too much to post and not enough time...

My goal with this blog is to get my pictures off my camera and post an update once a month and make a yearly book from these posts. Well, November came and went and it felt like there was NO time to squeeze one in. Though it's now December, I couldn't skip posting november! after all it's one of our very favorite months! So here we go... in November...

 We celebrated Mike's birthday by making our traditional birthday signs. Sav knows her daddy and that he loves turtles:)

 this one is my favorite- Bella drew this picture of she and Mike. Lily added some to this too.

Zach's handy work

Josh's sign

Can you count how many candles?

 my gift to Mike was getting his guitar fixed, tuned and cleaned up. He LOVES playing the guitar and hasn't done it in years. I think he liked it! and the kids are big fans of his music.

  from Bella he got a scalp massage

 Zach gave him a really sweet coupon book with coupons like "no being fussy in the morning", "foot massage" , "30 min of wii with him" and the best part is that they are all reusable. awesome

 We did our traditional "thanksgiving lesson and activity" 

 I can't believe I didn't take a picture of the tree and the kids this year, just them and their leaves

 the week after that my parents came to visit for thanksgiving!!

and our time was consumed by this... wood paneling!

this... (wainscoting in the dining and part hallway)

and this (board and batten up the stairs and in the entry way)

In the midst of this chaos, we hosted thanksgiving for the first time ever in this room! we had some great food and great company (our good friends and my parents:)  

then we continued on with our projects

He worked till the minute it was time to head out to the airport! (seriously- I had to force him to stop so he wouldn't miss his plane!)  

I need to take complete after photos, it turned out awesome and we love it! Thanks to my Dad!!!

we got ready for Christmas a little early this year since my parents were in town, we did a Christmas celebration and they actually got to see the kids open their presents from them!! Such a treat since they live so far and are never here for the holidays!!

 a pogo stick for Z

a ripstik for J

 Lily LOVED her Barbie

 A giant castle to color for Bells.

giant barbies and clothes to color and design for Savs...right up her alley! (super blurry shot?!)

Thanks Abuelo and Abuela for the awesome gifts! they are a hit!! and thanks for ALL of your help with everything! we love you and miss you already!

2 days after my parents headed home,Mike and I left to Mexico for an Anniversary trip (a post for another time:)  We had a fabulous time and came back relaxed, refreshed and ready to conquer December!