November

It's birthday season at the Manning's house and I'm getting a lot of practice making (and eating) all of Smitten Kitchen's celebration cakes.  We haven't found a bad one yet. 

When not chowing down on sweets, you can find us on the soccer fields. 

The Mighty Minions

The Mighty Minions

Our little Dynomite

Our little Dynomite

The annual JDRF Walk was a big success this year.  THANK YOU to everyone who donated and helped our kiddos support their cousin Kate!

The annual JDRF Walk was a big success this year.  THANK YOU to everyone who donated and helped our kiddos support their cousin Kate!

Kate and her friend sang the National Anthem to kick off the walk!

Kate and her friend sang the National Anthem to kick off the walk!

Happy birthday to our main man.  (Don't worry, there was more cake.)

Happy birthday to our main man.  (Don't worry, there was more cake.)

A few nights later, we celebrated both Wes' and Nana's special days.

A few nights later, we celebrated both Wes' and Nana's special days.

Let me tell you, it's not easy to capture images of Henry where it looks like he's actually participating in the game. 

Let me tell you, it's not easy to capture images of Henry where it looks like he's actually participating in the game. 

Case in point.

Case in point.

Both boys were rolling down the hill, of course, by the time I grabbed my camera, Drew had stopped to check his phone. 

Both boys were rolling down the hill, of course, by the time I grabbed my camera, Drew had stopped to check his phone. 

The Minions won the Hurst Turkey Shootout tournament for a second year in a row.  I wish I had a photo of the winning team with their trophies.  Next year!

The Minions won the Hurst Turkey Shootout tournament for a second year in a row.  I wish I had a photo of the winning team with their trophies.  Next year!

Ella's team also won their first post-season tournament.  It was a long, cold weekend full of games, but totally worth seeing the girls' smiles as they ran off the field of the final game. 

Ella's team also won their first post-season tournament.  It was a long, cold weekend full of games, but totally worth seeing the girls' smiles as they ran off the field of the final game. 

Next up!  Birthdays for Henry and Drew. 

Next up!  Birthdays for Henry and Drew. 

And my favorite day of the year, Thanksgiving. 

And my favorite day of the year, Thanksgiving. 

Three more birthday celebrations for Rocket, Heidi and Uncle B. 

Three more birthday celebrations for Rocket, Heidi and Uncle B. 

Cupcakes, pie and PIE!!!!!!!  Not a bad way to spend a day with family.

Cupcakes, pie and PIE!!!!!!!  Not a bad way to spend a day with family.