Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a little less conventional than usual. We didn't go to Grandma's house. We weren't surrounded by extended family and lots of commotion. But we were surrounded by our cozy little family and lots of love.

It had snowed a couple days before Thanksgiving. Ken was stuck at work the first night and wasn't able to come home. Since we live on a hill, we weren't able to get out either. So on Thanksgiving morning, Ken made the call that we would stay put. Thankfully we had a small turkey that we were able to defrost and enough potatoes and other items to put together a nice Thanksgiving dinner.

Thankful for the snow

The two big kids helped peel potatoes.

Harrison made the mulled cider.

Dad deep fried the turkey for our feast.

We gathered around our table for a simple feast and a time of giving thanks to our good God and His wonderful gifts.

Whew! It's Been Four Months!

My wonderful husband bought me a new camera last year. I really like it. The only problem is that it takes up a lot of space on the computer. I am so low tech, I don't know how to move things around to make more room on the hard drive. So I rely on having someone else coming over to help out with it. Every time. That's why it's been four months since the last post.

Here are a few snapshots of what has been going on in our family in the past four months...

We had a great vacation in Idaho.

Good times at the annual family vacation in Hood Canal with Ken's family

Ran the Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon with my dad

Kennedy and Jackson started school in the fall. Harrison is homeschooling and Mikey recently started preschool.

My dear friend, Tamara, came out to visit with her family.

Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch was a bit too late in the evening. Many of our photos are in the dark.
Harrison marked his sixth birthday with a Green Eggs and Ham party.

My grandparents celebrated their 60th anniversary

Happy Birthday Anniversary

Our sweet McKinley Rose turned one last month. We started out her morning with a healthy birthday muffin that big sister made especially for her.

The children were attending VBS that week, so after we picked them up from "Adventure Camp" we met Daddy at McDonald's for a small lunch celebration for our little McNugget.

Happy Birthday, Sweetie Pie! We love you!

Later that evening, Cousin Kelly came by to watch the kiddos so that we could celebrate our 14th anniversary. We had a nice ride up to Alki on the motorcycle where we enjoyed a delicious Mexican dinner at Cactus Bar and Grill. Then we watched the sunset over the Puget Sound while sipping our iced Starbucks coffee.

Happy Anniversary, Babe. Here's to watching many more sunsets together. Cheers!

My Little Sister's Wedding

I snagged this photo from the photographer's website: http://clanegesselphotography.blogspot.com/

Kayce is so beautiful. The photo reminds me of the front of an album cover.

They met the first day of their freshmen year in college. He majored in physics and she majored in business. They graduated a year ago and have been working toward their teaching credentials. He loves ultimate frisbee. She loves coffee and shopping. They both love cooking together, kids, the great outdoors, and the YMCA.

Last weekend they tied the knot. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception filled with tears of joy and laughter. We all wish them the best as they begin their new life together as husband and wife.

I love this photo.

The bridesmaid dresses were unique.

They could be tied ten different ways depending on one's body-type, mood, or style.

My dad bravely walked his youngest daughter down the aisle.

Husband and wife!


I love this idea! They had a photo booth at the reception for the guests. A book was nearby for the photos to be glued into and a message to be written along with it.First dance

Father-daughter dance

My beautiful cousins

Gram with her newest great-grand baby, Eveyn.

Dad and his girls

Another father-daughter dance

My grandparents will be celebrating their 60th anniversary in October. They've done a good job of paving the way for the rest of us.

My brother, Kris with his wife and their youngest daughter.

I wish I had recorded the entire song, but unfortunately I only got the last bit. Kayce's friend and maid of honor, Katie, wrote the lyrics for the bride and groom and sang the song as her toast to them.

Happy 3rd Birthday Karsten!

My precious nephew turned three recently and we gathered at his home last weekend to celebrate. He had a garbage truck themed party- perfect for a preschooler!

The children were glad for a place to cool down from the heat. They had fun playing in the shark pool that my mom blew up with her lungs alone. It took a while, but the children were thankful.

Karsty was thrilled with the tool box his parents gave him.

Big boy. Proud parents.

Happy Independence Day!

We had a mellow 4th of July around here. I like mellow these days. Ken worked the day shift (great for the 4th of July) so I took the children to church and surprised them with a visit to a local park afterward. The weather was overcast, so swimming was a cold adventure for my boys.

Kennedy tried juggling at one of the booths. I was impressed that she picked it up so easily.

Jack and Harrison raced up and down the hills during the xylophone concert.

We returned home for Mikey's nap. Kiki put the finishing touches on our patriotic treat.
The results of our 1st annual Independence Day Coloring Contest. The winners received Tic Tacs for their prizes.

From our front porch, the children watched the fireworks show in the eastern sky.