Where did November go?

Wow-November just flew by.......here's what we were up to in November!

It was the last year for wood delivery for Rich and Bishop enjoyed helping out (and earning some quarters each Saturday)! :)

Rich, Art (the Dart), Luke and Bishop

 We hung out with Siena and Maia (and Tim and Liana)

Nora ADORES Siena!

Bishop and Maia

We raked some leaves!

 In the month of November, Bishop and Nora really started enjoying playing together. It is fun to watch them and also to let them have some freedom to play by themselves. Nora will definitely let you know how she feels so she won't let Bishop push her around. For the most part they play really well together!

 I had my National Sales Meeting in Phoenix, AZ.

Hiking in Fort McDowell National Park

A Saguaro cactus

These two have so much fun in the bath together!

H-A-L-L-O-W-E-E-N!

Halloween was so fun this year! The kids were able to dress up for multiple events/parties and they loved every minute of it!

On Tuesday night we met the Heller's at Lund's for trick or treating in the store. It was really neat--they handed out carrots, chocolate milk, chips, candy, pencils and the kids each got to decorate their own cupcake!

Bishop with the cupcake he decorated

Liam, Bishop and Nora

On Halloween Day Nora's class had a party at her snack time! It worked out perfectly that was I was able to go (I was supposed to be in Eau Claire, but I ended up not having to go so I could go to Nora's party).  They ate lots of treats (cookies, cupcakes, apples, pumpkin bread) and then had a dance party with their scarves. They even got to play with music sticks, which was a lot of fun for them too!

Nora and her friends at school

She LOVES to play with the scarves

Bishop's class was also having a party...but I didn't get over to his class fast enough-he had already changed out of his costume, but was still really excited for the fun day! Here is he is with his best bud, HK!

Playing with the music sticks

Bishop picked out the most difficult pattern for Luke to carve on our other pumpkin (a witch)--Luke spent a long time on that witch, but it turned out pretty neat! Unfortunately you can't really see its face in the picture.

Halloween Night was a blast! Both kids were super excited and they ran around the neighborhood for almost 2 hours trick or treating! We met up with Danny and his parents and the boys got the hang of trick or treating really fast--Nora needed to be carried for most of the night, but she did walk up to a few houses on her own! She would say "pease" and then after getting her candy she'd say "pease"...I'd tell her to say thank you and she'd say "tank oo".

Danny the pirate and Bishop the batman!

I know I've said it before but I absolutely love our neighborhood! There were so many families out and about and the block behind us blocked off their street and had a bonfire in the road! It was fun for both kids and parents!  Luke and I even dressed up! Luke was the Dark Knight and I was a witch.  The kids will be going through their candy for a LONG time!

Happy Birthday Shelly!!!

Happy Birthday to the best sister in the whole wide world! You are simply amazing, Shelly!! Every life you touch is positively influenced by your kind and loving heart! You are so selfless and you care so much about others! I am SOOO blessed to call you my sister and best friend! I love you to pieces!

We celebrated together at Shelly and Ryan's house yesterday--here are a few pictures from our day!

Shelly and Spidey (papa)! :)

Shelly, Spidey, Madelyn and Jack

The big kids getting ready for dessert

Look at Baby Jack! He even joined the big kids at the table!!

It was a fun day together, as it always is! Happy Happy Birthday Shelly! We love you!

Choo Choo Bob's, Firewood and Carving Pumpkins

Saturday was quite the busy day....especially for Bishop/Batman and Daddy!  Bishop and Luke helped Grandpa out with firewood and stopped for a 2 hour break for Johnny's 4th bday party at Choo Choo Bob's!  Nora and I met them at Choo Choo Bob's and then we met up with them again in the afternoon.  Johnny's birthday was back in Sept, but he was sick for his party, so they rescheduled to this Saturday and doubled it up as his annual Halloween Party. The kids had a blast playing with the trains and eating Pizza and cake!

Bishop said I am the "mean witch"! 

