Out of the Mouths...

Josiah: "Michael Jordon played basketball, right?"

Aaron: "Yes."

Josiah: "And then he got tired out?"

Aaron: "You mean retired?"

Jo: "How did he get old like grandpa?"

New friends

It has been fun to see my girls go to school and see what kind of interesting people they meet.  Claudia has 2 new friends that have interesting ties to our family. Claudia didn't know these things before she met these girls, it came out as their friendships grew. Her first friend Veronica grew up in my grandparents old brick house!!  Her parents also used to go to our church and know a lot of our current friends.

Her other friend Hannah is Claudia's 3rd cousin on the Thomas side.  Such a small world...and I'm very grateful for these sweet girls!!

Family Hike

We recently took a family trip down to the Pinnacle for a hike.  Such a beautiful and fun place to be!!

Claudia snapped this of me.  I'm like a turtle that sits on the rocks in the sun...

Fall Football

Trick or Treat 2016

We only had 3 trick or treaters this year.  Claudia and Morgan did dress up for their Harvest Party at church.  It was so fun to have little Atticus along this year as well!!

Happy dude

There are so many things I love about this picture.  The biggest being this: everything the dude is wearing is either a hand me down or slightly broken.  He doesn't know and doesn't care.  The handle is missing on his bike, the tires are flat, the jammies and cleats are from his cousin, the jersey from his brother, and the helmet was his dad's.  It makes me smile that he is happy and content.  

Lots and lots and lots of love

This little cousin of theirs sure gets lots of love and attention from my kids!!

Birthday Supper

I love that my parents take my kids out for supper each year at their birthday.  Greta picked Panera Bread...she's a little obsessed with their broccoli soup.

I wasn't home when Morgan got taken out and I told Claudia to take a picture for me.  Apparently my camera settings were making her pictures too dark and she gave up.  I did salvage this one...and I love it!!! Morgan was smart and chose Texas Roadhouse and got a Ribeye.

Morgan:14

Morgan's birthday pics are over 2 months late!!  A couple weeks ago it was a gorgeous Sat. afternoon and we decided to head out to take her pics.  It was sunny and warm and minutes before we left the house it got super dark and windy.  These pics are very 'moody' to me.  I've never taken pictures with such a dark sky and wind. And who knew that taking pictures of someone with glasses is so VERY difficult because of the glare!!! I think our shoot lasted a whole 13 minutes before the pouring rain came.  So we didn't get tons of pictures this year.  She's so laid back she was ok with it.

Dearest Morgan...what a joy you are to our family.  Everyone that knows you or interacts with you comments about how much they enjoy you and how sweet you are.  You are kind and patient and tolerant of those around you.  You are extremely unselfish and easy to be with.

I love how hard you work and the joy with which you do it.  You don't complain and you tackle your responsibilities with diligence.  I love how much you've grown up this last year.  You are no longer my rough and tumble tomboy...but my stunning teenage daughter who loves to do her hair and shop for new clothes.

Morgan, I love you dearly and am so grateful for you!!