Yes, we are still alive and well. Just taking things a bit, well, leisurely in the blogging department.
If anyone is still interested in fall activities, they may be a bit disappointed in this update. I will, however, try to recap most of November happenings and see if we can move things along to the holiday season (in which, I'm sure you don't need reminding, we are in the the throes of...)
Ev turned 1 on 11/4 - the same day we elected our new President! Pretty cool, I think, and here is the b'day girl poking her cake as if to say "am I really supposed to eat this?". Never fear, she loved it and ate quite a bit despite being extremely tired and a bit overwhelmed.
She began to walk just 1 day before her brother's 5th birthday on the 25th of November! Crazy........
Ryder had a party at the bowling center and loved it - we had only bowled a few times prior to this but it seemed to go pretty well if a bit long for the younger ones who attended. Ryder's cake was another take on the Hot Wheels theme, such a big part of his play right now. We had a great time and it's hard to believe he's 5 already!
Thanksgiving was at my Grandfather's house this year and all 4 of my mom's sisters came this year! It was great seeing everyone and Ry and Jonah climbed trees on their own for the first time. My grandfather has 2 HUGE magnolia trees in his front yard and they had a blast climbing for probably an hour or more.
Lastly, our oldest furry child left us on the day after Thanksgiving after a long battle with cancer. I am most thankful for the almost 12 years we had together and his sweet spirit and effervescent personality. We all miss him and I think hardest part has been adjustment to life without him - he was never a pest but he was always AROUND, and it seems so different now that he isn't here. Garbo and Gertrude and Deano are doing well, but Horton is super-affectionate now and I think really misses his buddy!
Whew! I think that's it for now. More soon.......MG