December

 December saw concerts, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and lots of family fun. Adam performed clarinet in the 6th grade band (and has since moved on to saxophone). Erik and I went to NYC for our 19th anniversary and got to see Ragtime and The Play That Goes Wrong (Two thumbs way up for each, but each for different reasons). Cub Scouts collected Toys for Tots again, and we delivered them on behalf of the pack. Erik took Chase to a Hurricanes game for a birthday present. We got to spend a whole week with extended family for Christmas, trading off on traditions and having lots of fun. Not pictured here is a horse-drawn carriage ride in downtown Wilmington where we got to sing Christmas carols through the streets. Adam started an animation class and is continuing to develop his own character that he will turn into an animation by the end. Adam and I spent New Years Eve solving a murder while Aaron and Brooklynn watched the end of Stranger Things with friends. 

Looking forward to the new year, Erik continues to serve in the bishopric, and now I'm serving in Young Women. I'm also looking to get more leadership opportunities at work. Brooklynn is prepping for the SAT and the ACT this Spring, and she continues to tutor. Aaron is working on getting First Class in scouting in preparation for Sea Base, Adam is developing on saxophone and animation, and Chase is reading a simplified Book of Mormon with me. 

(Finished 80 Day obsession and went straight to P90X3. Erik and I are signed up for the mini sprint triathlon again.)

November

 November. Consistently the busiest month of the year. But also one of the most fun. This November we enjoyed a visit from Nana and Opa, who drove across the country to deliver the minivan we were able to purchase from GG. It has been so nice no longer worrying about how different family members will be able to get to their activities, with Brooklynn having such an independent schedule these days. 

Erik is still blowing out all of his birthday candles in one breath, though we now have to cover the table to protect it from candle wax. 

My sister drove up here to join me in celebrating my mom's birthday at the Renaissance Fair. She brought a whole wardrobe of costume options, and we gave ourselves some good backstories on the way there. Adam got to scoop up a spare ticket, and he really enjoyed himself. 

Enjoying saved Instagram videos is part of our bedtime routine. Right before Calvin and Hobbes and Come Follow Me. 

Chase advanced to the next spellilng bee at his school, moving on to compete with 3rd to 5th graders.

Adam hosted his first murder mystery party. Just because.

Erik was asked to take quality photographs of temple-goers for another ward's "temple day" activity. He did well. 

Flag football ended for the older boys, so it was on to basketball for Chase

I finished 80 Day Obsession. Didn't lose a stinking pound, but with Halloween and Thanksgiving I'm just grateful not to have gained 10 pounds, I feel great, and I just started P90X3, ready to finish that right before Japan

October

Football, football, school, school, General Conference, costuming, more school, work, roller coasters, work, and school. Campouts and primary program, too. And Brooklynn is 17!

Getting the boys passports, getting ready for Japan

Chase had a great science fair project.

Raleigh temple was closed for awhile, so these guys took a trip to Richmond

Erik snuck in and took this on one of my last days as a Primary music leader. 

The birthday girl as Barbie from Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse

Dress like your teacher day. Adam chose his band teacher, who apparently loves Diet Coke.