A November photo blitz! There were morning coffee shop dates…
Afternoon cruises around the neighborhood…
And evening dinners with Grandma and Grandpa.
I voted…
And then I spent election night, plus several nights after, huddled in Isaac’s bed fort under a pile of blankets, grieving and praying and finding comfort in tiny little wonders.
Our family spent a Sunday in Madison Park, meandering through the bakery and the toy store and the playground. I forgot how lovely this corner of Seattle is.
Juliette played a lot of soccer, often in the rain. Thank goodness for those late afternoon games where Isaac was able to nap in the stroller – this left me with one free hand for my umbrella, the other for my mug of tea.
Shane’s mom came to visit toward the end of the month and we awaited her arrival with much anticipation. “Shhhh… She’s almost here, Mommy!”
Made it. Let the baking and crafting begin!
I took the day off work on Thanksgiving Eve to spend some extra time with Juliette and to finish my last-minute grocery shopping. We made an event of dropping off Isaac at school that morning, then walking home with our latte / hot chocolate.
Preschool’s out! Let the mini-break begin!
Thanksgiving was all I wanted it to be. Quiet and cozy, filled with food and snuggles. Everyone chipped in with meal prep – even Isaac pulled stool up to the kitchen counter, eager to egg-wash our breakfast croissants.
But he couldn’t wait for them to bake, so he tucked into the muffin Shane had picked up on their early-morning walk to Starbucks.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade was enormously exciting. “Bluey! Mickey Mouse! Minion! PAW PATROL!!!”
Sous-chef…
And a quick bubbly break.
And then a cuddle break. I have worked very hard to dial in low-stress holiday cooking.
Finishing touches…
And WE DID IT!
It was such a good meal, filled with gratitude and laughter and potatoes. Those potatoes.
Isaac found the cranberry sauce to be a bit tart, but I thought it was perfect.
Bellies full, we threw the pans in the sink to soak and headed down to Alki to catch the last of the day’s rays.
A November beach day is such a treat, beanies and all.
Back home, we pulled the Christmas tree out of our storage closet, turned on the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, and poured some egg nog. Things got real festive real fast.
Nice try, little rascal!
And to all a GOOD NIGHT…
