November

I did it.  I voted.

Some women in our church gathered (socially distanced with masks on!) to hear a friend share encouragements from the book of Philippians

More time with these sweet women; some of my first friends when we moved to the area.  We took our masks off and gathered close for one last photo before one of the ladies moves away.

Gretchen has worked as a Mother's Helper for the last 1.5 years.  I had the rare opportunity to see her in action, and I was blessed beyond words to watch my girl care for these three little ones with maturity, responsibility, thoughtfulness, and fun.  

When a box of graham crackers is this cheap, you take a photo and text it your dad, who shares you love of graham crackers, then buy a ridiculous amount to take home.

Our library is open for curbside pickup, and we are loving it!  The piles and bag behind the girls was our latest pick-up, and the girls are working on a craft the librarians put together to include with the stack of books.  We are so grateful for the public library!

Big Daddy came for a visit!!  He and Rooke have a special relationship that includes a lot of Rooke annoying Big Daddy, and a lot of Big Daddy putting up with Rooke's shenanigans!

Ryan preached at our church, which was meeting outdoors at 8:00am on the lawn of another local church. After the service, we went out for Ryan's favorite: District Doughnuts, and found a new cool place to eat on the top of the Union Market building.

A trip to the Arboretum on an especially sunny afternoon

We used our membership to take Big Daddy to the Bible Museum.  One of the displays was about Bible translating work among a remote people group in Mexico.  My dad knows people living among that exact people group and was able to bring that work to life with personal stories and photos!

The girls had no idea what a pinball machine was!!

She was determined

A Saturday afternoon spent hiking around Harper's Ferry

Without consent from our kids, we decided to do our own family Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.  Rooke had a minor injury, so he participated on his bike.  Everyone was glad when it was over, and felt better when sitting down to feast! 

After our run, we spent the morning relaxing at home with games, puzzles, and cooking.  In the afternoon, we gratefully joined Uncle Steve and Aunt Vallerie for a Thanksgiving feast.  The weather was unusually warm, so we ended up feasting together outside.

 

A sourdough Thanksgiving pumpkin!

As the sun set, the deck lights came on and we played some games together with pie and coffee.  

The following morning we started a new tradition of cinnamon roll waffles for breakfast and a family viewing of Elf before pulling out the Christmas decorations.  Bring on the Christmas cheer!

He was tall enough to put the topper on the tree by himself this year!

Just a little friendly competition.  I'll admit it was more of a competition than I expected, but he still knows who the boss is.

Another Sunday and we're off exploring another new trail

Touching the marks left from a beaver's work on this tree.  There was evidence of beavers all around.

Despite the strange circumstances this year, our hearts are still full of thanksgiving, as evidenced in our flourishing thankful tree.

October

While Rooke was meeting with his peer group from youth group, we went for an evening walk around the capitol with the girls.  As we walked, the girls asked Ryan what exactly a lawyer does.  It was sweet to hear him explaining his profession on the steps of the Senate building!

Bridgette and one of her best buddies, Ruth, decided it would be fun to have a Fall Feast for our families.  They planned out the menu, decorated the table, and made sure everything was in order for a perfect morning brunch feast. 

After brunch, the older sisters took the stage with the first reading of their much anticipated novel.  They read all 12 chapters with enthusiasm and great character voices.  

The photos I find on my phone!

Happy Birthday, Ryan!  

Angela took off for a couple nights of girl time in Charleston.  The weather was perfect!  The fellowship was even better.

Ryan and Rooke joined men from our church for one night of camping.  The next day, the girls and I drove out to meet our guys and camp together for one night as a family.    

She loves writing stories!

Bridgette loves getting in the mix with the football

Aunt Vallerie and Uncle Steve have been leading Art Class on Friday afternoons.  The kids are having a blast, and creating some amazing things!

At the end of the month, we received a special visit from the Swisher family.  We've known the Swishers since living in China, and they have been loyal friends to visit us in the many different places we've lived.  

Bridgette and Jacob had fun scarmbling around on the playground  

The Swishers helped make Halloween much more fun this year since our normal plans were canceled.  They brought fun costumes and game ideas, which the kids thoroughly enjoyed

I made my traditional tomato cheese soup and bread to keep everyone warm

Gretchen dressed up as a Starbucks Frappacino

Bridgette really wanted to be a cheerleader

And Rooke played the role of middle school boy perfectly, not wanting to dress up, participating in some of the games, and gladly eating the candy!