We had one with a tummy ache Saturday night, so we decided ahead of time that we would be worshipping from the living room on Sunday morning. Nothing came of the tummy ache, so we were grateful. The most unfortunate part of having to stay home this particular week was that we were introduced as new members and weren't there for it. Such is life with many children.
We rested, played outside, and ate good for us foods.
By Sunday afternoon it was clear we were all fine, so Monday morning we got up and headed to a neighboring town to make meals for the homeless with our co-op groups. I love that our children got to be a part of this.
In between their baking/cooking the kids had gym time and played games and then we had a meal together before heading out.
Evie and Sammy were a hoot this day! They played hard, loved hard, shared everything including their food, and laughed a lot. 
Mia made such a lovely chalk world.
Natalee had swim and the boys went to wrestling Monday evening.
Evie's first time for a full exam and she did great!
Everyone checked out well but I didn't snag picture proof of them all. Zayden and Evalynn remain glasses free! Xavier's got his mother's eyes, poor dear. Natalee's remained the same, and Ameliya's improved!! She does still need correction but not as much as has, which is why the glasses she had been wearing weren't working for her (and you've not seen them in recent photos).
In between school and eye appointments we also ran to hippotherapy. Busy getting everything done before Thanksgiving.
The children schooled outdoors as much as possible and we did bare bones book work because when it's jacket weather in November in Iowa you take advantage. We did, and got another 3 hours outside on Tuesday.
On his lunch break, Mike wrapped the climbing dome into an igloo and he cut the door when he got home and the kids were elated.
Evalynn wasn't ready to come in when the others did so she and I stayed out. She even invited me inside the igloo. I had won points with her by putting new batteries in her lanterns.
Dot stickers are always a win - this year I did ABC match up with capital letters. She loved the challenge!!!
Her concentration face slays me.
Then everyone came together to do Balloons on Broadway. We listened to the book on YouTube and then the kids all made their own balloons. I loved this last year and loved it again this year.
Evalynn is very into painting with water these days. These reusable books are amazing.
Tuesday was a school day. But first, eye appointments x6! So thankful to have found an eye doctor we like and trust and that her office will let us all come at once and doesn't act exasperated at us.
Wednesday was also a school day but Daddy was home! That makes any day feel special. Evalynn asked for turkey "stuff" for preschool, so I did my best.
A leftover from last year that she loved again this year....except when I tried to introduce patterning with the beads and she said, "I don't really like your patterns."
Harry also has googly eyes.
Natalee did her balloon on her own! The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I especially love her window displays. The snowman is my favorite. She also made a Macy's building and the Macy's star.
Ameliya also made her own balloon. She enjoys art and thought hard about what kind of windows each building should have.
Xavier used a ruler for his buildings and windows and his tracing light for his balloon. He was bummed that some of the blue paint seeped through onto his balloon but I still love it. He kept on theme and did Charlie Brown this year after doing Snoopy last year.
After all that, Natalee and I went shoe shopping. She has new inserts and it was time for fresh kicks. The brace really wears down the back of them, so we just chalk it up to a part of life for her. Shoe shopping isn't always enjoyable, because, unlike most teens, she can't just wear any kind of shoe she likes or sees. It's a whole process to see if the shoe works with the brace and inserts and I appreciate how positive she stays through it all. She asked to go to Smokey Row, so we did and she had a treat while I tried a new coffee (0/10 - was not a fan of my snowflake mocha).
We ended Wednesday by going to church for a Thanksgiving service and then back home for bed. The rest of our week was spent being thankful for all we have and the people we get to share it with.
