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Another no school day was supposed to = movie day...but it was sold out!

So we improvised!

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No school today = fun at Cub Run

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Forgot to change our clock and showed up to church an hour early.  Yup, we're that family.

Rise Against Hunger

A last minute volunteering opportunity came up and I was so excited for us to do this together as a family - something I've envisioned for us many, many years ago but just never happened...until today!  McLean Redeemer Lutheran Church hosted Rise Against Hunger (formerly Stop Hunger Now) with the goal of packing 300,000 packets of dry food (between 3 shifts) for the hungry children in Nicaragua. 

Before we started - wasn't sure if Gavin was going to make it

During - thankfully the music and the Lord rejuvenated Gavin as we get going

Ethan having a blast with our friend, Lauren

 

We went over our goal and packed 302,000+

Couldn't be more proud of the boys!  They looked beyond themselves and pushed through for 2-1/2 hours and accomplished what we came to do.  #familygoals

Ethan's Soaring Eagle - 3rd Grade

Ethan got picked to be the Soaring Eagle of the week.  Here's the video.  So proud of you, Ethan!

Batman & Robin

Our Halloween morning started out with Gavin's kindergarten "Book Character Day" parade.  He was the cutest Robin with matching red shoes!  Thankful Brian got to join in the fun.

 

The two sidekicks!

Sorting and counting their bucket-full candy.

"Twittering" on Blog

Today, I volunteered to help in Gavin's class (math and science pumpkin stations) and after two hours, I left there exhausted.  Teaching is definitely not my gift. 

Annual Pumpkin Carving

 

Pizza & Football

 

Followed by pumpkin carving

The boys drew up their design on paper - Ethan's (left) and Gavin's (right) and I made it happen.

Brian and I swaped jobs this year - he baked the seeds & I carved.  It works out better that way!

Pottery Piece #2

a Greek piece

Reflection on Life

My heart feels heavy today as I just got back from a funeral.  A MOPS friend's husband died unexpectedly from pneumonia and he was only 41.  It was a good reminder that we or our family are not guarantee to have health or immunity to things in this broken world...and also not to take those we love for granted. 
"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God will stand forever." - Isaiah 40:8

Harvest Ladies Fall Event

Pumpkin painting

Family Night at Temple Hall

Last Year, Brian and I had a date night at Temple Hall corn maze.  You can read about it here.  This year, we thought the boys would love the adventures as well.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children of the Corn

 

The boys' 1st time eating funnel cake 

Exhausted at the end of the night, but it was so.much.fun. 

Cornerstone Commissioning

Cornerstone Commissioning Crew

 

a video explaining what Brian does

He was recently featured in the employee spotlight, read below:

 

 

We are so thankful for God's hand and favor upon Brian this past year with Cornerstone.  It has been a steep learning curve, but he has emerged with confidence and success.  We are so proud of you!!

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The ants go marching one by one, hoorah, hoorah...

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Brian found this practically brand new 7-speed bike by the curb on trash day - only in NoVA.  Score!

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Super fun date night with Brian at Iron Age (an all you can eat Korean Steak House) and then we strolled around Georgetown in DC.  What a gorgeous night!

Family Date Night

Didn't feel like staying home so we took the boys to the winery for a live music night...only to find out that they can't get in (21+ only).  So we made the best out of it.

 

Popcorn, cheesecakes and water in wine glasses!

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Gavin joined the "Good News Club" that meets in the cafeteria right after school on Fridays.

Pottery Piece #1

Diwali - Indian Festival of Light

Fun Run x 2

Centreville Elementary School had their annual Fun Run Fundraiser and this year Gavin gets to join Ethan.  I spent the morning watching and cheering on Ethan first.  He had lots of smiles but also very determine as he wanted to beat his last year goal (of 50).

  

He ran nonstop and finished with 63 laps!! 

Then it was onto a BBQ lunch outside with Gavin's class followed by Ethan's class.

Gavin was up next!  He went out fast and hard and unfortunately ran out of steam.  But I cheered him on and encouraged him not to give up.  So he kept on walking.   

 

 

He knew he needed to finish with 35 laps and so he did - no more, no less.

They did it, so proud of them and thank you family for your support!!