November

Caleb and I got a sweet night out celebrating the Marine's birthday and Veteran's Day this November.  Caleb enjoys this time more than his own birthday so we always try to make the most of it.  Our favorite restaurant didn't disappoint!

Thanksgiving fell on a work day this year, so we celebrated a few days early.  Arya was such a huge help in the kitchen.  It's been a sweet change for us adjusting to holidays with older kids.

And then on the actually holiday we snuck out around midnight to see if we could find this handsome guy.  Success!  We only got to stay a few minutes because he was so busy, but it was fun to grab some hot cocoa and see him for a bit.

He really loves ice.  Thankfully we don't have to deal with a mess because he somehow knows how to turn it from the water button to the ice button.

September/October

 Our September was pretty empty.  The kids were well into school and we all got covid and have sorta been sick on and off ever since.

When October hit we, of course, started the Halloween festivities because it's the season we thrive in.

We made cut out cookies with a spooky theme this year for the first time and really enjoyed it.

And on the actual big day I wanted to make sure the kids had all the good candy in case trick or treating was a bust, so we set up some goodie baskets.

And then Caleb was the best and brought home the themed donuts on his way home from work in the morning.

We had a really fun few nights watching Sweeney Todd with the kids, evenings out taste testing the local food trucks with fun music, and soaking up the fall weather that finally hit us.

And then this little dude kind of took up most of our two months.  He's made so many big, cool steps living with us.  We've gone from needing a trainer to be able to sit on the living room furniture and not being allowed to pet him to him coming up onto our laps and asking to be pet and following commands with ease.

Our trainer told us when you take in a rescue dog, most times they need to learn to be loved and it couldn't be more true for our time with Bowzer.

Arya has done so well with her training with him.

July/August

 July started with Caleb and the kids heading North to visit family.  Bowzer, unfortunately, has extreme anxiety and reactiveness so traveling with him or leaving him places hasn't been much of an option for us so far.  We're working through it with patience, but this time I had to stay home to take care of the little monster.

The kids always have a blast and I was very thankful to receive pictures while they were away.  

When they came home we, of course, had to have some Bruster's trips

On August 14 Caleb and I celebrated 14 years married.  We had the best time at our favorite fancy date night.

And the next week was the kids first week back to school. 

When we took the kids for their back to school checkups she said Casen has officially grown 5 inches since this time last year so it's a bit crazy how much they've changed since last.  Casen is in his last year of middle school and Arya her last year of elementary.

Now we are officially back into the school year schedule of things and ready for cooler weather!

June

 We got to start out June with a lot of fun.  Pat was awesome and invited us to join them to Hershey Park.  We had a great quick trip and the kids had a blast.

Mac, Jo, and the dads were on this particular ride

We've been doing lots of training and this guy tests the limits of having to stay on his place.

But gets away with it because he's cute

We got to celebrate Father's Day and my birthday.  I love when they're close together.  Caleb set up the cutest decorations and thanks to twinner I was spoiled with sweets too.

We got to head to another concert this month.  We've seen Ice Nine Kills and Falling in Reverse before, but since they are our favorites, when we saw they were touring together, 20 minutes from our house, two days before Casen's birthday, it was a no brainer.

And, of course, the last day of the month Casen somehow turned 13.  He's kind of too cool for pictures, but he got to take some friends for jump park and laser tag.  He had an overnight filled with pizza, brownies, ice cream, and staying up way too late.  We got to finish the final moments of his bday as a family playing some good ol Mario.  I can't believe how quickly he's growing up.  

May

 Caleb and Casen started out May getting to go to Caleb's I think favorite band, Lorna Shore.  It's pretty awesome having concerts back to normal and living about 20 minutes from a major concert venue.  

Since security is Henrico, they even got to sneak in to the front.

Also just wanted to throw in there, for Mother's Day Caleb got me this flower lego set.  It was super fun to put together and it's really nice to have flowers that never go away.  So if you're looking for a gift, highly recommend. 

We've been a little all consumed with this guy.  He starts with a trainer this week so he can hopefully realize the kids aren't his litter mates and put how smart he is to good use.

And we ended May with the kids last day of school for the year.  We now have a 5th and 8th grader.  Auntie Mo spoiled them with a surprise breakfast their first day off.