November - gone before you can blink!

I thought I'd have time to come and post more in November but that month flew by so quick!

November was a great month. Jeramis headed over to Japan from the 1st - the 10th. He had a wonderful trip. He spent the majority of his trip training at various dojo's in Tokyo. He really enjoyed having time to train with Soke (Hatsumi). He also had a chance to visit some shrines and temples that were interesting. He came back rejuvenated. It was a great opportunity for him!

While he was gone Jordan went back to school. He's all recovered from his surgery in October. He was excited to go back to school. He is still doing really well in school.

Jade had a chance to start preschool in November. She now goes two days a week to her "school." She was not nervous AT ALL! I was surprised --- well a little surprised but honestly relieved too. She loves her class and asks everyday if it is her day for school. While it is endearing it can be a bit repetitive to explain she can't go every day. Ha!

Jade's First Day of Preschool

I took the children back up to the Mountain to do some hiking. It was a beautiful day! We hiked one of the low trails for a few miles. Both of the kids liked it although the altitude seemd to effect them a litte. We saw squirrels, birds and lizards along the way and the children began making a game of spotting them... it kept them quiet and we were able to really enjoy the nature. It was so nice to get away from the city :)


Jordan and Jade Hiking

Jade and Jordan were very good for me while Jeramis was gone. He was happy that they behaved and he brought them home a few goodies from Japan. Jade especially loved her "Bling Bling." She's all about jewelry, make-up and nail polish!


Jade posing with her "jewels"

Jordan has a PS2 game called "Echo." It is about a Dolphin that is saving the universe. He loves to play it because he can make the dolphin jump out of the water, spin, dive, eat fish, and so on.

Jordan Playing Echo

Of course November is all about Thanksgiving and Jade! For Thanksgiving we were lucky enough to have Grandma Vicki visiting. It was SO nice to have her here. She had a lot of fun with the children and they made some great memories and we all spent time together. One evening we went out to dinner and a show. That was very fun! But the highlight was spending time together and sharing Thanksgiving Dinner together. We had quite a spread this year.



Of course as soon as the food is in our bellies it is time to switch gears. Jade's birthday was after Thanksgiving this year and so her party was Saturday the 25th. It was really great to have Vicki here for her party. Jade liked that Grandma was able to be there. It was also nice to have an extra pair of hands to help with preparation and of course the party too. Jade wanted a "MY LITTLE PONY Party" so of course we accomodated :)

Jade's Invitation (address and phone # are masked)
(C) Kristi McFadden

She had a great party. She had several of her friends attend from school,church and the gym. We had a pony cake and lots of goodies to eat.


Of course, as a mother, Jade turning 4 is both a happy and sad moment... as she is more like 4 going on 16! But I love seeing her change and grow. She's such a great little girl and she has quite a personality on her!


Jade and Me :) (Yes a rare Kristi Spotting!)

Vicki also had a few other surprises up her sleeves... while visitig she decided to get the children's Christmas Presents and she surprised Jordan with a brand new bike! He is SO excited and he has just been enjoying it ever since!



So November really shaped up to be a wonderful month! It is so amazing to think how fast this year has flown past... and the exciting part of November speeding by is that my trip to Japan really came quick!

More about that in the next post!