The Last of Autumn

My thoughts and heart have turned toward Advent and Christmas, but my blog remains stubbornly in the past. The trees are bare at last, and it's gently snowing outside. The rich colors of autumn are giving way to winter's white.

One final post to celebrate the last of fall blessings . . .

We had a neighborhood work day to rake up all the leaves early in November. The boys both enjoyed helping to rake and gather. Throughout the fall, the boys had fun playing in the piles of leaves.

Cousin Ellison celebrated his 11th birthday this November and hosted an amazing party, complete with treasure hunt and an epic battle in which two Celtic clans fought against each other to capture the treasure. It was a party to remember! Our friend Luciana made the cake--a very woodsy and realistic forest floor. Ethan went dressed to "kill" in Celtic garb (probably too many clothes on to actually be an authentic Celt=); Nathanael, a clan leader, even got to dress up.



We had a family movie and make-your-own-pizza night. The boys helped with all the preparations, and we watched one of my favorite musicals, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. They loved it!






We spent Thanksgiving at my sister-in-law Margie's beautifully decorated house. It was a completely relaxing and fun afternoon. We all chipped in to make the meal and do the clean up. The cousins played dress up most of the afternoon, and we managed to fit in a family game of football before the meal. At dinner we counted our blessings together--each sharing something for which we are thankful. It was a very special day, and we are thankful to have spent it together with family.

And now . . . on to December!