Christmas Trees

One of the ladies that I babysit gives us tickets to Festival of Trees. Santa was there. Amber didn't like the looks of him. 

 These were some of our favorite trees. 

Ashlyn put the star on the top of the tree this year.

The kids decorated it all by themselves. Not the prettiest tree we've ever had, but the kids were proud of it. I want to start going to the woods and cutting down a tree. I think that would be such a fun tradition. 

Christmas Card 2014

Here is our Christmas card for 2014. We used a kind of older picture, from March. They were our last family pictures taken by Michaela. We are due for new family pictures soon, so I hope we get to see Michaela in the next couple months.

Christmas

We had such a fun Christmas this year. We opened presents at our house in the morning, baked some food and then spent the afternoon and my brother's house with my siblings. Played games and with new toys. I love staying home for the holidays. So happy my family is mostly in town. Would be great if we could get Nate's family close by. 

Thanksgiving

I know, I am a bit late posting this, but life got busy! So I am catching up now. 

We spent Thanksgiving day with Jesse's (my brother) in-laws, the Grethers. They get together at a church building on Thanksgiving to accommodate their numbers, and our family added quite a few. It was lots of fun. We played dodge ball, and some played board games. 

Ashlyn and I made a blackberry pie. It didn't turn out the best, but it was pretty. :)

Jesse and Tanner

Nate, Paul and Whitney

 Paul and Jesse, and Ashlyn on a scooter board. Somehow the Grether's got the dodge balls and scooter boards from a local school. 

 GO!

Shaye is a pretty amazing dodgeball player. I wouldn't expect any less from a BYU Woman's Rugby player. Tracie wasn't bad herself. 

My little models

I have been taking a lot of pictures this fall, and constantly looking for places to take them. I have been taking the kids along to help me. These were at a cute orchard and vineyard close by. I will do a photo shoot here tomorrow. But these were too cute not to post. 

Love the fall colors.

 She quite the poser.

She can even do serious.

Pumpkin Patch

We've never gone to a pumpkin patch to get pumpkins. We always just bought them at the store. I don't think I will ever go back to the store for pumpkins. I love that the kids can see where they grow. They had fun stuff for kids to do there too.

Ashlyn doesn't even have to try to be beautiful. She just looked at me and I snapped this picture. She was actually a filthy mess from playing in the hay and dirt. I am amazed by her beauty. And worry a little for when she discovers it in herself. :) Or when boys start admiring her. Amber will be the same way, I am sure. 

 Such a beautiful day for the outing.

 You can see how dirty she is a little better in this picture of Ashlyn.

The pumpkins were much better looking at the farm too. Much less beat up.

The main reason we went was to do Kevin and Kassie's family pictures. I was amazed I got a good shot with the three kids. They were a tough crowd. 

At the park with the kiddos

The family often comes with me to photo shoots if they are at or near a park. I finished taking pictures, so I got a few of the kids. I promise I don't favor my girls, they are just more willing to get their pictures taken. :)

Nerf war