Thanksgiving

Turkey time, and I'm not just talking about Aunt Emily visiting. Thanksgiving festivities were in full swing. Emily & I started the day off with the local (but not small) Ashburn Turkey Trot. The Sheffler cousins arrived from Richmond in the afternoon to make it a day full of family and friends.

Geared up for the run.
















Alex prepares the name plates for Thanksgiving dinner.

Checking off her list.

Lily loves her books now.

Alex, Lily, and Maddie.

Time to feast.

Margo eats her turkey, then she takes a nap.

Henry and Matthew.

Lily gets into a game of peek-a-boo.

Matthew joins in the fun.

Family picture.

Lily Spin

Lily has discovered the joys of spinning one of the office chairs. We really need to get this girl a Sit-n-Spin.
















Let the spinning begin.

I think she likes it.

"Again"

The simple things in life.

Lily Birthday cake

The Yates joined us for Lily's birthday cake and singing extravaganza. Since this day, Lily has been attempting to sing "Happy Birthday to You", but it comes out as, "Day to You". Quite adorable.





















Preparing for the cake.

Everyone, but Lily, blows out the candles.

Family shot.

Lily chills.

Time for the annual UVA game (Go Hoos!). This year the opponent was Boston College. You might think we chose the Boston College because of Cote's connection to Boston - but the reality was the decision was based on the weekend that worked out best for us all. This year's outing was a bit light as Kerri was unable to join us with the Yates as Kerri was in the midst of a move to Colorado Springs. We sure missed Ms. Kerri.






















Lily getting her gear on.

Ry-Ry and Alex showing their school spirit.

Game time. Yes, this was a game in November.

Lily hanging out with the boys.

On Sunday, we walked around the campus to check out the sites.

Sure is pretty.

Alex and Lily pose in front of the rotunda.

All the girls this time.

Lily loved this rocking chair. She pitched a fit when we moved on.

On a beautiful Sunday, the Hills, Colangelos, and Nances hit Great Country Farms for some kid fun. The irony was originally this day was a scheduled guy-outing to the Spy Museum, yet somehow the fellas ended up entertaining the kids all day. We still aren't sure how that happened.
















The group heads into the farm.

Ellie and Alex help Ethan along.

Emma keeps tabs on Audrey.

The kid favorite - the huge bounce pillow.

Ellie and Alex burn some energy.

A brief pause for a group picture.

Steve gets to smash some pumpkins.

Kerri Farewell

Time had come for us to say farewell to Kerri. Kerri was selected to take command of a Squadron in Colorado Springs - which was great for her, but sad for us in NoVa. We gathered at Clyde's for some food and fellowship, and perhaps a bit of fun.
















We equip Kerri with some of the basics she will need in CO.

Group shot.

Silly group shot.

Joe drinks his sorrows away.

Nov Randoms

Just to keep things fresh, Novembers assortment of randoms will start off the pictures.
















Invite that Jen made for Lily & Maddie's birthday party. Maddie is a neighborhood kid that was also adopted from China. Their birthday event was a low-key event hosted at a neighbor's house.

Invite for Alex's birthday event. This was hosted at our house and was not a low-key event.

Alex goofing around.





















Lily at one of her music classes.

A Lily fit - nicely played in full view of the public for maximum effect.