Fall Photo Shoot

Back in October, we took the kids to my parents house for the weekend so I could do a photo shoot with them.  When my cousin got married back in May, his photographer did pictures at the old bridge near my parents so I thought it would be fun to try pictures there.  It feels near impossible to get them to all be happy and look at the camera at the very same moment.  This first one became our Christmas Card.  The rest are mostly funny outtakes!  

{I also wanted to be able to capture this girls' short-lived toothless grin.}

 They found a little frog.

Columbus Day

We made a family run to a local farm/pumpkin patch.  It was a gorgeous day and lots of fun!

I got to do a corn maze with these two. 

 And Ben in a wrap- oh my heart. Love any chance to hold this growing boy close.

While the Big Kids are away...

{late Sept 2015: 16 months old}

He is such a sweet, joyful child.

Running & squealing across the deck

 watching the trash truck :)

First Day of School 2015-16 {2nd & 1st}

Backing it way up to the first day of school.

 Our bus stop crew:  Its so fun to have two new families this year!

Peter's 8th Birthday

We had Peter's birthday party the day after we returned from the beach.  After dropping the ball on Lily's, I planned ahead.  We had a Chuck E Cheese party.  We'd decided on that last year.  Peter was beyond thrilled.  It was so so so overstimulating.  I expected it to be easy.  The overstimulation may have counteracted the "easy" I was going for.  But we got it out of the way.  The always-hoped-for Chuck E Cheese party is in the books.  Done.

There were about 4 parties going on at the same time.  He was thrilled when it was his turn to have the mouse come over.  I adored the way that he wore the glasses all night long.  I mention each year how much Peter loooooves his birthday.  He looks forward to it all year.  Getting to wear those glasses all night- I've waited my life for that!

Sweet boy, I love your enthusiasm for life and fun.

 My three other favorite men:

PT, I love you and I love the way you love your friends and love to have fun and love all of the possibilities in your imagination!!! It is our joy to celebrate YOU!

This year Peter doubles the age he was after being diagnosed with epilepsy (& other challenges along the way). We are thankful for all the ways God has and continues to provide for him and us.

PT, you bless us in so many ways & we are so proud of you.  

We are thankful you are ours and thankful for your life, sweet boy!!!