November

Here are some pictures of a few things we have been up to this month. The first is a very random picture of James. He likes to dress up, and I thought this particular costume was pretty goofy! But then, he IS a very goofy four-year-old!

Last week, we held recitals for our violin/viola students. We have our own children perform on their instruments as much as possible, so they played as well. It was Sarah's very first recital, playing piano (A Funny Sunny Day - Alfred level A)! William played piano (Rondo from Alfred level 2), Marianne played violin (Gavotte from Suzuki bk. 3), and Thomas played cello. (The last peice in Suzuki bk. 3 - can't remember the name. He has been working in bk. 4 for a while, but wasn't quite ready with anything yet, so he brushed up on this just before and played it great!)

Here are the kids at the music store just before the recital.

Thomas and William with my nephew, Josh.

Marianne with her BFF, Alecia Olsen. She came just to watch Marianne. These two are pretty much inseperable, and so cute to watch. Two peas in a pod!

I did get video of all of them playing, but I don't think I will post them. However, they all played fabulously, and they are doing so well. Great job kids!!!

Next up was my parent's 37th anniversary party, which we celebrated this last Sunday, Nov. 22nd. What a great example my parents are of how a marriage should be!!! My sister-in-law, Becky, basically headed the entire operation. She offered to make dinner for them, with the help of all siblings who live close by. Dad suggested Chinese. YUM!

These are pork n' seeds which I provided, but didn't make. My wonderfully kind neighbor, whom I was requesting the recipe from, offered to make them for me! He insisted!!! (How awesome is that???) He also gave me sauce that he bottled to go with it! I gave him the pork I bought, but he went and bought more because he didn't think it would be enough! Seriously, this is just one small sample of the amazing neighbors we have!!! It was so yummy! I still plan to get the recipe and make it myself one of these days! So good!

All the food was seriously so yummy! Jeana made pot stickers, I made Sweet and Sour Pork, and Becky made shrimp and a few other great Aisan dishes.

The cute couple. :)

Okay, I better post a picture of them NOT kissing. ;)

And, of course, we can't forget dessert! Nicole made the delicious chocolate cake!

Anna, Sarah, and Rachel. Adorable.

And silly.

Abram devouring a yummy treat! Apparently, dessert is better when you have a fork in each hand!

I really like this one of Jeana.

My artistic brother, Lance, designed and made these chocolate bar wrappers.

Well, despite the fact that I take a TON of pictures, I still never manage to get everyone! My family is so totally awesome, and I am so grateful to my wonderful parents and their devotion to each other, their family, and to the Gospel. Thanks, Mom and Dad. Love you!