Grateful.

The holiday season has now officially begun.  Maybe not for you, but I am ready to go!  We will be hosting Thanksgiving this year, and I am ready for the house full.  As I sit and rest before a busy week, I cannot help but feel one word...GRATEFUL.  Two years ago, I would not have imagined that we would be here today.  Last year, I considered us lucky.  This year, I am just absolutely, astoundingly grateful!  Our family unit is still together.  Kevin is still here.

This week, he will get his 2 month scan for the new immunotherapy drug.  The oncologist has already warned us not to invest too much in the results, as things often get worse before it gets better.  That being said, the last couple of months have been pretty fantastic.  The immunotherapy is not without side effects, but they are NOTHING compared to what Kevin endured with the chemo.  Even at that, they have changed up some of his daily meds for the permanent side effects, and he has been doing great.  It is easy to forget how sick he still is or how hard the past two years have been. 

I am looking forward to the feast and the family.  I am looking forward to the football and the long walks in the freezing cold.  I am looking forward to hitting a few stores on black Friday, despite the fact that I need nothing.  I look forward to the Festival of Trees, the noise and the naps on the couch (them...not me, of course).  Grateful!

Halloween 2016 - The Fox and RobinHood

I absolutely adored the costumes that the girls chose this year.  They had a lot of fun acting the part!

We braved pumpkin carving this year, which is a rare occurrence for us.  Typically, we opt for painting or decorating.  It was so much fun that I think we will have to do it again!

Our church had their annual party this year.  Jackson taking a ninja swing at the piñata while Sidney looks on.

Sidney took a few whacks at the piñata as well.

Hannah (aka the milk carton) took her shot at the big kid piñata, while Kendall waited for her turn. 

 

Blake came to the party this year and won all the girls over with his cuteness!

Work and Play in Florida.

Every six months I attend what I lovingly refer to as my "semi-annual nerd convention".  It always takes place somewhere different, but mostly in some pretty awesome locations.  It is a conference in which many of the engineers and code officials get together to discuss issues and set standards.  I rather enjoy it, mostly because there are some pretty fantastic people in our industry. 

 

Often times, a few of the members will bring along a spouse and it is great to meet them.  This time, I was able to bring Kevin along.  The conference took place in Orlando this time. 

 

While we were there, Kevin and I met up with a couple of our friends from the military.  First stop...NASA.  It was such an amazing learning experience.  I loved every minute of it.  However, I was shocked at how civilianized the program had become.

Dawn, BK, Kevin, Brian and myself aboard the NASA bus.

The picture does not portray the hugeness of this building!

The shuttle.  Yes, my arms are crossed.  The temperature had to have been sub zero in this building.

Pretty cool picture.

Brian has a friend that works for one of the local radio stations.  He was able to score to tickets to the Heat-Magic game.  I sacrificed and let Kevin and Brian go.  Trust me, this was a huge internal struggle, as basketball is like my favorite sport - EVER!

These smiles made the sacrifice worth it!

Happenings.

We have had a fun-filled month.  Kevin took Valerie and I fishing.  The truth be told...I read a great book, Kevin captained the boat, and Valerie caught all the fish.  Clearly, she does not know the rule that you are not supposed to outfish the captain:)

The girls and I flew up to my parents for a weekend.  It was a great time.  My mom, Hallie, Steph and I went through the Tunnel of Terror.  Quite frightening and totally fun!  Here we are goofing off before our trip.  The girls have this need to snap a picture when we are dropped off at the airport.  It is their travel tradition!

My Grandma fell about a month or so ago and suffered a pretty bad break to her leg.  After many medical tests, she elected to have surgery as opposed to "never walking again".  She spent a few weeks in a rehab center to expedite the healing.  The girls and I went by for a visit.  Grandma Juanita is one tough cookie! 

A selfie with four generations.

Kendall had to do an Idaho history project.  She and her friend Hayden decided that they wanted to team up to recreate a Nez Perce camp. 

 

They did a pretty awesome job and had a lot of fun in the process.  The only thing missing in the picture is the deer hide blanket they added later.   My personal favorite is the horse that they painted white spots on to represent an Appaloosa.