November

We were able to go to the Meridian Idaho Temple open house. The Bakers, who used to live in Othello, live near the temple. So we left after lunch and spent the night at their house. We got there around 8 pm. We had a late dinner and then tried to get the kids to bed. That did not go well. Benson ended up falling asleep after a little while. But the girls had a hard time. Esther was in a smaller than usual pack n play and she quickly discovered that she could climb out. This was the first time she ever climbed out of bed. (The beginning of harder nap times at home) The girls ended up staying up with us talking to Megan and Tad until around 11, which was 10 our time. Annika went to bed once David and I were in bed (in a full size bed). But Esther was CRAZY. She was in and out of her bed so many times and just loud. The three of us were up until after midnight. The rough night did equate to a lovely night home, as the kids slept for a big chunk and we only stopped once (as opposed to 4 stops on the would be 4.5 hour trip there). The temple was gorgeous and I'm so grateful we could have this experience as a family. Annika commented on a little temple open house reflections card that she loved how fancy the temple was. :) Esther and Benson said their favorite part was the fountains outside. There were a lot of stairs, which made me feel kinda sick in my pregnant state. But, I made it. We went to McDonald's after and then straight home. 

Benson's getting into posing for pictures lately :)

haunted house on the white board

sweet babe ready for snow!

hand stand challenge that Alainna started. David did well!

Just in case I didn't have these pregnant belly shots on another post...

I made a car seat blanket for baby boy! When I found this sea turtle flannel, I knew I had to make something with it. I love it!

Halloween ghost decorations for her Halloween tea party we had last month. I love this girl's party planning skills!

My first 3D ultrasound! His nose looks like Esther's!

Benson and Annika spent the night at Papi's house. So we went to Time Out with Esther. Isn't she the cutest 2 year old!  It was a lovely break from the older two. But we paid for it when they got home. Annika was fine. Benson was a wreck after not getting enough sleep. I think we'll wait awhile before we do more of those overnighters.

The kids helped Papi rake his leaves.

Papi bought paints for them to use at his house.

they went for a hike with Papi

and played at the Castle park

I wasn't feeling very well Thanksgiving morning. Zack and Keenan took all of the kids to Papi's in the morning. I rested and David went to play football. It was lovely to get some rest.

painting with Papi!

Zack made amazing rolls- they have like a million cubes of butter in them.

Thanksgiving dinner at Papi's with Keenan and Zack.

We went to Heather's on Friday or Saturday for a post Thanksgiving feast. Cousin time is the best. And we love our adult sibling time!

Setting up the Christmas tree! We bought this big tree the day after Christmas last year half off at Lowe's. It's a good one! :)

tea party break from Zack's labors in the kitchen

Cutie pies at Ace, helping Papi and me pick out cabinet paint.

watching Zack work