Before outdoor gatherings were completely nixed, we fortunately managed time outdoors with each family. Our first bit of quality time was with the Cranmers. We went for a walk and had a bonfire complete with s'mores and shortbread.

The next outdoor gathering was with Cathy and Jim on Jim's birthday. Again, a walk and some patio chit chat.

And then, my sister Kim came over with her kids. Maeve's biggest complaint of the trip was not being able to play with Theia. Next time baby girl! I would've loved to have snuggled and played more with my little nieces and nephew too. And I wish I could've seen what E and Arinzey really thought of each other in an indoor, snowsuit-less environment!

And last but not least, just as the new restrictions were being put into place, we got to hang with the Larsens. A walk and hot chocolate on their new porch. My motto for this trip was "more than nothing," and that's definitely what we got. If we hadn't made the trip we would've gotten nothing, whereas at the very least we got to do some relationship maintenance. SO worth it!

It's so fun to be part of a family! I love my big girl helpers.

We got brave and went on a family hike on November 11th. The hike wasn't long, just over a mile, but sometimes those little legs give out! That morning was foggy and so the trees were gorgeous with frost. I was so happy to get outside and enjoy a trail I haven't been on in a while. I so appreciate where we live, there are quite a few beautiful hikes close by.

I don't feel bad about this, I really enjoyed Halloween this year! We carved pumpkins, dressed up in costumes, took photos, paraded around the block, played at the playground, trick or treated at 2 houses, ate pizza and wrapped up the day with the movie, "Coco," and pumpkin cake! It was absolutely delightful and so wonderful to have all that family time together.

Towards the end of summer, I feel so excited to make soups and use my oven again! Dinner making this summer fell a little flat probably in part because of my nausea and exhaustion, but also from the lack of oven use! I recently needed an "I still like cooking and eating good food" pick me up, so I made a galette and an heirloom tomato salad and we enjoyed them picnic style in the backyard. Sometimes it feels so good to feel like oneself!