October and November

This is definitely not everyday activity, but I thought this was a good picture of my kitchen table over the lunch hour. We run a busy but happy little house here!



Titus wore this costume to his preschool costume party. So cute!






Sickness blighted our family a few times this winter, Elise was sleeping so peacefully that I had to take this picture.







October 31st, one of my favorite days of the year. Candy and Dressing up are two of my favorite things! Here is Mike the Idaho Potato farmer with Jude, the potato in a sac of potatoes!






Elise was a fairy from the book series Fairy magic. Josiah was Peter from Narnia, and Titus was the happy little clown from The Little Engine that Could.

We had not been to the arch since we had left for vicarage, so we spent one afternoon walking around the museum and learning. It really is a sight to see!

Magnificent!

We got to be in Springfield for cousin baby Gideon's baptism. He is so sweet.

The whole family, to include Veronica's mom Nana.

It was a gorgeous day and so I had to steal a shot of the kiddos!

Josiah was elated that he was able to hold his first baby cousin on this side of the family.

Jude soaked up some special time with Grandma and Grandpa too.

We visited my grandparents in Michigan on a whirlwind trip. It was so good to be at this home away from home, to enjoy all the sweet smells of Grandma's and just hug them! This was their first time to meet Jude, as well as Titus.

Molly the dog was a little jealous of the baby sitting in her typical spot, snagging the attention from the man that belongs to her!

What Titus does during 'rest' time...

What the big boys were doing during 'rest time' that day...

Josiah commented that his favorite part was shooting the gun as well as listening to Grandpa's stories. I must agree on the later!

The assembly.

We also visited Frankenmuth, MI - the home of Bronner's Christmas store. Bill and Mary were the ones who directed us here, and we had a memorable time with them.

It was fun to see them enjoying time with their god-son again.

This baby does not match this seat!

Mimi and Papa visited for Thanksgiving, and seizing the moment, I put them to work setting up the Christmas tree. We then celebrated our Christmas with them that weekend.

Our first round of snow came and we enjoyed it! Outside for sledding was the obvious choice for this crew!

We celebrated Josiah's birthday with a sports theme this year. Fittingly, we had it at the field house. The kids ran and ran and had a great time.

Josiah's pinata selection: a football jersey.

The football cake to mark 8 years!

Elise was asked to join a cheer leading team at the Seminary that cheers for the Preachers (the collegiate basketball team). She is enjoying this with her friends, in the next post they will be in their new uniforms and have Pom-poms!!

August and September....

It is about time I posted some of these pictures...sorry for the delay. I guess it takes me getting locked into my home to get these things done!

In August, Mike returned home to an eager family!! Shortly thereafter, we all returned to our 'regular' schedule of school and work. I am again watching Peter and Oliver during the week and homeschooling the 'big kids' in addition.

Here, Titus and Oliver get ready for their first day of pre-school together. They go across the street to "Miss. Kim's", there are three others in their class.

The boys are also learning a few other things here too...

Michael also began school, this time doctorate work!



Titus and Jude really enjoy each other, I am so thankful for my children and their capacity to love.

September came and Elise turned 6!

Jude's first feeding...

A fun afternoon with the sem. kids.

Sara and her family stopped by for a visit. It was the first time we had all gotten together for a while!

Cousin reunion!

Sem soccer...this year we added Titus to the line-up!

The second annual "Dress Up or Dress Down" dinner. This year we invited Jamie, Paul and crew, what a collection of people! (Mike is a rabbit hunter, in case you wondered.)

We took a family field trip to the pumpkin farm, it was incredible!

A little of this and that and Nathan's Wedding

My nights have been filled with sleep lately as Jude has made a new discovery....his thumb! Yes, I know it is not good if they are thumb suckers for years on end, but I am sure thankful to end the frantic midnight search for the binky!



Elise and Jude hanging out at the Grandparent's pad.



Before leaving for the wedding in Texas, Titus and I made coffee cake to bring along. Josiah was the photographer for this one.




Grandma and Grandpa treated us to our first ever Branson Show. Yakov Shmirnoff's Russian Circus. We loved the slinky woman, the ballerina, the dancing poodles and the fire woman.




When we arrived in Texas, these flowers were on the bedroom vanity. They were an amazing array of flowers put together by my cousin on Michael's request for our anniversary. I got to smell the sweet aroma of flowers every time I walked into the room...thanks husband on 9 years!

A better photo of the flowers:

In Texas, we were invited to a brunch to meet the bride's family. It was a good time to talk and get to know them. Here, the little girls ate at one table.

The big girls were all at another.

It was a joy to see Gramma holding baby Jude and enjoying him. They both lit up for the other as many smiles were shared.

On the day of the wedding, it was a glamour spa in the house. The girls had their hair in curlers, thanks to Vicki, pedicures and manicures followed.

Here is Vicki, the manager of the salon, with two of the three primping princesses.

The end results: One cute little girl! Here she poses as 'The Three Musketeer Barbie'.

My four sweet kiddos before we leave for the wedding, and cousin Peter.

Playing outside the church, the cousins found something in the dirt.

It must have been really sunny, but they still obliged me this picture!

In the church right before the wedding we met up with Mom and Dad.

Jude with Cousin Heather.

Father of the Groom, Gramma and Grandpa Art after the wedding.

All the great-grand children of my Gramma (with exception to Thaley and Eric Jr.) in one shot, needless to say, they are not all looking at the same time!

Elise and Kaitlyn at the church, lovely hair!

Cousin Madilyn joins the two girls.

Thought this was cute, little Shay checking out all of Sara's jewels.

The good looking groom, my Cuz, Nathan.

Congrats to Nathan and Joy! We are blessed to have her join our family, and had a great time celebrating with them. Now we are in the countdown to the next family wedding....a few more weeks and then we will be in Michigan together!