November 2013

November was a busy and active month. We hiked the McMillan Mesa Trail on November 2, 2013. It's a fun, easy, in town hike that gave us a great view of Flagstaff. The kids always love hiking and munching on suckers.

On November 11, 2013, we took advantage of a free state park day to explore Montezuma's Well and Castle with the kids for the first time. I hadn't been to either of these places since 4th grade. The boys loved the well. We started at the top then hiked down to where the water drains out into the creek. We waded in the freezing cold water and the fall color changes were beautiful. We took I-17 down then drove through Oak Creek and Sedona on the way home.

Grant discovered card castles and lost another tooth. Tyler figured out how to get on his bed when he was ready for diaper changes.

Chad celebrated his birthday on November 13, 2013. We got him a turtle pie from Baskin Robbins. His biggest birthday present was a horseback trail ride. He'd never ridden a horse. We were able to take the trail ride during one of the first snows of the season. It was gorgeous, peaceful and so much fun. We were the only ones on the ride with the trail guide. Chad had a semi-good time on the ride. He enjoyed it was but uncomfortable being on a giant animal and had sore legs for awhile afterwards.

It doesn't seem to matter how much or how little snow we have the boys always find a way to enjoy it. Grant builds snowmen with the scantest amounts of snow and Cole and Tyler sled down the driveway even if there're only 2 inches of powder. This is why Flagstaff is awesome.

November culminated with Thanksgiving. I think I love Thanksgiving more than Christmas. It's such a fun holiday for me. Shelli, Papa, Janet, Annie, Dave, Boston and Charlie came to dinner. Shelli and the boys made the rolls. Chad, Grant and Cole played in the turkey bowl in the morning. Each of the boys had a Thanksgiving program before school let out for the break. We went and did some family bowling on Thanksgiving weekend.