Lately: A November Recap

November was a full month for our family, but we managed to balance two working parents (for the first time since we've had kids!), kids at two different schools, grad school for me, and after-school activities. I even managed to sneak in a few photo shoots this month.  

Here's a peek at some of what we did in November:

The Houston Arboretum is our favorite place to get outside and enjoy nature, so that's where we headed on the first pretty fall day we had.

Another favorite weekend activity is painting the Warhammer figurines we got in Edinburgh.

Gene and Henry attended Kinkaid's Falcon Feast and watched the Falcons beat St. John's.

Henry and I really enjoy author Jason Reynolds, so when I saw he was coming to town with Cool Brains/Inprint, we knew we wouldn't miss it.  Reynolds is an engaging speaker and we were so glad we got to hear him speak. We snagged one of the last free copies of Lu, the last book in the Track series, and then purchased many more books from Blue Willow.  They are that good!

Speaking of authors, the delightful Susan Fletcher came to speak to 5th graders about her new book, Journey of the Pale Bear.  It was my first author visit to manage on my own in the library and it went off without a hitch (mostly because the staff of Blue Willow Bookshop know how to run an author visit!).  Both Henry and I adored the book and hearing Fletcher discuss the story.  

Most of Will's activities happen at school. He continues to play viola with the 7th grade orchestra, plays soccer for his winter sport, and is involved in numerous clubs at school.

One of Henry's favorite extracurricular activities is his Thursday afternoon after class. He has learned so much and his art is showing marked improvement. 

We were happy to attend the fall art show in November.   

Henry also participated in the fifth grade spelling bee this year because he was one of the top two spellers in his class.  He didn't place, but we were so proud of his effort.   

Spelling bee medal

It wouldn't be November without an election. Gene likes to vote early, but I'm a fan of voting on election day.  We went after school and Henry was my voting buddy.

And finally, Gene got out to an opera with his dad and brother one evening.  

I can't believe we're halfway through December and that Christmas is just around the corner. May your last week before Christmas be full of joyful carols, completed shopping lists and some peaceful moments by the Christmas tree!