Thankful November

Fall is a time to reflect on being Thankful.  I am thankful for natures beauty in the fall.  Not only do I enjoy watching the leaves change but also enjoy playing in the leaves that fall to the ground.  I am thankful for my husband Mr. Wonderful (aka Will) who cleaned up the leaves in our yard and made a huge pile for us to jump in. Thankfully this year no shoes or items were lost within the pile of leaves. I am thankful for my children who encourage me to play in the leaves like a kid. I am thankful for modern medicine that treated Sophia's strep throat over the holiday.  I am thankful for time with my family. I am thankful for my lot in life.  It fills my heart with love and joy.

Part of Isabella's thankful tree

Its Fall!

My happy place

Sweet Sisters

Sophia drew this at Faith Formation class

Sophia with a hand heart visited me at work on Black Friday

Kinder Feast

Sophia's kindergarten class held a Thanksgiving feast. The kids prepared most of the food and decorations. Before sitting down in their seat each child said something they were thankful for.  Sophia said "I am thankful for my parents".  So sweet!  I am thankful I was able to stay at school not only for the feast but also for recess and a surprise lunch date with Isabella. 

Sophia coloring her place mat

Making pudding for the feast

Gobble Gobble Sophia

Drum circle

Drummer Girl

Ready to feast

Hanging by the lockers

Place mat by Sophia

Playground time

Joy

Surprised Bella in the cafeteria line

Lunch date with Bella

Hey Coach

November was my 2nd year coaching the Richmond marathon and I am still humbled by the experience. The weather was absolutely perfect and I was able to cover the lee bridge and see a lot of my team run through.  This finish line experience was full of rock stars.  I was privileged to share the marathon journey with the finishers.  It was an epic day. 

NACHO coaches

Before the race

After race dinner

It was a long but fulfilling day.

Elementary Events

We enjoy the school my daughters attend. I try to visit and be involved when possible.  Isabella was gator of the week in her class room at the end of October.  Isabella enjoyed bringing in special photos and trinkets from home to show to the class.  She enjoyed being interviewed by her classmates as well as being the center of attention. My favorite part of the week was Isabella reading the compliment book to her class.  Each child wrote a letter to Isabella and colored the back of the page.  The compliments were very sweet! 

Mrs. Dunn's classroom Gator of the week

Isabella reading her book to the class

Isabella finished reading her book right around the time that Sophia has lunch.  I took the opportunity to surprise Sophia during lunch. That sweet smile warms my heart.

Sophia was surprised to see me at lunch

Say Cheese while eating cheese

Sophia standing near her favorite veteran

The girls also enjoy the veterans day assembly at school and seeing PopPops face on the slide show.  Even when school is closed, we still have fun at Gayton.  Isabella and Sophia participated in the Gayton Gobbler 1 mile fun run. They both had a PR and ran a little under a 13 min mile.

Ready for school on Veterans Day

Sophia was proud of her "Boob-urkey!

50's style for the 50th day of school

My cute little runners at the Gayton Gobbler

Pre-race family photo

Go Runners!

Sophia showing off her race medal

Soccer Season

Isabella enjoyed her first season of soccer.  She loved being on the team and running.  She learned a lot of new skills too.  Will and Sophia were her #1 fans.  Due to work I was unable to make most of the games but enjoyed the photos of Isabella playing. One of Isabella's favorite memories of the season is getting her first trophy!

  Like mother, like daughter! I also played soccer for the 1st time when I was in 2nd grade, just like Bella.  Up next, both girls will play a winter sport starting in January which is basketball.  Good times and great memories.