The Van Becks: Hunting Time

November is always a crazy month for us, mostly because Mike is gone most of it due to hunting. He was lucky enough this year to have 3 full weeks off from work so that he could do a few trips and be home a few days in between each to spend some time with us. It is really hard when he is gone - it makes for really long days, but I know it is short lived. On Thanksgiving I can be thankful for my husband back and no more hunting [for a while at least]. I do get my time away too - I just do it a few days at a time but it lasts all year long :-)

Besides the hunting we have been keeping busy with fun things:

Watched Macy for a few days - the girls had a blast
Avery had an end of the season gymnastics performance
Ethan started hockey and is loving it!
Spent some time at my sister's and had a cousin sleepover
Went to a surprise birthday party for one of my best friends
Had a few playdates with close friends
Went to dinner and a play with the Van Beck girls (Joni, sister in laws and the little girls old enough to enjoy)

The kids are all doing well and staying healthy, we have been very lucky with that so far. Izzie is talking more and become much more fiesty than I thought she would be. I have even put her in the corner a few times (see picture below). She is such a dare devil and doesn't seem to care when you get mad at her, etc. She just keeps smiling. Olivia is becoming such a little girl. She is playing a lot of pretend, loves Dora and Diego, loves to read books and have books read to her. We have been doing some "circle time" activities at home and both girls just love it. I am surprised how well Izzie sits though it. She loves singing songs and doing the actions. We do some flashcards, abc's, counting, naming body parts, etc. Ethan and Avery are both really liking school. They are so excited to tell me about their days when they get home. They are often both telling me at the same time and I can hardly understand them or get a word in. I am happy that they like it and want to go back each day.

We are looking forward to a weekend with family and friends and then before we know it, it will be Thanksgiving....and then Christmas! Oh my goodness - I haven't even started Christmas shopping yet.

Have a great week. Here are some recent pictures: