Merry Christmas from us to you!

Merry Christmas!  It's been non-stop family, food, Christmas music, and fun dice games since we left home Saturday morning.  It was so much fun that Kurt didn't want to nap or sleep and risk missing any of the action.  Of course he eventually did both, but it was a battle (for all: Mama, Dad, and Baby).  He also thought it was a good idea to scream the entire way home -- just in case we forgot how much he hates riding in the car.  Even while he was screaming, our hearts were filled with love for him and we were feeling very grateful to have him.  Grateful for all our family.  Grateful for Jesus.  Grateful for His love, mercy, and peace.  Let's rejoice in all things!  Merry Christmas to you and yours!

a frog party

My nephew had his fifth birthday party on Saturday and it was a frog-themed celebration.  We all wore something green and the three boys looked so festive!  It was a challenge getting a good photo, but one out of a dozen isn't bad in my book!

first snowfall

Last weekend the three of us got to enjoy winter's first snowfall!  I know I'm a little late to share the photos, but I caught the flu later that evening and have been laying low ever since.  As you can see, Kurt seemed to like the snow.  We're looking forward to more weekends like this one (minus the flu)!  :)

love

I don't remember what we were doing this day or why we took this photo, but I love it and I'm glad to have this little boy as my boy.

welcome Christmas

In addition to putting up our Christmas tree today, Luke took Kurt to his 9-month check up.  He weighs 19 pounds 5 ounces and has 6 teeth!  Ha!  He's had them all for quite a while, but it wasn't until yesterday that I snapped that photo to prove it.  I guess I just needed to whip up some scrumptious squash and yell "ouch" a dozen times to capture the boy and his toothy grin.  Who couldn't love this little honey?  :)

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!  This year we celebrated the holiday with my side on Thursday and Luke's side on Friday.  Both days were spent indulging in the traditional oven roasted turkey, stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and my favorite pumpkin pie -- we actually had several other delectables, but those were the all-stars!

Kurt got to try out a new activity table that his abuela and grandpa got him and he LOVED it.  :)  He also got to taste harina (it's like oatmeal, but it's made with cornmeal) for the first time.  His abuela makes it the best so of course he liked it!

We also got to watch three cute little cousins play together.  All in all, the holiday was great -- we have much to be thankful for.  Every day is a day of thanksgiving.  God is so good and I know the best is yet to come.  Amen.

how to relish autumn

image courtesy of anthropologie :)

The past several weeks have gone by SO quickly.  We've been "relishing" what little time we have left of this fall weather and we hope you are too!  We've also been fighting sore throats and colds -- all excuses for why the blog has been quiet lately!  Stick with me though!  I promise I'll post some new photos and snippets soon!  :)

hunting season

This year, Luke's hunting season was over the day it began.  :)  Rather than bow hunting, Luke decided to get a firearm permit.  The drawback though was that Luke's tag was for a buck only.  Nonetheless it worked out just fine!

family photos

Kate Harvey took some family photos for us last month and they turned out so good!  Check out Kate's blog for some of her favorites.

five years

This weekend Luke and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary!  We visited my mom and dad on Saturday and then today we hung out at home.  We didn't exchange gifts or even cards.  We're getting so old!  Ha!  We did celebrate with made-from-scratch white chicken chili soup (thanks Mom for the recipe and virtually ALL the ingredients) and some pumpkin coconut chocolate chip muffins.  SO yummy!  Kurt however wasn't really enjoying his Sunday too much - not interested in napping, eating, playing, etc.  I think he's getting some more teeth.  Anyway, here are some photos of us over the years...

seven months

This photo says it all.  He's growing up too fast.  He's sitting up, he's crawling, and now this!?  I don't think time could fly any faster.  I just love this little one and want to soak up every minute I get.

we love fall

BWCA // part II

Luke and Bob had a great time in the Boundary Waters.  This year, they didn't have to paddle out during a forest fire!  :)  I haven't had an opportunity to go through all their photos, but here are some cool ones I've found so far.