Crab cracking

As part of our CSA's Alaskan seafood order this year, we purchased 10# of snow crab legs.  It's been sitting in our freezer since August as it's very daunting to cook. We gave it a crack (literally) tonight. Unsurprisingly, Benji was extremely enthusiastic about needing tools to eat. He dug the crab. The others, not as much. But the cocktail forks were a hit with everyone.

Taken

Hey Bridget, remember that blanket in KC I lusted after, and then ordered online? I NEVER get to use it because my cats have adopted as their new sleeping cover for the top of the couch.

Yard oops

That thing where you leave the bounce house out for several weeks because yiur kids actually play with it when it's outside...AND you figure the grass is about ti go dormant anyway....until your husband suggests it may permanently kill the grass. 

Halloween 2015

It was a party! Adam and Jenna came with their corgi, Cosi, and carved pumpkins with the boys. My parents then joined us for dinner before trick-or-treating. We had 3 golfers, two zombies, one ninja, and one mommy who sat with her Prairie Fired Cider on her front porch rocker, and watched every one else do the hard work of Beggar's Night.

EARLY Thanksgiving

Today with Mike's family, so we could celebrate before Great great grandma Jo Ann leaves for Arizona. We did a PJ and breakfast gathering. Fun day!

Aunt Jenny, Rosalie, and grandma Debbie

A very pregnant Jenna, Aunt Bobbi, cousin Jessica, and Great Gma Jo

My tangle of boys, Silly uncle Scott, Uncle Danny, and even sillier cousin Brian

There's David and Grandpa John!

Crafting with the Feminist Forum

At least, some if us craft; some of us refill cider glasses.

Mother-daughter canvas painting

As an early birthday present, I took my mom to a canvas painting class. It was the first time for us both, and it was lots of fun. I think we ended up with masterpieces!

Running

Jack decided to participate in a one mile run for 3rd and 4th graders in Waukee. He finished in just over 8 minutes, which I was quite impressed with!

A few days later, all three boys participated in our school's annual Fun Run. Here is Benji's class before the run:

Eight kindergarteners, three pizzas, one birthday boy

Gavin is counting down T-4 days until age 6. He celebrated tonight with 7 kindergarten buddies.

Work-Home balance

Working definitely demands a new sense of balance. I feel misty that many of my raspberries are rotting on the vine as I just don't think to get out there to pick them. Haven't tended my garden in some time. But I did find time to process the five gallon bucket if apples my father-in-law brought me. Aronia berry applesauce for winter!