Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Hughstons.  We all have a lot to be thankful for, including what we are up to right now.  Check back later this weekend to see what it is!

Let It Snow...for a little while

  

Saturday was overcast with snow for most of the day.  Emily was able to persuade Dad into making a snowman.

 Lucky for us, today was sunny and fair, warm enough to melt the snow, but not the snowman!

 And one of her favorite projects from school, a scarecrow mask.

The Last Week

Last Friday, Emily had a successful trip to the dentist.  First of all, no cavities.  

But most importantly, it was her first time sitting in the chair and taking x-rays and getting a full cleaning. 

Monday we celebrated the last day of dance.  It was parent visitation week, so there wasn't (much) of an issue getting her to go in and perform.  

Tuesday she managed to get in a quick trail ride on Patches before dark.  The rest of the evening was spent in the barn working on skills.

Then Wednesday the Hughstons headed to Boise.  First stop, gastroenterology.  I'll spare you the details, but let's just say prematurity is the gift that keeps on giving... Once upon a preemie day, there was an infection in her intestines that left behind some scarring, called NEC, that is probably causing all issues.  But, we left with a plan (and just to be sure, blood tests to check for celiac and thyroid issues).   

After that, we headed to the capitol building to celebrate Aaron's store for being nominated for being a Brightest Star, an award given to volunteers around the state.  The store received its honor in the small business category.  We walked around the state capitol building and took pictures with the first lady.  

Then there was a ceremony at the Egyptian Theater downtown.  Emily was adamant about going up on stage to get the plaque.  As the emcee was saying the store had two employees, Aaron and Emily crossed the stage.  She paused to ask if that was the other employee, getting a chuckle out of the crowd.   Followed by, "She gets the cute award for the day."

Oh, and check out the new haircut!

Halloween

The highlight of the week was definitely Halloween.  Emily went to school in her costume for a party there, and after that we went to Hailey's Halloween Hoopla where the downtown businesses pass out candy, once again joining friends for what has turned out to be a great tradition!  Once again, the weather for it was great.  After we parted ways, the Hughston family joined two other families at a home which is thee hot spot for trick or treaters.  The costumed kids were already in action when we showed up at 6, and still going strong at 9 when we left.  Emily became the designated candy giver outer, and dutifully passed out candy to the others.  She guarded the bowl fiercely, and didn't like it when the impatient ones grabbed out of the bowl!

Other than that, Emily once again cried about going to dance, and then ended up loving it once the teacher wooed her in.  Horseback riding was once again the winning activity, and I was shocked to see that she was actually riding by herself this week, following directions well as she circled colored cones and weaved in and out of bars on Yum Yum.  I haven't been watching lately, knowing that she was more confident (and talkative) when I was out of sight!

She got her flu shot this week and a quick check up from the doctor on Wednesday.  She was proud to say she didn't even cry!  There's the preschool report card that we got late last week -

 And the crafts from October she brought home...

And more leaf pictures, because that's what we've been trying to do on the weekends...