September, October, November flew by!

 It's been a busy fall and aside from sports keeping us incredibly busy, among other kid activities, we also did some other fun things.  

In September, we got into the fall spirit by baking some of our favorite treats like apple crisp, while trying new ones like an apple cider cake.  We made Chili and enjoyed some weekend bonfires since the weather was fantastic and mild.  Trips to the Cider Mill, building a new rack for my weights I got from my parents for my birthday, and cleaning up some overgrown bushes kept us busy at home in between being sick with COVID and doctor appointments.

In October, once everyone was healthy, we were able to get out a bit more and enjoy the Halloween events, among others.  I went to a clay class with Janet and Mindy to make a clay pumpkin and paint it.  It was so much fun that I'm doing a snowman class with mom this month.  I also went to Drag Queen Bingo with all the women in Scott's mom's side of the family to celebrate life with Sue who has been battling cancer for over a year now.  It was quite the event!  While none of us won anything, we enjoyed the time together and the drag queen's jokes (since none of them were at our expense)!

Scott took down the play structure, which felt like the end of an era.  But, it was falling apart and getting dangerous for the kids and neighbors to play on.  The boys helped, mostly Sean, and earned some cash for helping since it was a huge project.  The boys also got to go to their first Red Wings game with the neighbor and his dad.  They had a great time and got to take home something from the gift shop.  Looks like they'd like to go back!

November finally slowed down.  Sports ended for the time being giving us a much needed break.  Sean continued with drum lessons weekly, while Evan took a break from guitar.  There have been lots of movie nights, board games, puzzles, and even a huge Lego project the boys have been working on - the Home Alone house!  That was quite the splurge, but it's been fun watching them divide up the bags and work on the project together.  We even bought a light kit to install.  

I went to yoga at the Van Gogh Interactive Exhibit for Jackie's birthday with brunch in Detroit.  I also had two shopping trips out; one with my mom for the Ladies Night in downtown Plymouth and one trip to Somerset in Troy with one of my childhood friends.  

Lots of yummy fall baking plus soups and stews in my new instant pot, unseasonably warm weather, mixed in with our first snow of the year, beautiful sunsets, and just like that November was over!  As the holiday season has begun, we are making an effort this year to find the joy in quiet, peaceful evenings at home limiting our hustle and bustle.  Evan and I are both in need of the "less is more" approach this December as we work to improve our mental health.  While we won't do as many things as we usually do, we will still enjoy the memories made at home with family.