We had a rather mild November, not too much rain. So we were able to get some more hiking and walking in. It was also Manny's birthday and Thanksgiving of course. For Manny's birthday we had one of our best dinners ever at an Italian restaurant we just happened upon when we had to change our plans (the original restaurant closed, even after taking our reservations). We went to a Star Wars-themed bar afterward. I only get one drink anywhere I go. I don't go out of my way to drink, only if I'm there already. I'm rather meh about drinking, but sometimes I like the taste of it. Everything in moderation. I had a nice time out with some friends, too. One was a sort of reunion and the other was a belated celebration for my friend's birthday.
We had a Thanksgiving potluck at church and a dinner at home. We invitied the neighbors, but they already had other plans. I was actually a little worried they'd say yes. I just piled a bunch of food on the table, no real table setting. I think this coming November I'll try to make it a little more formal. Or not. Who knows? November can sometimes be a hard month for me, but I'm happy to say that I have not had symptoms of seasonal affective disorder the past two years. So things are looking up. I know Jesus is with me in all seasons of life.
The day after Thanksgiving, Manny had planned for us to do an escape room. We did a room called Undercooked, where we had to complete puzzles and recipes to escape. It was really fun, but I seem to always take it more seriously, maybe too seriously. The person gave us more hints over the intercom than I think we were supposed to have, but that was very helpful.
Lucas had a field trip, the first one in many years, to an aviation museum. It was cool, and they got to do a flight simulation. The kids were supposed to partner up, and another mom of a special needs teen thought our boys could partner up, but the boy threw a fit, so I just ended up partnering with Lucas. We did all get together later on and hang out for a short time, but the boys went off again. It's hard when kids aren't inclusive, and I don't want to tell their parents to make them include my child, either. I feel like you can't really force that when they are older teens.
I don't want to just feel sorry for Lucas. I've worked hard to find manageable but challenging socialization opportunities for him. We played flag football in the month of November. It's a challenge for me to coach it, to come up with practice drills, oversee games, etc., but it's worth it to see the kids have fun and play team sports. And of course I love to see Lucas getting in there and giving his best.
Lucas also continued his Magic meetup. I used to hang out with the other parents, but one by one they started leaving to do errands, and I followed suit. One such errand was making a reaction video to my friend's then new song Manna. I am not sure I did what he was looking for. I sort of reviewed it as I listened to it for the first time. Check it out and his other songs as well.
Since Naomi was home for Thanksgiving, Manny and I took her out a couple of times. Manny was thoughtful to want to take her to see Wicked, since he's not usually into musicals (but this was okay for him). I didn't realize it was going to be a two-parter. We accidentally got tickets for the wrong showing, but we were able to exchange for tickets in the front row at the last minute. It did make it a little hard to watch, but the music was good.
Almaden Lake
I struggled getting up this hill at Oak Grove Park, and we lost each other for a minute.
Found each other again quickly. Loved the clouds that day.
Dumplings and Meet Fresh with my college girl
Now that she's in college, I don't get as many opportunities to make or eat Asian food since she eats more Asian food than the other two.
Filming a reaction video for my friend and former worship pastor's then new song.
Sanrio opening. I tried to swing by between Lucas's class and Isaac's pickup. The line was so long I never made it in, but I did get a cute Hello Kitty fan and headband.
I took this moment of silence and prayed. I don't want to get into politics on this post. I had to give the congregational prayer after the election, which was nervewracking, but I tried to keep the focus on the humility, love, and truth that God calls us to. I do not put my hope or faith in any manmade throne, and we ought to be careful not to blindly follow any person in power.
Enjoying a yummy meal at Luna. They had some decorations up for DÃa de Los Muertos.
Out for Japanese with my friends G and A.
Great dinner with great friends, though A. is half our age, so we probably are like two moms to her.
Prepping wristbands to practice different flag football plays
Love these kids!
Happy birthday to Manny. Amazing Italian meal at A Bellagio.
This pistachio panna cotta was so good and so memorable.
Making our way to the retro games center
So cool to see all these old consoles. Feels like yesterday and yet it's been almost two decades since I've sat down and made my way through a video game.
Star Wars themed bar
Carrot cake for Manny
Field trip
Class and instruction
Flight simulator. Lucas did well!
They've really upgraded the museum since we were last here!
In the cockpit
Making the Thanksgiving dishes we don't eat at home for the church potluck. First up is green bean casserole.
Roasted beets and fall veggies
Fall fruit salad
Church Thanksgiving potluck
Super fancy shabu shabu with Naomi
Now for our Thanksgiving at home. We got a Popeye's cajun turkey again. No turkey left after Day 2. Naomi made her delicious sweet potato casserole. I made the usual soup, ham, veggies, stuffing, gravy, and some puff pastries I got from Costco.
Thankful!
The cats got to have some turkey, too.
Even though Thanksgiving gives me some ptsd, I intentionally put aside the past every year and pour my heart into the food. Shortcuts help!
Manny cut the pumpkin pie (from Costco) with a round cookie cutter. Looks fancy!
Ready to escape!
Maybe we should escape from that tree in the back--looks like a hand! We had pizza after the escape room.
Ice cream
They said we escaped, but really we just got a bunch of hints.
Wicked with Naomi
