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!!

Claudia:16

It worked out for me to take Claudia's pictures on her actual birthday while we waited for Aaron's soccer practice.  I love how these turned out.  My sweet girl is always so pretty in front of the camera.

My dear Claudia...my firstborn.  Not sure what I would do without you.  I love how you want to talk about everything.  You want to share it with me and get my perspective.  I love how you spontaneously make me laugh.  I love that you sing and make music (though I'm regularly telling you to tone it down...). I love that you are confident and not afraid of much.  You interact with others like they are important and valuable and because of that people are very drawn to you.

I love that as you are getting older and we have a friendship.  It brings me joy to see you doing well in school and finding joy in learning and growing and having friends.  You are a talented girl and I can't wait to see all that is ahead for you.  Love you my sweet 16, girl!!!