November started out with the Noonans in town, as we finished up moving my parents into their new home. We spent a few days with them, unpacking boxes, playing at the arcade (and winning tons of preschool treasure box toys for me!), celebrating Finn's birthday, visiting fun parts of Salt Lake City and enjoying family time together.
My Grandma Montgomery's wedding dress (it isn't zipped up in the back...)
We went to Abi's marching band performance in absolutely freezing weather, so the boys found Grandma's box of winter clothes.
After the Noonan's went back to Illinois, we met Rod at the Layton Temple for baptisms for the dead.
Both boys had the Sadie's dance. The girls planned it and did such a good job! Grant's group were baseball players, and Ryan's group was the Joker and Harley Quinn.
We had the Cross Country Awards Banquet. It is hard to believe that Ryan is almost done with high school! When they called the Seniors up, I was surprised when they called Ryan's name. I had forgotten for a minute!
Pretty leaves and snow.
Grant (finally) bought a 3D printer and we've been having so much fun seeing all his creations. It is pretty amazing what it can print!
Ryan performed in Phantom of the Opera with his school choir. He was in the chorus. All of the choir members had to be in it, but I am glad he was forced into this cool opportunity!
We made placemats in preschool, and I always love the way they turn out.
I am thankful for my kid's good friends!
We decorated for Christmas! And Avery got to come be a part of it, after missing it for two years!
It was my 46th birthday! It was the day before Thanksgiving, so my family was all home and made me breakfast in bed and then they took turns helping me make rolls and a few pies for the next day.
That afternoon they humored me with a walk together and then we went to the Bountiful Art Museum and then to dinner and then I opened some fun gifts.
I bought the Favorite Daughter t-shirt with the birthday money that my parents gave me for my birthday. I wore it the next day to Thanksgiving and I think I made my mom uncomfortable, haha. (If you know my mom, she is all about being fair with her children! No favorites!)
Jacque sent me this gem.
Thanksgiving was at my parents new home and it was so fun to be there together! The Hanchett's and Gramma Lana were also with us. We had a nice day, prepping, eating, watching White Christmas, playing games, celebrating my birthday again, and we got to talk to Maren, too (3 times that week! On P-Day, on my birthday, and on Thanksgiving).
Speaking of Maren, we worked on some Christmas ornaments for her while Avery was here for the week. She is doing so well on her mission! She just finished her training and got a new companion. She seems happy and she had a happy Thanksgiving, being fed by kind people and serving dinner at the Homeless Shelter. We are thankful for her willingness to serve and for the experiences she is having!
We finished up November with a visit to the Natural History Museum and the temple before Avery headed back down to Provo and school started back up for the boys.
I love this time of year and the focus on our blessings and on the Savior! We have so much to be thankful for!
