Toasty Warm

Wrapped in a blanket next to the fire; a girl after my own heart!

Play Time

I am trying to make a conscious effort to spend time actually playing with Eli everyday rather than just occupy the same space with him all day, and here is some photographic proof of the fun we have when I succeed.

Veteran's Day

The first graders at Ali and Logan's school put on a Veteran's Day program that was so cute. Ali had a speaking part because, get this, "she is a little shy" and "could use the practice speaking in front of groups." It is so funny how different kids can be in different situations! She is not at all shy at home or church! I was amazed watching every single kid sing every word to every cute song, many of which I recognized because Logan has been singing them all the time at home lately. I think they had a great time doing it, and we loved watching them.

Cousins

Ethan and Emily had a day off of school one day lately that Ali and Logan still had school on, so Eli got his cousins all to himself. I keep expecting them to act like teenagers one of these times and want to just play on their phones or devices rather than play with my kids (which would be fine), but sweethearts that they are, they keep surprising me. Eli had the best day ever!

20 Weeks

Here I am with little miss or mister at 20 weeks. It seems to have gone fast this time than ever before; I even tend to forget how many weeks along I am and have to ask at appointments. We have our ultrasound in a couple of weeks, but I think we have decided to be surprised about this little one's gender like we were with Eli.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Can you tell which book-made-to-movie we are reading now? I am always impressed with how well the kids remember the plot from day to day and am grateful for the idea to read to them during dinner which cuts down on contention during that meal.

Girl Scout

Ali came home from school the other day full of information about girl scouts and decided to make herself a vest complete with patches like "helping someone do hard things," "taking care of fish," "bird watching," etc. Maybe we need to look into real girl scouts.

Fire Pit

The previous owner of this house left all sorts of random things, which for the most part was terribly annoying, but among them was a fire pit that we have loved! Having family fires in the backyard on fall and spring nights is becoming a fun family tradition that we hope our kids look back on with fondness someday. I know I will. A certain little girl kept photo bombing...so she is in all of these:)

Bus Stop

Eli always walks down the street with us to the bus stop in the mornings. He usually heads out with whomever is ready first and I hang back till the other kid is ready, so I usually get there after Eli. Most days, when he sees me walking up he runs over to me and gives me a big happy hug like it's been days, rather than a minute or so, since I've seen him:)

Serious Apple Eater

When Ali eats an apple she eats the whole thing: apple, core, seeds and all. OK, she usually throws away the stem, but still!

Farewell!

Gary and Tina, aka Mom and Dad, aka Grandma and Grandpa moved to Utah on November 1st. How sad we were to see them leave! And yet, we are excited for them for this new season of their life, are so pleased that Gary is healthy enough to enjoy it, and are so thankful for all the years we had to live near them. 

Our whole family has wonderful memories of this house! This is where Jason came home from his mission to, where I first met Gary and Tina when Jason and I were engaged, where we had one of our wedding receptions, where we had countless family dinners, birthdays, holidays, and Monday visits. How thankful we are that though the house is gone, the memories are still there as well as our relationship with them! 

Joy School Halloween Party

This is Eli with one of his best Joy School buddies Emma at their Joy School Halloween party. They are too cute!