Grandma and Uncle Shawn...

The official TURKEY of our family!

Pie for days...thanks Lovebirds!

And then we headed back home...a fun week away and our hearts were filled.

Volleyball night..and kick off to the final Apple Cup weekend!

Thought I had all HUSKIES...

And then had a SWITCH-A-ROO!

Go Dawgs!!!

Kids back to school...mom working from home...and FORD, living his best life!!

Leighton's 1st chapel with her class...such a blessing.

A snowy trip to say goodbye....

but so grateful to say hello and be there for Bec and Jason!

Thankful this season is a little different....thankful is finding time to make the special trip, to make the phone call, to share a smile...and the season really is all about that. Finding JOY in the times I protect my heart from the busy and stay where I should.  Learning, loving and growing the whole way.  Thankful for God's grace during this season of raising kids and new mercies each morning!!!