Bobby and I ran 3 miles the other day together.  He is such a hard worker and loves accomplishing his goals!  We even wore matching shirts

The kids made their gingerbread creations again this year.  Bobby made a football stadium and Emmy made a llama farmhouse.

 Emmy and I got outside to enjoy the weather by getting dropped off at Caribou, buying drinks and then walking home together to talk and exercise.  It is so fun to have one on one time with the kids!

A unique Thanksgiving

Bobby shot his deer this year. A small buck that he will enjoy many meals off of this year.  He loves hunting with his dad.

We isolated from friends and family this year for Thanksgiving but still had a great time.  We hung up our ornaments, tree, decorations.

We had a Thanksgiving Brinner full of special requests.  Bobby wanted spiral mac and cheese and Emmy asked for sprinkle vanilla waffles.  Pumpkin muffins and hot cocoa were also part of our special feast.  We weren't about to let COVID ruin our fun!

The weather over Thanksgiving break was nice and so we enjoyed the outdoor weather and took Bernie for a few walks outside.

Emmy had a sleepover so the rest of Team Eckert went to Fort Lincoln to hike and visit some historical sites.  Bobby enjoys this and I enjoy having time with the kids.

Our friends, the Jahners, were in isolation since they came down with COVID.  It was Ethan's bday and so Bobby made him a sign and we drove by and threw out presents, candy to celebrate.

Emmy worked hard on her science project (so did her dad).  She made an atom!
 

Bobby sure enjoys Grandma Launa's pumpkin bars.  Emmy and I had a girls' lunch and enjoyed some sushi.

Emmy went to a Halloween birthday party with her hockey friends and they dressed as M & Ms.  Bobby stayed in with us and we watched a movie together and ordered pizza.  Halloween looked a bit different for us all since we are still pretty much in lock down during this pandemic.

Robb and I dressed as one of our favorite friend couples for Halloween.  We got together with 2 other couples to have some adult time.  They had some trouble getting my wine open and had to use a lot of tools and teamwork but they did get me some wine that night.  We have been gathering in smaller groups but avoiding being out at bars and gathering in larger groups to prevent the spread of the pandemic.  Our family has stayed very healthy this year which is a huge blessing.

Bobby's test scores indicate that he is in the 95-99th percentile for everything (math, reading, etc).  He finds other ways to challenge himself at school through writing reports and stories to role play with friends.  We are proud of him!  Emmy's parent-teacher conferences were also great.  Her school is hybrid which is so challenging (only 2 in person school days) but she has hung in there.  She gets her work done and had great test scores.  She has made the most of the experience.  This week the Governor shut down extracurriculars which many were upset about.  I'm helping a friend organize a protest this Saturday and writing letters.  We have to advocate for the mental and physical wellness of our children.

I presented at the ELC conference virtually.  It was a stressful, but successful experience for me.  We live in a different world right now and flexibility is key.

 

Emmy's hockey season

 Our girl has had a great start to her season.  She scored a goal against Mandan in the first game and is a leader on the team.

Fall fun

We finished our time out at U Mary. Kids are back to full-time next week (thank goodness)!  Emmy was exhausted on the way home after her last day at U Mary.  I enjoyed treating them to box lunches, we ate outside and I always enjoy their company on campus.

Bobby got a doe with his bow and arrow.  He tracked it down and was so happy to show off his skills.  He has an excellent dad/hunting partner.  They really love their ranch time.

I finally got my dissertation sent to me....173 pages bound and ready for reading!

Robb takes Emmy to school now and I take Bobby.  I really love the breakfasts at Starbucks.  He is a good morning date to have.  We start our day right.  On this day it was pumpkin scones.

Xmas cards are ordered!

 Bobby took a fantastic school picture this year.  He is one sweet boy!

BIO girls and Bobby is a cross country star!

Bobby has had two consecutive weeks of being a star runner.  He placed 2nd in his first meet two weeks ago and this week he took 1st place in the 4th grade boys all city Cross Country meet.  He worked so hard and was so determined.  It was a joy to watch!  I was so proud of his tenacity out there.

1st place WIN!

The kids have been busy out at U Mary.  Bobby is often teaching the boys new games.  Emmy is best friends with many of the younger girls who idolize her.  She often shares snacks and brings home pictures they drew for her indicating she is their best friend.

Bobby lining up to get 2nd in his first race of the season.  A half of a mile and he always starts out at a sprint (about 50 yards ahead of all other boys).  We always celebrate with ice cream!

Another great BIO girls race night.  The girls worked hard and did a fantastic job running their race. Emmy had a major side-ache a half a mile into the race.  She fought through it and ran faster with each mile.  She sprinted into the finish and I couldn't catch her!  She then ran in her friends who were yet to finish and I went to find Aubrey so I could run her in.  It was an amazing experience that I feel blessed to have.  Three years as a mentor and Emmy has been in this program for 4 years.  It is a great program that emphasizes God, self-love, and service to others.  I'm very proud of my BIO girl!