Getting ready for Christmas

We took family photos today at my parents house. My parents really enjoy having pictures taken at their home. Their yard is very beautiful with many scenic options to choose from. Julie and Jim and I were all taking pictures with our cameras.....and out of the 150+ pictures I took, the following turned out well enough for Christmas cards. It was VERY hard to get my boys to cooperate this year. NJ2 did awesome as usual. One day I'll get my boys to smile at the camera but for now..... enjoy!

a day at the farm

Owen's first school play

Owen had his first school play this week. It was a creation play for chapel where the kids were each dressed as the days of God's creations. Darkness, light, clouds, water, flowers, grass, trees, sun, moon, stars, birds, fish, animals, and man (adam and eve). It was a very nice play where they recited bible verses and sang songs. I'm so happy with our choice of school for Owen. He's learning so much!

Owen's progress report

Owen brought home his first progress report for Kindergarten this week. Of course we were SO proud of him. He continues to save his "sass" for at home and is a really good student in school. Great job Owen!

 And the comments, oh the comments.....brings tears to my eyes everytime I read them!

The boys vist Great Grandma Jane

My grandma fell and broke her hip a few months ago. Since then she has been in a nursing home. We try to visit with her when we can. She is really progressing well and we are hoping she can return to her assisted living facility next week. Love you grandma!

The Girls

Twice a year we go to Frankenmuth with our campers with Kris' sister, Erin and her boyfriend, and our good friends Connie and James. We always have a blast and enjoy the weekend with no kids.  We eat at the Frankenmuth Brewery and play card games and talk and shop and shop some more.  I'm already looking forward to our next weekend away next spring.

family pictures 2012

We had our annual family pictures taken a few weeks ago by a photographer who lives in Grand Rapids. We were so blessed to be able to have our photo session less than 20 minutes away from where we live, so we didn't have to take the 2+ hour drive to go to her studio. We went to Grand Rapids when Owen was two and it was totally worth it, don't get me wrong but at the same time there is so much less stress when you are in your own familiar environment. Below are a few of my favorites. There were over 150 pictures to choose from so trust me it has been hard picking our favorites.

 Precious picture...just love it!

 Another one of our family.

 Me + my boys = LOVE

 Me and my sweet sassy boy.

 Brothers....good ones too!

 Me and the hubs.

I know I've written it before but I'll write it again. I LOVE having our family pictures taken. It is such a fun time for me and I love everything about it.

I still have to make my Christmas cards but can hardly wait..... so much fun!

Happy Pre-Halloween

We took our last camping trip of the season this past weekend. So sad, I know! But we closed out the season with a ton of fun. EE and Mr. Craig came along and Kris' parents and grandma spent all day with us on Saturday and got to partake in some fun activities with the boys and watch them go trick'or'treating. We had two really good looking super heroes on our hands!

 They had so much fun trick'or'treating and got a lot of good candy.

 Me and my super heroes....love them!

 Kris and his boys!

 Wy was soooo cute! Though he didn't keep the mask on for too long...it didn't matter...I think he was even more cute without it on!

 Me and Owen about to plant some magical pumpkin seeds.

 EE and the boys!

 Me and my hubs....love him!

 Kris and Owen woke up early this morning and took a hayride back out to the pumpkin patch to see if the pumpkin seeds were truly magical. Lo and behold they were. Owen has not put down his pumpkin all day long.

Camping season- as always it is bittersweet to say good bye. But we will be all that more anxious when we can enjoy your season again next May. Thanks for so many good memories.....til next year......

Cute Owen story

Tonight as I was getting the boys ready for bed Owen yelled for me as I was walking out of his room and said, "momma, kiss my hand!" So gladly I kissed his hand and then he said, "thanks mommy, now if i miss you at school tomorrow I will have your kiss on my hand!"

This kid seriously melts my heart!!

Totally unrelated to this story is a picture that I took this weekend while we were in Gaylord. We went to see some elk on Saturday afternoon.

I've been super swamped lately with work so I'm hoping to get on a regular work load soon so that I can keep up with my blogging.