November Stuff

November is always an interesting month for our family.  It seems to start out pretty slowly, as we take a breath after October and Halloween, but then it speeds up as we prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and for me, report cards (booooo!).

Last week, Ashlynn had her final dance class of the fall.  She has been taking classes at the community center with her friend, Sophia.  

I was so pleased with how it all turned out.  At the start of the school year, Ashlynn decided she didn't want to play soccer this year, but wanted to take gymnastics.  We looked into lessons and were about to sign her up when Sophia's mom, Gretchen, told us about the dance class and that her family had outfits and shoes that Ashlynn could use.  Perfect!  Ashlynn got to take dance lessons with one of her very best friends (and it didn't cost us a fortune).

Sadly, Sophia was sick for the final lesson, so here are a few pictures of Ashlynn, without her buddy:

 It is beginning to look like fall!  Carter and I have gotten out of the house to enjoy the fall color.

On Saturday we went to the first birthday party of our friends, Amy and John's, adopted daughter, Maiya.  They had a "ladybug fairy" entertain at the party, so our kids had a blast.

A girl from Carter's preschool was at the party.  They were cute together.

Birthday girl, with Grandma Georgia

It took a lot of strength and passion to bust open the pinata!

Ashlynn and Brian's girlfriend, Anastasia

The happy family

Today was a day when we thought about missions.  We brought the Operation Christmas Child box in to church.  Ashlynn and Eric had fun shopping for and packing the box.

Also at church today we got to see my dad on Skype from South Sudan, Africa.  We've actually talked with him a few times on Skype from our house, but it was pretty cool for the whole church to see him.

So, that's what we've been up to.

Now, I better return from this act of creative avoidance to work on grading.  Only 7 school days left in the trimester, so there are things to grade, and soon, report cards to do.  : (