Happy Birthday!

I turned 36 on December 12! For some reason, 36 seems old. Is it because it's closer to 40 than it is to 30? Or maybe because I feel tired all the time? Who knows, but Kyle and I went out on a date to celebrate! I took the night off from work, my mom came over to babysit and we went to an indoor Christmas light display in Abbotsford. It was a super relaxing, enjoyable evening. After checking out all the lights, we found a sushi restaurant for dinner and then headed back across the border. Since there was no wait at the border, we even had time to go to Woods and have coffee before heading home!

November

November has come and gone, with the highlight being Annaliese's birthday and Thanksgiving. We spent Thanksgiving Day at Kim and Thane's house, with a group of 23 of us gathered for a mid-day meal. The kids played hard, football was on T.V. and we all ate well! While I took a nap in preparation for a night of work, Grandma and the kids decorated little Christmas trees and then played some games. When I woke up, they were just starting to play Cranium...and we laughed so hard I cried! Do not ask this family to hum!!

Uncle Ben carving the turkey.

A huge table set for 20!

These three had a table to themselves!

Annaliese doing a little rock climbing...and giving Grandpa a high-five!

We had a fair amount of sunshine this month so we frequently stayed after school playing on the playground or went to the park. 

Haleigh, Lydia, and our friend Charlotte at school helping out with Annaliese's school Thanksgiving party.

Annaliese and a few of her friends!

A few of Annaliese's art projects- the top one is a felt succulent garden that came as a kit; the bottom is a watercolor painting. 

Ready to flip over the bar!

Charlotte and Lydia- we helped pick up poinsettias for school. These two are always eager to help out!

Senorita Rawls with the girls in Haleigh's class!

Baking mini-pumpkin pies!

Annaliese and I went to Dairy Queen for a date!

If you look closely, you might find Lydia...they were playing Hide and Seek!

The kids had their school pictures taken at the beginning of the month. I love looking at how they are changing from year to year!

Haleigh-Kindergarten

Annaliese-2nd Grade

Annaliese-P3. P4, K, 1st, 2nd

Haleigh's Kindergarten Class

Eight!!

Annaliese's eighth birthday was on Monday! She's eagerly been planning her birthday party for several months and we worked hard to make sure it was what she was hoping for! It was a multi-phase party with phase 1 being bowling with friends and phase 2 being a sleepover with cousins. 

We started our birthday celebrations by inviting a few friends to go bowling and eat rainbow cake and ice cream. Annaliese found a picture of a Betty Crocker cake online sometime during the summer and saved it on my computer. We did our best to copy it! There were three girls who were able to join us at the bowling alley and they all looked like they had a great time!

Koda (Lucy's brother) patiently waiting...

Savannah and Lucy

Our birthday girl!

The Final Scores!

Haleigh showing off our rainbow cake!

After bowling, we went back home and rested for a few minutes before Grandpa, Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins came over. Phase 2 of the birthday party was cheese pizza and a sleepover with all the cousins except Owen. Sorry buddy, maybe next year! Annaliese, Elias, and Mallory slept in Annaliese's room and Malachi, Haleigh, and Lydia slept in the other bedroom. Everyone played hard and they were all asleep shortly after 9:00! Sunday morning we ate waffles and then headed to church. Annaliese loves her class at church and is always asking if she can bring her cousins along so this was the perfect opportunity.

Most of the time Annaliese is fun and a joy to be around but she can also be rather moody and rude and hard to deal with. She loves singing and school, hates to be told what to do, is certain she is always right and would spend all her time crafting if we let her. We recently went to the orthodontist where we celebrated that she has finally stopped sucking her thumb! Annaliese loves getting one-on-one time with us, is definitely a planner and loves making lists and writing things down. 

A little about Annaliese:

Favorite subject in school: Math

Favorite sport: Gymnastics

Favorite after school activity: Arts and Crafts 

Favorite color: Turquoise

What she wants to be when she grows up: A Nurse

Favorite number: 8 and 35

Favorite book: Owl Diaries

Favorite Bible verse: Joshua 1:9