Gobble Gobble

I blinked and November is over. Here is what we have been up to:

Baby Shower

Jessica finally got the baby shower she deserves! Her shower for George got cancelled due to Covid. The stomach flu hit my kids and Jessica days before the shower and we were worried the shower would have to be cancelled once again. Jessica got feeling better just in the nick of time. Phew. Jessica's mother-in-law, Mauri hosted. It was the most elegant shower I've attended. Mauri hired help to blow up the balloons. She went all out and even got her nails done with bows on them to match the invitation.

Saturday, November 9

I was in charge of the food, the party favors, and the invitations (which Jessica picked out). For the food, I made: deviled eggs, funeral potatoes, rolls, s'more cookies, M&M cookies, and peanut butter fudge bars. Grandma Lynda made Jessica's favorite salad and brownies, Aunt Lori brought fruit, Kelsie (Jessica's SIL) made a cake, Mauri did a charcuterie board, and Sophie (Jessica's friend) was in charge of the drink bar. I was so grateful for everyone's help. Lots of people came and it was a success!  I can't believe I'll get to snuggle baby girl in less than 2 weeks!

Luminaria

These Christmas lights at Thanksgiving Point were incredible! We got tickets to go with Grandma Langlois and Jessica, Chris, and George. We thought going in November would mean it would be less crowded. We were wrong. It was crammed. In fact, at one point we lost grandma. She was immersed in the new "Tree of Life" section. She forgot her cell phone and ended up having the front desk look up my Thanksgiving Point membership number/phone number and give me a call so we could find her. Going so early in the season meant the temperature was warmer. Yippee! 

Friday, November 22

Movies

Lots of movies have sparked our interest lately. We saw "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" with Jessica, Chris, and George. Penelope managed to do decently well. This book is one of my favorite Christmas books. It's a story I grew up reading year after year with my family and I'm keeping the tradition alive with my kids.

Tuesday, November 12

I worried that "Wicked" wouldn't compare to the play. That just can't be beat. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe even floored by the production. Andrew and I went on a date to see it. I was worried it would drag on. No!  Part 2 next year can't come soon enough! Andrew was the best person to see it with. I loved hearing him gasp and chuckle alongside me. 

Saturday, November 23

Moana 2 has also been on our list. We saw it over Thanksgiving weekend. My kids claim they like it better than the first one. (I haven't heard others say the same.) I caught a few of the adults napping. It made me want to go to the beach. Andrew stayed back with napping Penny which made for peaceful viewing. Thanks to Grannie for giving us a movie giftcard for Christmas, so our tickets were free. 

Saturday, November 30

Beauty and the Beast

Last minute, my friend Kirsten asked if I wanted to be her date to "Beauty and the Beast" at Hale Center Theater. Her husband got sick and couldn't make it anymore. I wanted more than anything to say yes, but didn't think it was feasible. I had a night full of piano lessons with a recital right around the corner. It felt like a miracle that I got to go. Last minute, things worked out. I was able to shift a couple lessons earlier due to a sick student and another who asked to reschedule. I taught one student the following day. This is all to say that I feel like it was a huge blessing that I got to go. "Beauty and the Beast" was spectacular. I loved every second of the play. Thank you Kirsten!

Monday, November 25

Trip

I'll be the first to admit that I was a sourpuss about traveling to Washington for Thanksgiving. Driving that long with Penelope had me terrified. Not to mention snowy roads to top it all off. Thank heavens I went. We had a fabulous weekend! Penny was an angel in the car! She slept 3 hrs both ways and was entertained and happy. I think moving her into a different carseat helped. The roads were great! On the way home, they were completely dry and I am so grateful. I'm still trying to block out horrific memories from the drive home from Thanksgiving in 2022. Staying with Logan and Julia was the right call. Penny chased around their dog Maggie constantly. I also got plenty of design inspiration and new yummy recipes. 

Friday, November 29

Grannie with all 7 of her kids and their spouses

I've gotta make this wallpaper happen in my house...

A turkey bowl (football) happened for the boys Thanksgiving morning and I did a turkey trot with the girls which proved to be tricky with Penelope in tow. There were 58 Dittos at Thanksgiving dinner which Logan and Julia graciously hosted. (We were missing Nathan and George who are on missions and Alysee and Dallin who are about to have a baby.) Being at Lucy's bridal shower was nice, especially since we will miss her wedding unfortunately. Going through the temple with 2 of our nieces and 1 nephew was special. The Dittos (and a couple friends) filled up the entire session (40 seats). There were tears in the celestial room topped off with a spontaneous speech by Grannie. 

Thursday, November 28

We met up with my old college roommate Shannon and her husband Justin who now live in the area. It was wonderful to see their home and kids. Andrew and I both knew them well back in the day. Like usual, the ABH (All Brother's Hike) video premiered which is always a delight to see and the pizza potluck is my favorite. This year, we got an additional video of Andrew's mom and 2 sisters on their trip to New Zealand. We had a delightful and packed few days. I loved it. And I finished one of my favorite reads of the year while there! (Stay tuned for my annual book post.)

Saturday, November 30

Art brought to you by Izzy

Ready or not, December is here!