A Few Malihinis: Early November

We moved November 1st. The weeks prior were intense and filled with boxes, tape, and planning. The morning of, Brady's friends showed up to help us load up and put our entire condo into a rental truck in an hour. Brady jammed his hand between a box and the counter, but other than that bloody bruise, there were no major incidents. When we got to our new house, an army of men and teens from our ward--over 20--plus family and friends helped us unpack. It was wildly fast. I had a migraine that afternoon but hey, that's small beans on a move day.

I loved that the minute we moved in, there were friends at the house.

Kate wasted no time finding a nap zone.

First dinner in our new place: salmon bowls!

The kids say our dining room chandelier looks like upside down cups and I can't unsee it.

The next day, we were shopping for a downstairs couch.

Making the space cozy!

Owen soaking up the fall leaves outside the doctor's office before an appointment. Kate soaking up a nap at YET ANOTHER doctor appointment. November was physical therapy, surgical follow ups for her ankle, and so many check ups in between.

Fall hung on all of November. I'm not sure if I will always feel this delighted by leaves but it feels novel and exciting.

Owen had a school project to research an animal, write a report, and create a clay replica. His animal was an American White Pelican and his favorite fact about the bird was it's 11 foot wingspan.

We spent the next several weeks were unpacking and organizing. We LOVE both, although it is always demanding to try and do real life on top of moving life.

Do you feel my deep satisfaction looking at these piles???

Can you believe the mountain biking deep into November? Neither could we and we went at least twice a week to squeeze it in. A week after our move, Brady went with his buddies to bike in Moab. It was poor timing with boxes but great timing with weather. Kristen graciously joined me on a 13-miler in the hills. She is so tough and took me up a mean hill. I'm almost ready to forgive it. It was so fun to finally join her in tough exercise after a year plus off from running these trails with her.

Steve fell and snapped his ankle and tibia badly enough that he had not just one surgery, but two. The boys put him on a bike and pushed him to a trail outlet to get him medical care.

Zac went to Sadies! They were dressed at Charlie Brown with a group of 40 kids.

Owen and I took Mom and Dad to a BYU basketball game while Brady was with his friends.

The infamous Cougar Tail. Dad jumped out of his seat a minute before halftime to be first in line.

Owen seemed so tired at this game but loved it when the ROC students made this balloon connection that went from baseline to the top of the crowd and was moved all around the Marriott Center.

Sunday morning lesson with the girls outside. It should be much too cold for short sleeves but it was not.

The day after Sadies, Zac was asked to Preference.

Northern lights! They were the result of a solar storm and visible only through camera lens, but pretty spectacular nonetheless.

It doesn't matter the temperature, Roxy wants to wear her sweater always. She will growl if you attempt to remove it.

Saturday Ride!

Brady and I took Dad to the TCU game--a wild success for the team after some demoralizing defeats. After every single good play, Dad gave me and Brady a double high five. It took the first half before we actually clapped hands at the same time.

At halftime, I saw on the jumbotron that Nachelle Stewart was getting recognized for entry into BYU's Hall of Fame, recognizing her outdoor and indoor titles in 2012 for the 800 meter. I helped coach her for the years at Spanish Fork High School and also had her in my classes. I ran to the area where the athletes went in and out and met up with her (equally talented) twin, Natalie. She exclaimed, "Karen!" and gave me a huge hug and we caught up briefly while her sweet kiddos mulled around her. It was such a rewarding experience and my heart was exploding with gratitude for the moment.

Brady and I talked about in ground vs. above ground trampolines and were undecided. That is, until I came home from work and there was one in the ground.

Our nightly "Alpine Glow" never gets old.

Zac's back has hurt for months. The chiropractor claims his minor scoliosis may be part of it. We will see and hope he feels better with time and treatment!