I'm grateful for....

Thanksgiving!!!! WHAT A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY! This year was especially great because it was our first on our own! Lots of firsts with this dinner! My first turkey, Meagan's first apple pie, Luke's first turkey day and the weather was beautiful to boot! We invited our friends the Smiths and Jean (a lady I visit teach) the missionaries and of course Meagan to join our family gathering. Meagan and I had been cooking for two day's (having a total blast in the kitchen) and everything turned out AMAZING! The turkey was perfect, the table was beautiful. The House smelled divine! I'm going to take this moment to give a good back-pat to everyone who made this night wonderful! (Thanks Sarah for yummy rolls!) Here is a photo representation of our unforgettable evening.


lemon zest, too pretty to go unnoticed.


the bird


The hungry crew


the best part of the night


our garland of gratitude. everyone wrote their name and what they were grateful for to keep a record of all our thanksgivings through the years




an excellent post-turkey activity

So cute pics of the kids!!

Lots of new things...

We have much to report! First off, Ammon has his very own, brand spankin new bed made by Jim!!!! Isn't it lovely???

We'll be painting it as soon as the weather turns more favoriable. Which brings me to our next exciting new thing around here...WE HAVE SNOW!!!! Our first real snow has been a total blast! Ammon and I enjoyed playing in it this morning and checkin out our awesome icicles. I love it! We are thrilled with this new development. It was funny, growing up in Washington, I was trying not to let my hopes get up, telling myself "oh, it will probably melt by lunch" "oh it will be gone in the morning, it's probably just slush anywhy" But Ohio has come through for us! Real powder snow, that hasn't gone away or turned into slushiness, it's just lovely!!!

BROTHERS!

I'm not sure why it has been so exciting for me, but who cares! The boys are now sharing their bedroom. Luke was sleeping in our guest room till last night when he was moved into Ammon's room. They both went to bed together, slept great, and woke up at the same time! It's not like it's a major milestone or anything, but it has left me all warm and fuzzy. I think it's because I'm already seeing them form a bond between them. Ammon loves to talk to Luke and make him smile (which is easy enough with Luke) and Luke loves to watch Ammon's every move, he even giggles with Ammon is being silly. This is just great! They will be sharing rooms for many many years to come. I know there will be plenty of pillow fights, nights when they just won't stop giggling and long talks before sleep. It just makes me happy! I love that they have each other! What a wonderful gift to get! A brother for the rest of your life!!!