HaPpy ThA nKsGivinG

All I want for Christmas is...a family picture...and I don't even mean a portrait or anything formal. Just some documented proof that we are indeed a family, that there are currently four of us and I would prefer for it to capture how much we LOVE being a family.

Well, tonight was an attempt. Didn't go so hot! I am almost certain every family has these moments, but positive that no one catches these moments quite like this! In case the picture doesn't explain it enough, allow me to narrate: Joseph- completely undone by the fact we as parents told him he had to wait to eat his dessert...just long enough to say "cheese"; Kate- already done smiling for the camera as this was one of the final takes of the photo op; Michael- had the sneaky suscpision from the start that this was not set up well; and then me- desperate for any possible picture that could possibly turn out but deep down knowing tonight it just wasn't going to happen.

Although it may appear quite the contrary, we DID have a very relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving as I hope you did too!

Fall Frenzy, Fall Leaves, Fall Princess Party

ll

I am a Promise

Yesterday I came home and Kate had a surprise for me that she had been working on all day. She is too cute! Today she performed her surprise multiple times all by herself with personality, passion and flair!

Becoming friends

I absolutely LOVE when these two not only get along, but play together! A process which is slowly but surely becoming more common!

Cider Mill Day

Mama Lynn and Papa T went with us to Yates Cider Mill...warm donuts, fresh apple cider, perfect autumn weather & great company all made for a fantastic morning! Thanks for the wonderful, fun-filled visit, Mama Lynn and Papa! We love you!

time with friends, family & the zoo

Finally back to posting now and then. Who would think that reviewing for a silly recertification exam could take up so much time?! It's over and done...for another 7 years anyway. So weird to think that Kate will be ten at that point and I...almost 40? Surely my math is off! Here are just some random snapshots of the past month of our summer: Sidewalk painting the porch ''

Zoo fun

o

As we walked through the aviary, Kate plugged her nose the entire time. Upon exiting, the promptly lets go of her nose as says, "Well that was quite stinky!

Summer Travels

A bit behind in my updates...three weeks ago we joined my family for a much needed vacation in Newport Beach. While there, we spent time in Crystal Cove, eating burgers and sipping shakes from Ruby's Diner, s'mores, walking the nature trails along the beautiful coast (the kids went crazy when they saw lizards, road runners, families of quail, sea urchins and more),upscale dining double date with my folks while Lauren stayed home and put the kids to bed(thanks Sis!), birthday celebrations and ferris wheel at our new favorite mall in Cali (the Spectrum--Nina you have to go there!). My parents were gracious enough to let us stay at there gorgeous and expansive timeshare. Needless to say we had a blast!!!













Michael being impatient with my camera-happiness...get on the ride already...Kate and Joesph LOVED it!



Girl's time- a special treat
Holding her ladybug chocolate we brought her from Laguna