Lego Day

November was truly just one activity/event after another. Following Bushcraft was Riley's 12th birthday. He chose a Lego themed celebration. First, we got what has become a traditional birthday milkshake at Chick Fil A for the birthday boy before we went to the mall. Our destination was the Lego store where we set out to build custom mini figures. We had a blast! We spent about two hours sifting through parts looking for just the right pieces for our creations. The boys were so creative and the finished products were absolute keepsakes. Oh and the special corner mobs the boys made on the minifigure tower were especially unique. :-) We picked up tasty bubble tea before we returned home and met back up with the rest of the family for dinner, cake, and gifts. Riley got some great and thoughtful gifts and he was super happy about his day. Welcome to 12 Riley! We love you!

Bushcraft

With the teen retreat complete, we had a week to clean up, restock, and repack for another camping related event. This time the crew was different. All of the guys left for the weekend to attend an outdoor classroom gathering of bushcraft skills. If you're not familiar with bushcraft, think survival/primative skills. The guys went for three days and roughed it while they learned thngs like starting fires with a bow drill, wood carving, deer processing, HAM radio skills, map and compass usage, among several other really cool skills. They met really experienced people and other novices like themselves. There was a great community vibe and the weather was good too (important when life is all about tenting it). Just for the record, the macaroni and cheese was the fan fav food while they were experimenting with MREs--the rpimary food source. :-) The guys came home full of information as well as HAM licences. Nikolas had to leave a little early for a work event, but he still got his license and a headful of knowledge. Connor seemed to excel at the bushcraft skills. It was such a great trip and boy did they all learn a ton! I think it's reasonable to say that another gathering may be in the future. :-)

Teen Retreat

Directly after our photo shoot, the teens packed up to take a a weekend retreat where they would learn the basics of both physical and spiritual battle. Jozsef went as a leader, Sonja and Connor went as students. The weather was good which was a blessing because the children have taken a liking to hammock camping. They had a great time picking up new skills, bulking up on thier bible knowledge, and strengthening friendships. It's such a joy to be able to send them to these kinds of events, where memories of growing up are made. :-)

Marking Time

With the arrival of autumn, the time to capture family photos arrived as well. The turning of the leaves is always the perfect backdrop for some great photos. We made the appointment, marked the calendar, planned the outfits, and prayed for good weather. God granted us the good weather and good health and we had a blast making some memories.

This year we had an addition to our sitting. We now have someone who we affectionately call "adopted". He's a friend of the older boys who has become like a brother. He hangs out with us in general, enjoys outings with us when he can, he met the family when they came out in summer, he's spent holidays with us, and we're all kinda attached. :-) Meet Levi.

Our photographer has consistently shown up and showed out for us both in interaction and in capturing the personalities of each of us. I love that she can get not jsut a pretty picture, but a picture of who we are at the same time, and she's got a great eye for candids that often make some of the best shots/memories. Thank you very much Heather for taking care of us again!