November

 November has been a pretty low key month for us. (Ignoring the tumult and tension in the country because of the election.) We've gotten into a new groove with McKenzie and Peyton doing school at their house all week now, then staying at our house over the weekend while Marie works. So I go help on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Grandma helps on Mondays, and Michelle (Marie's roommate) runs things solo or with Marie's help on W, F. So I have had time without any children in my care for 5-6 hours in a row twice a week (M, W) for the first time since the pandemic started in March. It has been good and productive. 

Everyone had the day off of school for Veteran's Day, so we went to Saguaro National Park for a hike.

We hiked along the Cactus Forest Trail up to the Lime Kilns. We found a super tall saguaro, too.

The weather was lovely.

Savannah took a picture of all of us at the lime kilns. 

In all we hiked about 3 miles. It was perfect and lovely to get out in nature.

Look! A screen! As soon as the kids hear something that might indicate a video being played on the computer they are drawn to it like a bug to a light. They mobbed Jacob in this instance because he was watching Studio C.

Annie got a lunch/shopping date with me as part of her birthday gift. After a bit of shopping we headed to Eegees for lunch together. It's always fun spending one on one time with the kids.

Happy Anniversary to us! We're celebrating 14 years of marriage this coming week. Usually for our anniversary we use it as an excuse to buy something that's a little pricier than we would spend on an every day purchase. This year we took advantage of Prime Day being later in the year and ordered a new exercise bike that is big enough to fit Jacob. It arrived well before our anniversary, but we finally got around to putting it together a week ago. Jacob modeling the styrofoam that came with the stationary bike:

Yay! It's big enough for his long legs! 

Friday morning President Nelson exteneded an invitation/challenge to be grateful by 1. posting on social media for 7 days what you're grateful for, and 2. sharing your gratitude in prayer. Since our kids don't use social media we used our driveway as their social media to share what they're grateful for. 

(Yes, that says "farts" below the E. Bet you can guess who wrote that one.)

I'm grateful for many blessings, most especially the gospel and my family. I feel so blessed as I reflect on what a joyful and fulfilling life I have with my family and because of my understanding of the plan of salvation and my Savior.