November 2020: a recap

November was a full and fun month around here! I've already done a recap of Thanksgiving, but here's a round-up of the other things that transpired.

During the first week of November, Gran and Grandpa were able to stop by for an unexpected visit (during which we were all together for news of Brad's brother, Tim, and sister-in-law, Jenna, safely welcoming our niece, Zoey, to the world!):

I usually take many more pictures during visits with family, but it seems these are the only pictures I managed to grab...?

Right as Bill and Barbara were heading out the door to return to Tennessee, the idea was hatched for Lily to go back with them for the week. So, I packed her up and got her ready to go in about 10 minutes. She had a blast that week! And, somehow, caring for only 3 children made it feel like I had SO MUCH MORE time back in my week. How? I have no idea. But we missed Lily dreadfully. She is such a joy in our lives.

While Lily was gone, Brynn and I had a little visit with Kendall, Claire and Brynna had some good quality time together, and we went for an almost-whole-family hike at the Eno:

Kendall brought a tiny baby cake!

Brynnie and I had a most unusual opportunity for some just-the-two-of-us time (she had a well check-up, followed by some errand running):

Old Navy returns = quality time

When Nana and Bo arrived before Thanksgiving, they came bearing gifts from very dear (and talented!) friends!

Mrs. Tidwell has made quilts for Claire and Lily...and she sent one for Brynnie! Brynn was THRILLED to have "my very OWN quilt!" Please ignore all of the mess in the living room. 

Mrs. Romine has made each of the girls' Easter baskets, and Hallie's arrived in November!

She was beside herself with excitement!

As per usual, there were a lot of Hallie snuggles (we really can't help ourselves):

Cheeks!

Lots of time spent together making all manner of fun for ourselves:

Bicycle feet!

We worked on creative projects:

A welcome home sign for our neighbor dog who returned from puppy school

Tin can telephone situation

Kiwi Crate project (that was later placed on the flowers, as we had done a unit on pollinators earlier this year, and THEY REMEMBERED!)

And we embraced the beginning of the Advent season with great enthusiasm (and with a handmade Advent wreath!):

November felt like more of a return to normal (is there any such thing during this pandemic?), as we settled into a good routine with school/dissertating/life-with-four-kids. It was a good one, for sure!