November Family Gathering

November is a big month in our family. Michael used to be the only birthday but in a few short years he now shares the birthday month with four kids, with Jojo and Trudy sharing his birthday on the 17th. We gathered this month to celebrate Michael (64), Benny (7), Danny (4), Jojo (4) and Trudy (2). 

Ah - but before the cake there was OUTSIDE play. I try to maintain fall until Thanksgiving, but Alaska makes it difficult. Oh - my heart! Four of the seven members of our boy gang! Gideon and Jojo came later. Rylin wasn't able to join us this month. 

Charles, Danny, Noah, Benny  📷by JaRissa

It began snowing...magical fall weather! 

Jared and Noah

First snowfight of the year...Jamin and Jared are Funcles.

Jamin, Liv, Charles, Danny, Noah, Jared, Benny

It has been so fun to watch Danny enjoy the cooler weather this year. In year's past he wanted NOTHING to do with outside. I think the extra layers he has been putting on is increasing his love of the outdoors. It may be difficult to move - but he's outside! LOL 

Danny

Jamin and Livie

Benny and Danny had asked Stacia for a Mario cake. She told them it wasn't going to happen this year. She woke up with a couple of extra hours in the morning and decided she could finish homework on Sunday and make a small cake for them after all.  This Mario cake joined the two ice cream cakes Michael made for the event. I often wonder what it would have been like to be raised near so many cousins and aunts and uncles around me. These kids are blessed. 

There was plenty of inside activity for those who would rather skip the arctic outside. Nolan and Stacia played cribbage. 

Papa simply sat in his chair and played with various grands. 

Papa Mike and Ellie (CoRielle's youngest)

Larissa, Allie, Noah and Livie

There is ALWAYS a moment when Charles visits when it's time to clean Bachan's. He tried to enlist Noah's aid this month. 

Papa Mike and Danny

Buying this Play and Pack was a great investment. I'm on the lookout for a highchair or two as well. Josi and Ellie nap in it and Ellie loves to be inside the play and pack - safe from boy chaos. She adds quite a bit happy vocal chaos from the safety of our "cage." 

Ellie entertains Trudy and Danny

Arielle and Ellie 📷by Larissa

Jared, Ellie and Bachan (me)📷by Larissa

Funcle Jamin as a jungle gym! 

Jamin with Josi and Noah📷by Larissa

Noah is happy to help Daddy with his cake 📷by Larissa

Nuska (KrUke's dog) and Carrie📷by Larissa

Papa and Danny📷by Larissa

GG and Noah📷by Larissa

Carrie & Josi📷by Larissa

Noah and GG with the National Geographic📷by Larissa

It's always a blessing and a privilege to be together. "Winter" gatherings present challenges in dealing with 12 - 14 kids in a small area....but are making new plans this year. Soon - we will have everyone bring snow shovels and help to make a sledding run in the back yard. Nolan, Alex and Jamin are planning to bring a Nintendo in the winter months...we'll figure it out.  It's almost overwhelmingly loud and chaotic - but its sacred and blessed...and my soul is always refreshed after spending time with these people! This month we missed Izaak, Alex, Kaelyn and Rylan. 

GRACE NOTES: Family!