November 2018

November’s Shenk Family Adventures were more of the close-to-home variety. Super fun times with our friends and family, enjoying our beautiful backyard and the fun to be found in central Florida.
Ellie helps me out at the sewing machine.
Our beautiful girl. Look at that smile!
Love this gorgeous shot of Ellie and Jess. Two bohemian girls in purple. 💕 
Smokin’ campfire in our own backyard fire pit. 
Elijah, James, and Ethan enjoying the campfire and recovering from the ghost stories they told themselves.
Snuggle time with Leo and Nancy Drew. 
Tickling the ivories with Uncle Matt.
GrandMomma (my mother) would be so thrilled to see Ellie playing her piano.
We voted! Showing the kids the importance of participating in democratic elections.
Even at this age, she insists on doing everything herself. Little miss independence.
(Side note: That nightgown was mine when I was her age💖)
Leo. King of the couch pillows.
Laundry basket fun. Because kids.
James working hard on his b-ball skills. You can tell he’s concentrating by the tongue.
Date night to see Ray LaMontagne. My absolute favorite. It’s possible I cried, but I’ll never tell. 
Me and my kiddos on the backyard swing. I’m such a happy momma.
Driving the boat at Mimi & Papa’s. He loves anything with an engine (his father’s son for sure!)
James and Ellie take a walk with Mimi & Papa around their neighborhood.
Ellie has an innate love of music. It expressed itself with bongos here.
James found his own rhythm with the conga. 
Not content with percussion, Ellie moved on to the acoustic bass.
Getting in a little reading time with Ms. Kim. 
Ellie loves Minnie Mouse, and we love Ellie dressed as Minnie Mouse. 
A super fun Disney day with my loves.
Taking flight with Dumbo. Ellie is unconvinced.
Happy Disney family.
Super silly Dad at the Orlando Science Center.
Ethan, James, and Elijah learning about this beautiful blue parrot at the Orlando Science Center.
This darling little girl LOVES to be outside and she is happy we have such a big backyard to explore.
Celebrating Thanksgiving with Abuela.
Silliness with Abuela and Lamb Shenk (more affectionately known as Lambie).
Ellie and GrandPoppa.
He may be just a bit too big for my lap but I will never say no to a snuggle. 
This may be my favorite family picture ever (sorry you’re not in it, Christopher).
Happy birthday, Aunt Kristi! We had so much fun hanging with you at Disney’s Winter Summerland Mini Golf.
James taking a turn. At least it appears that he is putting here instead of driving the ball which was more of his style.
Ellie is taking a stroll with Uncle Kai. James is running. Always running. 
Mini-golf family photo. I can’t remember who won but let’s just assume it was me.
(It was probably Chris, but I’m more competitive and I write the blog.)
This is the cake I made for Shenksgiving– some kind of bourbon and brown sugar pound cake
 with a caramel glaze and candied pecans on top. I forget the exact name (it has been a year).
That sweet face tells me she is definitely up to something…
Ellie and Taylor comparing their winter hats.
The Shenksgiving Family Picture-2018.
14 months old and we love her so!
The children have chosen a tree. 
I love this sweet shot of James and I enjoying a fire in our family room.
We live in Florida. If it drops below 60, we use the fireplace.