Mullins Tribe : Catching up--November

Hello Blogger and readers! Yes, you aren't mistaken--it's me and no this blog isn't set to private. I had MORE trouble with the private setting than it is even worth. So many were writing me saying they couldn't log in or the invite to read wasn't valid--anyways...private setting removed for the time being. I actually am contemplating to just setting it to private with no readers....(I know--gasp). It's sadly become more of a burden than a blessing to me, which of course I hate. I feel like people know our life 'day to day' because of Instagram which I suppose takes away the urgent feeling I use to have of 'catching everyone up' thru my blog. Regardless, I have had this blog since I was a mom of only 3 months---I must keep it up. Even if it is quarterly catching up posts.

I'm going to hit the highlights of the last 5 months....crazy 5 months!!

NOVEMBER!!!

What a blast and FAST month November was. I remember it came and left so quickly. We had a jam packed month of fun!

Matt had a 2 day conference in San Fran again in early November---and no doubt we JUMPED all over that one and planned another quick escape to Sonoma/Napa---AKA our most favorite place on planet earth at the moment.

There is NO filter for this picture. GORGEOUS!

We had our convertible again. The weather was just beautiful!

A great brunch in Sonoma.

We are suckers for a photobooth

I still look at these pictures and cannot get over how beautiful it was.

You always hear "go East" in the Fall to experience Fall color. I challenge that--and say GO WEST! Never in my life had I ever experienced such a gorgeous and colorful Fall surrounding. You can ask Matt, I would not shut up about the beauty. It was unreal!! We stayed in Sonoma for a night at The Renaissance Sonoma then in Yountville at The Villagio. Both were so lovely and so unbelievably romantic. We hit up some new wineries, as well a few of the ones we loved from back in July. It was such a great week away---and no doubt truly our most favorite escape.

We came home to the sweetest 4 faces alive and could not wait to spend time with them. It was the best because when we came home it was a bank holiday for Matt on that Monday. We went and took lunch to the big kids and then took the little boys to ride the train at the Zoo. Always fun time with them.

It was a quick week at home and I left that Friday for Seattle to see my college besties. We had a blast together. There is nothing like friendships that time has past and it feels like it was yesterday when you're together again. We laughed more than ever---it was good for the soul.

This sweet guy surprised me at the airport to tell me goodbye 'one more time.' It really almost made me cry my eyes out. After being gone the week before, it was really hard saying goodbye to my sweet family. Thankfully Matt's parents were in town to help Matt out and to have a fun weekend with them.

Spa day

We stayed at the beautiful Willows Lodge. It was such a neat place. DEF would love to go back there.

Friends since we were 18. Between us all there are 4 hubbys, and 10 kids. We hope to get everyone together some time.

Beautiful Tara with her little boys in her tummy.

Sweet Caleb

By the gum wall.

It really was wonderful all of us being together. Seattle is such a fun, beautiful spot. Made me want to go back again with Matt. So much to do and see. Tara was pregnant then (has since had her twin boys) and was a good trooper showing us around. Such a great hostess. Ellen had her sweet baby Caleb who was our sidekick for just a part of our trip. Her sister also lives in Seattle so she kept the baby part of the time. It was so sweet to snuggle that little guy. He was adorable. And sure made it much harder for Crystal and I to be away from our crew.

I was extra homesick coming home after this trip. When we booked our girls trip last summer our San Fran/wine country part 2 was not in the books---I'm not a fan of being away back to back like that. Needless to say it was worth it in the end to go. You just can't beat a good girls trip! Glamping is coming up again for us in May---cannot wait!

Somehow I came home and turned 33. How did that happen??? It was a great birthday and my sweet love and kiddos spoiled me rotten.---those are the best kind of bdays. :)

Right after my birthday it suddenly was Thanksgiving. We made our first road trip to Norman since having Hayes. Hayes has proven not to care for long trips in the car. He makes traveling 'oh so fun.' We had a great Thanksgiving with all the family. It's always an insane number of people together under one roof---I don't know how Karen and Curtis do it, but they do, and they make it seem so effortless. I know the work it takes to prepare for company---but nothing compares to what she does. They are the most generous, gracious, most hospitable hostesses alive. We all had the best week.

2 of my all time favorite people with my Harper-girl. She loves Tyson (and Lauren) so much. Always has been extra tight with Tyson. These 2 are moving to North Carolina in May for Tyson's residency. Kind of heartbreaking when we all stop and think about it----super excited and happy for them, but sad for us because this means we won't be seeing them much for the next several years. :((((