Sweet November

Again...another post to wrap up a whole month because I like to procrastinate.  We did not do much in November but welcomed in some visitors, celebrated Thanksgiving, played in the garage (Gracie's play room and Justin's workout room) and got to see the new addition to the family for the first time.  

First big happening in November was our visitors.  Justin's sister, Tina, and her bf, Brandon, came to visit us mid November.  We couldn't wait to see more family and were so happy to have them here with us.  Here are some photos from their 8 day stay.

Character Breakfast at Disney's Aulani Resort.  We love taking Gracie to watch her interact with the characters.  It is seriously so sweet.

Character Breakfast...No fear of Mickey.  Gracie ran right up to him. 

One of her favorite characters.

Family shot with Mickey 

She actually liked Goofy this time!  No tears and no fears! 

Her most favorite character...giving kisses to Minnie!

Brandon, Me, Minnie, Gracie, Justin, and Tina

Playing with the "Dory" fish 

Fish love

Husker Game Day.  We watched quite a beating that day.

Gracie with her pals :)

November is also Movember.  Justin grew a mustache to raise awareness for prostate cancer.  Really creeepy.

Justin, Tina and Brandon went to the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail and hiked to the top.  Pretty amazing view.

The Lighthouse

Brandon doing illegal things ;)

Military bunker...illegal.  Just kidding

Another day, we went to North Shore...famous for their winter waves.  From November to the end of December, North Shore is home to pro surfers trying to win the Triple Crown of surfing.  We made it to the first of three tournaments, "The Reef Hawaiian Pro".  Tina and Brandon were still in town and joined us.

Capturing a first for us

Playing with her cars in the sand

A pro riding a wave.  If I could speak surfer, this caption would be a lot cooler.

 After watching the tournament for a bit, we drove down to Waimea Bay.  The surf totally crashes right on the beach.  It scared me, therefore I put Justin in charge of Gracie since she is a daredevil, and I was in charge of all our belongings.

Gracie and Daddy watching people jump from the large rock.

It's about a 20 to 30 foot drop.  People do this for entertainment.  Why?  I do not know.

Testing out the water and trying to beat the current to get out to calmer swimming water.

My loves :)

Thanksgiving Day.  We were fortunate and so very thankful to still have Tina and Brandon home for this holiday.  In a place where family and friends are so far away, it was a blessing to have the two of them here with us.  This year, more than ever, I was thankful for the things I have back home and missed dearly: family, friends, a beautiful home, seasons, great neighbors, and the love and support from so many family members and friends.  I was also thankful for things that are here: my amazing husband and daughter (and our baby on the way), our health, our new friends, the internet (Skype) and the love and support from our family and friends near and far.  God has truly blessed us, and I thank him on a daily basis.

This was our first time making Thanksgiving dinner. Tina worked on the turkey and stuffing, and I worked on the mashed potatoes and gravy.  It was so yummy!  I'm gonna need Tina and Brandon here next year to help me again!

Tina and Brandon left Thanksgiving night and we were left by ourselves yet again.  But my little lady is always putting a smile on my face.

Playtime in the garage, oh, and Daddy did her hair.  She looks like she is 4 years old in this picture.

Silly face

My 2 cuties 

Gracie and her best friend, Mommy (that's what she calls me :)

Silly faces

The end of November also brought a much anticipated appointment for us.  We had our first ultrasound on November 30th.  Here are a few snapshots of the our little BOY :)  Gracie is so excited for her baby "brudder".

Profile.  He looks like he's getting ready to suck his thumb like his big sis! 

Foot

3D image

Ahhh, what a relief to have another month documented and posted.  December and Christmas posts coming soon!