A Day of Thanksgiving

While it's true that we have much to be grateful for in our lives, this Thanksgiving we were mostly thankful for the fact that we were given a brief reprieve from the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad stomach bug that plagued our house for the days surrounding it. So, while we spent the rest of the holiday weekend sprinting various kids, and then ourselves, to the bathroom in what was a veritable puke fest, on Thursday we were healthy and thankful to be spending a gorgeous day at Aunt Julie Ann and Uncle Justin's "farm" - their soon-to-be first home as newlyweds!
Daddy and Uncle Robert give Grandpa, Aunt Julie, and Eliza a push on the swing.

Noah seems right at home on the farm.

Uncle John takes a turn at the wheel.

After a picnic meal, we walked down to the creek.

The boys went "fishing" with sticks,

and Eliza got tossed in.

Uncle Joseph gives E some love.

Uncle Justin and Noah racing back.

Aunt Julie and Uncle Robert

Peeking through the window from the loft of the cabin that Justin is building for Julie and him to live in after their wedding in January. It's really amazing.

We had a fabulous day with family, which is what it's all about!

Happy Birthday, Papa!

Today my Dad turns 70. If you spend any time around him at all, you know that that's hard to believe. Ever the tinkerer, he still loves to play with his "toys" (mostly tractors these days), chase down a "good deal," and of course, spoil his grandkids. Dad and Me, 1975
December 2000

Papa and Ben, July 2007

Papa and Noah, July 2007

Papa and Eliza, October 2011

Happy birthday, Papa! We love you!

Fall Festivals and Halloween 2011

October has become jam-packed with fun fall activities. My friend said they should just cancel school in October in order to fit everything in. While I myself am happy to send the little darlings off every morning, I do agree that it's a lot ... but SO MUCH fun! Last weekend we went to Noah's school fall festival where he was transformed into a ... ferocious tiger!
Ever seen a tiger riding a pony?

Eliza was thrilled to take her first pony ride. Now the real question: Will Daddy be buying her a pony for her second birthday? (I assure you the answer is no.)
Noah loved the petting zoo ...
Eliza was less enthusiastic.

Last week we also had our church fall festival.

Eliza seemed a little appalled that we would dress her up like a strawberry and take her out in public. So humiliating.

But when she got over herself, she had a great time.

Of course, there were lots of treats,

and games ... and what do you know?

More ponies! (Ever seen a shark ride a pony?)

One of Noah's classmates had a Halloween party last week with lots of backyard fun.

And on Halloween day, his class paraded around the school in costume ...

On Halloween night, it's tradition to have our great friends Ava and Eli and parents over for dinner and, of course, trick-or-treating!

I think this was year 5 with this growing (in number and size) gang.

Enjoying the fruits (er, candy) of their labor.

Count Shark-ula!