Girls Gone North.

My aunt Camy invited me to go with her (& Ang & Brooklyn)
to a Girls Gone North weekend at Bluefin Bay in Tofte, MN.
It was a beautiful drive up north & a wonderful relaxing weekend.
This trip landed just a week after Eddie was hospitalized
& a welcomed get away to relieve a little stress.
I had such a good time & got a chance to do things I've never done!

Our townhome was right on Lake Superior shore.

I went on a guided hike up to Carlton Peak.

On top of the peak.

The view of Lutsen & the lake was just remarkable.

Camy also signed us up for being part of the fashion show!

She surprised me with that part of the get away, 

but we had a blast.

Getting our makeup done for the fashion show.

Thanks again for the lovely get away!

Wine tasting.

November.

November 1.
Our oldest son's birthday!
All of our kids really look forward to the day of their birth.
They splendor in the day, all day.
And just as soon as it's over,
they let us know that they can't wait til their birthday next year!

This year Adler turned 9.
His brothers & sister made cards for him to read as soon as he got out of bed.
I tend to make a homemade card too,
especially since I'm already helping the others make their cards.

The birthday boy picked Culver's for his birthday meal.

Playing with some random toys from great grandma.

I was busy putting folded laundry away & I came out into the living room

to look at my sweet girl running around in her undies!

(p.s. it was cold outside!)

She found her first princess dress & put it in the cart!

She was so excited to put it on.

The boys working their 'jobs' in the woods.

Vance started swimming lessons at the community center.

We found out that if Viv comes & watched him that he tends to do much better

with the lessons!

On his last day of swimming lessons he got a certificate to get his own pizza.

He just loved it!

I think that alone will get him back in the water for another session.

We visited grandma & grandpas to go for a ride on their new Honda Pioneer.

Vivienne just loves her bed.

She goes to bed like a good girl,

but she must have her babies & blankets with her!

These two little ones are such pals.

We go to the community center a few times a week

& they get to play at romp 'n stomp together.

I'm so lucky to be able to be home with them!

Snow is here & it's time for some sledding.

Sweet boy getting ready to go outside.

All bundled up ready to play.

Brock had his 1st grade Harvest Hodown concert.

Grandma & grandpa Johnson came to watch the concert.

Later for supper we went out to Pizza Ranch.

This is our view everyday getting ready for school.

So sweet.

Adler writing what he is thankful for.

Having fun being pulled behind the pioneer.

Viv lovin on Hannah.

Brock is such a caring brother.

He reads to Viv as much as she asks him.

The last trip to the farm the boys rummaged through a pile of junk in the pasture.

They apparently found a need for the old electrolux vacuum.

Viv & I took a walk in the woods & came across this gem sticking up!

Viv & Quinn.