Rain boot season is upon us in the PNW, and so far we are loving it, although in a couple more months I imagine we may just be tolerating it. But for now, the fog that settles on the evergreen trees in the morning is moody and gorgeous, and makes me feel all the feels. Plus the sunshine does still make an appearance *most* days.
Weather aside, we had a really fun and busy November. I got to go on a field trip with Lily's class to plant trees at a wildlife refuge, and I also got to visit Henry's class the next week to help with a cool repousse art project. I'm really trying to take advantage of these sorts of opportunities while I'm home, and while the kids are still young enough to be excited to see me at their school. ;)
Henry finished up his soccer season with a cold, rainy game that Lissa, Liana and Mike all came to watch. It was ridiculously muddy and wet, and their team pulled out a crazy last minute win to end the season. Driving to a nearby park after the game we got hit by a sudden crazy hailstorm, but it stopped by the time we arrived, and the boys got to enjoy donuts and hot chocolate at their trophy get-together. Then it was right on to basketball that afternoon! Henry also started drum lessons this month, which he is really enjoying so far.
We went to the Downtown Camas First Friday event to get in the Thanksgiving spirit, and the kids really enjoyed dancing at the dance party/pie walk, Henry was totally in his element on the dance floor, and Lily joined right in, too. We ended up winning one of the big prize baskets, which the kids were over the moon about.
Michele, Annette and Lissa all came to visit this month, just another great benefit of living closer to Hawaii again! Liana and Mike drove up to Camas with Lissa, and we had a big dinner one night, and then we drove to Liana's house the next day for lunch. It was super fun to get to see all the Aunties, and the kids loved playing with the dogs and also getting lots of treats. :)
But wait there's more, Lily turned 11! I had to do the math again when I typed that because it just didn't seem possible, she's getting so grown up! For her party, she baked her own heart-shaped cake, and went to an escape room with a couple friends. We had pizza, too, of course, and the girls played and had a great time together. Her actual birthday was lowkey, she just wanted grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner, and she was thrilled to get a new bookshelf and a label maker for her birthday, which feels very Lily and makes me very happy.
I spent my free time playing with clay, and looking for jobs, and I finally found a great fit! I'll be starting work in December at Vancouver Clinic, working in Urology- Special Procedures 20 hrs/week. I'm anxious and excited to return to nursing after the long break this year, but mostly grateful to find something I think I will enjoy, and that will still allow me to be home with the kids most days. And I get to wear scrubs again! :)
And then came Thanksgiving . . .
We drove to Idaho first to visit Amanda, Daniel and Emmaline, and had a lot of fun visiting downtown Boise, walking through the Boise Zoo, and also just playing with Emmaline at home and at the park.
After a couple days there, we drove down to Utah to spend Thanksgiving at my parents, along with Marc and Kelly. Grandad also joined us for Thanksgiving dinner, and we got to see my cousin Arwen, who the kids thought was the coolest. We ate lots of pie and In-and-Out burgers, and balanced it out by playing football at the park and some basketball and pickleball at the church gym.
On our final night in town, we had a delicious dinner at Market Street Grill, and then went to the Utah/BYU basketball game at the Huntsman Center. It was the perfect finale to our fun-filled week!
We have so many things to be thankful for, but getting to spend quality time with family will always be at the very top of our list.
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