The tree!

Here's the one we picked!
It was a great find!

Cutting our Christmas tree

We made two trips to Christmas tree farms this year. We considered going to a new place, tried it out, and weren't happy. So the next day we were out again, back to our favorite, local Christmas tree farm. We got a great, big tree this year, as well as a little one for the front porch, and two runts for Beau and David's rooms. I think it was the warmest, sunniest tree cutting day we've had, and it was magical.

New trampoline

We inherited the Marshall's trampoline. Incredibly sad because it means that they're moving. But, we're so happy to have a fun way for the boys to play and get out some energy, and a focus for when friends come over. We set it up on Thanksgiving morning!

Grounds for Sculpture birthday dinner

For my actual birthday, we went out to Rats restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture. It was a delicious meal in such a magical setting. Afterwards, we got to walk around the sculpture park more. I had never seen it all lit up at night, and it was mysteriously beautiful. We ended up spending at least an hour playing sardines in the dark among the sculptures, which was so, so fun!

Surprise party

Well, as if that wasn't enough!!!
I thought we we were done with the birthday celebrations! But Mike had more in store. He suddenly sent me out for a surprise massage, which was wonderful. I was so excited, and thought that was the whole surprise. But, I got home to a surprise birthday party with lots of friends including Naomi and her kids and her harp! She was so amazing to come all the way up and celebrate and even put on a little show with me! I loved it!

Surprise birthday getaway to Philly

Michael completely spoiled me for this 40th birthday! He booked Kevin and Jonathan to babysit, plotted with Louise to get a hotel, and whisked me away to Philly for a wonderful getaway! We visited the temple, stayed in a fabulous hotel with a great rooftop bar overlooking the temple, slept in, brunched, and went to the ballet. It was such a treat!

David time

I don't like getting woken up in the night, but I do love seeing this little boy's face when I wake up in the morning!
David is also loving his swim lessons.
And, we made cranberry relish at his school to donate to the soup kitchen.

The many faces of Beau

This Beau still loves to dress up!
And he loves his little brother.
We made sweet potato pies at his school to donate to the local soup kitchen.
And, he loves pomegranates and pretending to have cut his finger open!

Funzilla trampoline park on day off

I took the boys plus Beau's friend Asher to a huge trampoline park/ fun zone place on our day off. The boys had a great time!

Fall Fun

Here's David playing in the huge pile of leaves on the way home from school. Each of my boys has played in this pile. I love it!

Timmy’s Surprise 40th

Then I headed up to MA for Timmy's surprise 40th birthday party. It was SO fun! Katie has done an unbelievable job keeping the secret and getting so many people who love Tim there.

I had such a great time catching up with the Concord crew. It had been too, too long! We all slept over at Timmy and Katie's afterwards. After a quick breakfast, I was back on the road to get to my concert on time!

Norah’s weekend away

I had a treat for the first weekend of my birthday month. A weekend away!

First I visited the Rees's in CT. Jen and I fit in a little hike and lots of chatting.

Trick or treat

David and I trick or treated with his friends Micah and Kenny, plus had a party afterwards at Kenny's cousin's house.

The older boys went out on their own for the first time this year. They were so excited about it. I was impressed with how they kept in touch with me, were really responsible, and came home exactly on time! Well done! Plus they got more candy than I knew was possible!!!

Lewis storybook pumpkin

Lewis' school has an activity students can opt to participate in called storybook pumpkins. Students decorate a pumpkin as a book scene or character.

I was very impressed with Lewis' drawing! He has always loved art and crafting so much! I feel like all is right in the world when Lewis has a project or craft going. He planned this one well, and worked diligently to get it done.

Costumes

We had...
British Dennis the Menace
Calvin (and Hobbes)
and
A three headed dragon

Very cute choices!

Halloween 2019

Setting the scene!

David and I came upon some gorgeous and delightfully cheap gourds and pumpkins in Amish Country. So, we were very happy with our decorating! The boys carved great, creative pumpkins. And we used Cindy's ghost to keep her tradition alive!