Wow! November went out with a bang.

November was welcomed with amazing colors of fall and beautiful sunny cool crisp days. Most of which was spent outside. The husband trimmed trees and rode his bike, we went on plenty of walks with our dog and rode the horses.

Then Thanksgiving rolled around and two of our three sons rolled into town for family togetherness and a wonderful feast.  

I love that both our middle son Derek and our youngest son George and his wife live within a few hours drive from us. 

And as it is with the married ones, sharing them becomes the new norm. Not that I'm complaining it's just naturally I want them all to ourselves haha. Last year it was Christmas and this year, Thanksgiving.

Our friends the Rothenbuelers 

 hosted an amazing dinner and we spent the evening visiting and enjoying each others company.

They invited us last year as well when there was only three of us, my husband, our son Derek and myself. This year we added four more to the invite, George and Megan as well as the in-laws.

Friends and family together under one roof made for a full house and much to be thankful for.

Five days later the husband and I loaded up the car and headed for Idaho. The grandsons had a 6th year birthday to celebrate and we didn't want to miss out because, if I know anything about the boys, they know how to party.

We went to Red Robin the night before for an early birthday dinner

and of course the complimentary sundae.

Much to our amazement, the morning of their birthday we woke to snow.

I really appreciated them taking the day off of school so we could have the entire day of being together.

Our agenda was to play until the party started and my motto was, 'It's your birthday so you get to do whatever you want.'

They were thrilled but their dad wasn't convinced, although he decided not to cross his mom in this matter and let grandma spoil her grandsons, which meant opening a few presents early.

 The MarioKart race track we gave them went with their Mario birthday theme because, well...

 they kinda love everything Mario.

The cake was beyond amazing.

It was made by their mom's friend and neighbor who obviously has an incredible talent in the cake decorating department. Everyone was blown away. 

She even filled it with a confetti surprise.

After cake and ice cream we all went downstairs for presents and games.

'Don't step in it' was a hit. A game where you try not to step in poop while walking blindfolded. Luckily it's just play dough you're trying to avoid.

Similar to our back yard but without the blindfold and the turds are real.

November was truly a month of thankfulness and gratitude and a great reminder of the blessings in our lives.