November Thankfulness

I'd like to start by being thankful for my scarf.  And my hat.  And hair.  

It was really cold and my breath was condensing on my eyelashes and freezing them shut!

My hair is often frozen on walks.  

Also thankful for my coat, snow pants, snow boots, gloves, and wool!

 Thankful for a church body who has embraced us and invited us to spend Thanksgiving with them.

Thankful for Pat who can play "Race-horse" with little ones!

 Thankful for Pat's art skills!  He uses it to help us and others!

 Thankful for a dog with active reading skills.  

 Thankful for the fact that this bear is not a real representative of our experiences.

Thankful to have seen this baby moose exploring without getting closer!

Thankful for so many experiences that we have had!

It's Winter!

 Upon arriving back home from Kansas, I was greeted with copious amounts of snow.  O.K., that might be dramatic, but it felt rather extreme to me!  I left with no snow on the ground and then there was at least 2 feet with more falling.  Now I think there may have been up to 3 feet that has fallen since my departure, but most has blown all over the place, thanks to a major wind storm we had the last 2 days.  I thought I wasn't in Kansas anymore?  Regardless, I have chosen to look for the beauty of the scenery and try not to focus on the serious chill that it brings!  Especially without power!  I'm even finding the humor in Alaska-sized "snow cones" that are naturally created!!

We are so "weird"

I was recently reminded of how "weird" my family is.  We all love each other, our spouses, and each others kids.  Apparently this is not normal; at least not to the depth of which we love each other!

Spending time in Kansas for 2 weeks is always bitter sweet to me.  I love every minute, and every minute I am reminded of what I miss when I go back home.  There are no pictures of us adults hanging out.  Those moments of talking on a couch or around a table are just not photo-worthy, but they are some of my most cherished memories.  I do think my sister got a few of us on her blog!

I stuck mostly to the kiddos!  I got to see 11 of my N&N's!  (Nieces and Nephews)  I am always amazed at how they have grown.  Not just in size, but in maturity.  

 Watching Cambria and Mia's games was so much fun!  They mostly just ran around and almost got close to the ball a few times!  Actually, they both kicked it a bunch and Mia almost scored!  We were ecstatic!!

 Seriously~who could not love this girl?!

 Halloween was fun with all the pumpkin carving/decorating, costuming, candy, and more candy!

 I spent some quality play time with the youngest N&N's.  This was "nap time."  I love this game.

So, this guy loves to jump!  And he loves to have you watch him! He even revs up!

 "Watch me jump!"

 The alligator and the Indian seemed to be overtaking the football player.  Where's that Egyptian Princess when you need her?!

 Visiting my in-loves was also fun!  Again, growing up so fast!  Hannah read most of her take-home library to me, and then Hud even got to show me some of his reading chops!  Super sweet kids.  Don't worry, though, Josh won't be left behind for anything!!

I did seem to get one adult photo in!  I had the chance to visit with my grandparents!  I discovered how funny Grandma can be!  She cracked me up!  Grandpa is still the huggy one and I was impressed with his dishwashing skills!

All this time with family reminds me what a gift I have.  It is truly a gift, since I had no say where I was to be born.  My sister and I have grown closer in so many ways, as well as my brothers and I.  This is not normal, especially when there is substantial distance!  I guess we are weird.  I'd take it every single day.

Autumn Beauty

Autumn is my most favorite season!  The colors are outstanding and vivid! I couldn't help but share just a "few" of my glimpses of this incredible beauty.

Rainbows, Hiking, and Trailers (normal stuff, you know!)

 It seems to be raining a lot lately.  I hadn't noticed as much, but our Pastor who moved here from central California noticed!  With all the rain come spectacular rainbows!  There have been many lately, and most don't last too long.  One morning I went for a walk with Rowdy in the drizzle and saw the most brilliant full rainbow with a half double, similar to the one above.  If it never rains, you never see all this beauty!

 On a much more clear day, Pat and I took a familiar hike up Skyline Trail.  It's a mile trek up to a saddle and another 1/3 up to the top of the peak.  The fall colors weren't in full change like they are now, but Skyline is always a beautiful place to be.  It was such a clear day, we could see Denali off in the distance!  (We are pretty sure)

 Rowdy had a fantastic time on the hike!  He gets a little arthritic, but with a bit of assistance in the pill form, you'd never know it!  It keeps him out and active, and now with Bella gone, it's nice to keep him with us!

Now to the summer project finale: Pat's 16' trailer.  It has been carefully crafted and meticulously made to do whatever we need it to do.  And it's pretty!

 Note the inset eye-bolts for sturdy strapping, yet not in the way of the load.