Danny the pirate and Batman!

These 3 were goofing off so much and then I ruined all the fun by asking them to stand still to take a picture! Sorry guys!

Helping dad with firewood!

I had to get some shots of Nora helping with firewood too--and since she hasn't been overly smiley in pictures lately I thought this did a great job of showing the true depiction of Nora! :)

After wood delivery we came home and went straight to our neighbors for Pumpkin Carving! It was a bit chilly, but they had a fire going and the kids ran around so much they never complained of being cold. I love our neighborhood so much and the kids and parents are all so great--it was an awesome night!

Bishop carving his pumpkin by himself!

The finished product--looks great!

Fall Festival at Kindercare

Kindercare had their annual Fall Festival last Tuesday night for the kids. They were allowed to dress up and make/eat treats, play games and see their friends and teachers! Both Bishop and Nora were a little apprehensive at first (and Nora for most of the night). It was a bit overwhelming seeing everyone in costumes and not knowing what to expect.  However, they both had fun and it was fun to see them run around with their friends.

Nora and Ms. Kim! Nora LOVES Ms. Kim!

My Batman and Monkey!

Bishop with his lead teacher, Ms. Angelia

Nora LOVES to play with the necklaces in Bishop's class

Bishop and Ms. Janelle--his favorite Pre-K Teacher!

Hamming it up for a Photo Op!

We are so thankful the kids enjoy their teachers and classes as much as they do and we REALLY appreciate all the extra work that went into the Fall Festival, the kids love it!!

Weekend in Owatonna at home

Luke went fishing this past weekend, so the kids and I went down to Owatonna Friday night. We spent the night and stayed all day Saturday. It was fun to be down there and we found some fun things to do indoors, since it was so cool and rainy outside!

Watching The Toy Story Halloween Movie with Papa!

Cuddles for Nana in the morning

Happy to play inside with Nana!

Very happy to help Papa rake leaves

 

The boys and girls split up in the morning--the boys went to find some trains and then to the store to buy a toy. The girls went to Target and Kohl's to buy new winter hats for the kids.

We all met at home and then raked leaves/played inside/went to the park (until it rained).  

After naps we went to the library.....since Daddy was fishing, Nora and Papa did their own fishing!  Bishop checked out 10 shark books and made Papa read all of them to him when we got home.

After the library we stopped to see Great Grandpa Arnie! He wasn't feeling the best, but he was still happy to see the kids!

We drove back home Saturday night and went to church in the morning. Sunday was my first day all alone with both kids from the minute they woke up until the next day (well, until Tuesday actually--but they went to daycare). Wow! It wasn't an easy day....I don't think I'd make a very good stay at home mom......the kids tested my limits!  I don't think it helped that it was 40 degrees and raining the entire day.

We went to the Y to play for awhile.....the kids took long naps and then we went to Target. We had our moments, but we all survived! ;)

Playing basketball at the Y

This looks like we're having a good time, doesn't it!?!? :)

 Needless to say we were all VERY excited to see daddy on Tuesday afternoon!

Just one Sunday story for the  memory book. We went to Target, which went very well-all things considered--when I said "no", Bishop just moved on to asking for the next thing. He was a very good helper and Nora only tried to get out of the stroller 5 times. Bishop helped by carrying some things in the house and he was very proud to carry in the gallon of skim milk (HIS milk)! :) When he got it inside he threw it down, which of course put a hole in it and milk started spilling everywhere......I took it right out to the garbage, I didn't have time to try to salvage any good milk out of the carton. I was bummed, but oh well-no use crying over spilled milk, right!?!? Well, Bishop REALLY wanted a full gallon of milk and he stood in the mudroom crying for his milk for a good 15 minutes+....while Nora stood by the fridge screaming for PICKLES!!!!! It was 6pm and I was just about ready to lose it! I can look back on it and smile and think (that doesn't sound like that big of a deal looking back), but it was at the time!

I really enjoyed my time with the kids and overall we had a good day!