November

 Happy November!

Rooke and I went for bubble tea to celebrate finishing his college applications by the November 1 deadline - whew!

Speaking of college . . . Gretchen joined two friends on a fun trip to check out Samford.  A little ahead of ourselves?  Maybe.  But a fun trip invite we just couldn't pass up.

Bridgette loved her fall AAU basketball season.  The team improved a ton and barely lost by one in overtime at their final game

More basketball!  Thanks to VetTix, Bridgette and I got to cheer on the Maryland women in one of their early home games

Getting high fives from the players after the game =)

And . . . MORE basketball!  Rooke's Senior season - Go #22!

He made it =)

I chaperoned our co-op's seventh and eighth grade trip to Philadelphia - it was a full, fun day of middle school shenanigans

Grammy Deb and G Daddy stopped for a short visit on their way home from a road trip.  It was great to have them stay with us!  They got one night with the kids while Ryan and I went overnight to enjoy a concert near Lancaster and some time away.

Bridgette worked diligently and was determined to pass her violin exam before the Christmas break.  She leveled up!!  I've learned so much from her progress in playing the violin; it's a very challenging instrument and her teacher has high standards, so we are super proud of Bridgette's efforts!

a celebration treat drink - for both of us =)

Rooke volunteers at a local garden one day a week.  He helps weed, plant, harvest, build garden beds, and whatever other tasks they need extra hands for.  The food grown is donated to local food banks and shelters.  We've never actually been there with him, but this photo was on the school page, highlighting the work that he and other students do to help at the garden.

a few outtakes and extra photos from our attempts to get a family Christmas photo 

Happy Thanksgiving!  We spent the afternoon at Steve and Vallerie's house enjoying a delicious meal and lovely fellowship.  

Day-After-Thanksgiving tradition: cinnamon roll waffles, watch Elf, put up Christmas decorations.  We're ready for December!