November Visitors

Slowly, but surely getting caught back up.


 We had a few visitors in the month of November...

Jason's parents (Ouma and Oupa) came up for a few days. I was super busy while they were here, with a play I was in at church, so not many pictures were taken. We did take some time that Saturday to explore the new Peoria Riverfront Museum. The location of the museum is really cool, right along the river in downtown Peoria. There was a lot of local and state history and some great interactive areas that the kids enjoyed.

The kids with Ouma and Oupa after we built this arch with blocks.

Building a river using recycled plastic to represent dirt and sand.

Look at the concentration!

Then at the end of November, Memaw and Papa Schu came up for Thanksgiving. We were excited for Papa's first visit to Illinois, since we've lived here. We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner, Memaw and I did some damage on Black Friday and they helped us pick out our Christmas tree at the local tree farm.


I was cleaning, in preparation for our visitors on Thanksgiving, and Jax asked if he could help. He was so sweet to suggest cleaning the sliding glass door, inside and outside, knowing this is one of my regular cleaning jobs. I decided this was a learning opportunity for myself, to let go of the door being perfectly clean and to allow Jax this moment of accomplishment. Usually I would follow behind him and clean up any streaks he may have left and I would clean the top and bottom of the door, which he often forgets due to his height. Instead, I stood back and watched and praised him. And I snapped these pictures, so I wouldn't forget how I felt seeing the determination and pride on his face for getting to do this job all by himself.

Memaw and Papa Schu with our kiddos!

Jason decided the littlest man of the house should start learning how to carve a turkey. He watched and listened carefully, and then got a chance to use the electric knife (with daddy's assistance).

And of course, "I want a turn too!" 

The Saturday, after Thanksgiving, was spent at the tree farm in search of the perfect tree. It was a beautiful day and didn't take long to spot the one for our living room.

This little guy is in charge of carrying the saw.

Dakota found a great place to ride when her legs got tired.

Learning how to saw the tree trunk.

Lots of great helpers carrying the tree back: