It’s getting darker earlier, there’s a chill in the air, and as my niece Addi exclaimed, “it’s colder than A/C out there,” while she stared out our back window. If this post seems like it could be recapping two or three months, instead of just one, you’re not alone. We had A LOT on the calendar and I am thankful for all of it but am very much looking forward to a little breathing room in our schedules this next month. Believe it or not, even with a trip to Florida, Lucie’s 4th birthday, Christmas and New Year’s it will actually be quite light compared to the end of October and all of November!
Leading up to the whilrlwind of the last six weeks, I’d honestly stare at the calendar and think, how are we going to do all of this and come out on the other side in one piece. The answer? A lot of mistakes, misunderstandings, forgetfulness, and confusion, followed by a lot of grace, prayer, forgiveness and thankfulness. At one point, I defintiely cried in a Baby Gap from feeling stretched too thin. I’m so grateful for this blog though, and these pictures that I get to cherish and look back on, because there were some truly sweet, joyful and hilarious moments... Even my sad moment at the Gap was turned around when I met up with Robby later and found out that he had scored us free dinner in the form of New York Pizza and delicious cupcakes from Sprinkles.
I think that’s why this quote is resonating so much for me this season:
“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.”
Sharing some pictures below for you to enjoy as well.
Love, Los Hicksons
Lucie matching daddy at church one Sunday. TWINSIES!
Twinsies again the next week, with Mommy!
Exercising at lululemon, after this picture Lucie decided she needed to jog back and forth because she had her running shoes on too.
We truly can’t get enough when it comes to cider donuts during the fall - these were homemade by our friend, Molly Molly Molly <3
At a fundraiser event for PKU, hosted and organized by a family near and dear to Huddle Up NYC.
Celebrating Elle’s 3rd Birthday!!
Lucie’s school had a harvest parade on Halloween and her class made their costumes. They were Ten Little Monkey’s Jumping on the Bed. Rob got to meet up with her and walk the parade this year.
Monkey #5
After school, Lucie got to change into her Halloween costume. She was Trixie from the Knuffle Bunny book series by Mo Willems.
Even Boonches dressed up with blue ears to look more like Knuffle Bunny.
Ready to go trick or treating for the first time!
Lucie’s haul!
Just your average 3 year old buying fruit on the corner.
Lucie took this picture of us! We strolled through the park after a doctor’s appointment and met up with Rob who was finishing a coaching session.
Collecting fallen leaves
Pizza and shenanigans with friends on Marathon Sunday
Aly and Lucie = Besties <3
I went to Texas for a week of training in November. It was a hard week being away from Lucie and Rob, the second day in, Lucie got a fever and was out of school for two days. Rob was so great at holding down the fort at home.
Rob made Daniel Tiger puppets on one of Lucie’s sick days.
We’d FaceTime every morning and night, and this one morning, I was getting ready and Lucie saw that I was wearing a red shirt and pearls, so she decided to match me. SO SWEET.
For Lucie’s birthday last year, Richard, Jessa and Elle gave Lucie a sleeping bag with a note inviting her to bring it to sleepover for a whole weekend!!! So we set the date for a fun weekend in November. This is a pic of Elle helping Lucie unpack.
Lucie and Elle excited for their weekend!
Rob and I enjoyed the weekend in the city, we went to a movie Friday night, and then brunch at Jack’s Wife Freda on Saturday (which was so delicious).
Saturday night we enjoyed a Billy Joel concert at Madison Square Garden! We sat behind the stage but the seats were great!
Meanwhile, Lucie and Elle were gettting ready for bed with a story.
Earlier that day they had adventures at the grocery store, so fun!
Played on the swings at the park...
And went around town in style with Uncle Richard.
Heading home from church on Sunday, we couldn’t help but break into singing Happy Birthay to Scott on the streets of New York.
Baby Fafa!
Surprise snowy evening.
SO MUCH SNOW!
“Can we make a snowman?”
OF COURSE!
Attempting to take a picture with the Beltrez fam, and Lucas and Lucie just had to photobomb it!
That’s better - We’re going to miss this crew! Can’t wait to visit them in Austin!!
Preggy friends <3
Just your regular Saturday morning with Anna and Olive the Fox
“Here Olive, you can play with my Boonches because you miss your Daddy.” Lucie brought Boonches because she was missing Rob who was coaching all day, and Scott was also away.
At a fun play gym for Lucie’s friend’s birthday. After a very nervous start, she had the best time and her favorite part was the trampoline.
“Happy Lucie/ Mommy Day!”
I watched Elle later that night, and Lucie came to play for a bit before bedtime.
At church, Lucie having lunch with her sweet friend!
Wearing mommy’s scarf and being the cutest little New Yorker you’ve ever seen.
Back in February, Crystal mentioned there was a great deal on tickets to NYC for Thanksgiving, so we made the plans, and finally the day arrived! All five Normans snuggled up in our apartment for four days of chaos, food, and fun memories.
Lucie wanted to be as close as possible to her cousins, even as she slept.
Michael and me on the BUS! Highlight of his trip right here.
Sweet cousins at Jacob’s Pickles
Adorable stoop pic on the UWS
Watching the balloons get prepped for the Thanksgiving Day Parade the next day
Taking a pic with Chase from Paw Patrol!
Heading back home, Lucie loooooved hugging Uncle Mark.
Subway ride to midtown to watch the parade!
BEST SEATS to watch, especially on a day where the weather felt like it was 10 degrees!
The whole crew
Lucie making special Honey Nut Cheerio treats for her cousins
Watching movies with Uncle Rob
Being touristy at 30 Rock
The infamous pretzel
Fun trip to the playground with Uncle Rob and Titi Drea - I think this was one of my favorite times with all the kiddos.
“Hey guys, make a silly face!”
Lucie’s first Happy Meal - “Mommy, look at my hat, it has goggles!”
To top off the whirlwind trip, we all went to pick out the perfect Christmas Tree together and then Uncle Mark helped carry it back to our apartment. We miss you already, Norman fam. Thanks for spending Thanksgiving with us. We love you.