1st Birthday, Thanksgiving, and North Carolina trip all wrapped up in one

We had a pretty busy month in November--big holiday and lots of family birthdays. We also had the opportunity to go to North Carolina to celebrate all of this which was great. It was so nice to have some quiet away from the city.

We celebrated Ethan's first birthday which was fun. I still can't believe he is a year old. Where did that year go? We love him more than ever and we are grateful he is a part of our family. Here is a picture of him enjoying opening his birthday presents in his favorite outfit--his birthday suite!

This toy was a group effort! It was a fun birthday with Craig's parents and Gina's family also. Ryan and his family were also able to come. It's a good thing there were so many people because we never could have eaten the cake with just the three of us--although Ethan did try.

Ethan LOVES dogs so we made a dog cake. He is such a boy!

While we were in North Carolina we had the chance to drive along part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Again, it was really nice to get out of the city. Here is a shot of Ethan enjoying some free time out of the car. We were a little late to see the fall colors, but we still saw a little. It was a beautiful and very pleasant drive. I am excited to hopefully live by mountains again one day and take my son hiking. He will love it.

Craig took Ethan to help feed the horse one day and Ethan thoroughly enjoyed himself. (This is Craig's backyard where he grew up)

We spent Thanksgiving with Craig's Mom's family which was nice. There was more food than I have ever seen at a Thanksgiving feast! We are very blessed. Thanksgiving was also Nanny's (Craig's Grandmother) 90th birthday. What a party! I hope I am half as put together as she if I am blessed to live to 90. Craig also had a birthday in November which was fun. We enjoyed the usual cheesecake with Craig's family while in North Carolina and then for his actual birthday after we got home we made a special trip to our favorite Central Market for some birthday treats. (If you like to cook or even just eat, you have to go there!!!!)

We had a great month. It was busy, but that's always the best. We are thankful for all our friends and family. We are grateful Craig has such a great job that provides so well for us. We felt extra blessed this year especially around the Thanksgiving time. We are blessed to know and love all of you. We are blessed to know of our Savior Jesus Christ. Every good thing we have comes from Him and we are thankful.