A new member of our family

Introducing Mittens, the newest member of our family.  We picked her up from the pound and she lives in the barn.  She is a good mouser already (the purpose for her joing our family), and the kids love her.  She has had to climb a tree a couple of times to get away from Buster, but I think he will get used to her in time and she can defend herself just fine.  She is very cute and purrs alot, so we think she likes it here.

Happy Halloween!

Such cute kids!  Jacob was an indian, Kathryn was Princess Leah from episode 6 of Star Wars, Sarah was an indian, Emily was a pumpkin and Samantha was Cinderella.  My favorite part of Halloween is seeing the kids dress up!

My favorite tree in the Smokys

You know when you see the perfect tree in the fall and you are overcome with a desire to save the beauty forever?    We passed this tree several times while we were in the park and I was so glad we were able to get a family picture with the tree as a back drop.

I LOVE FALL!

We took a week off of work and school and went to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to camp, hike, see the fall colors, relax, ride bikes and eat s'mores.  We had a super time.  James took Jacob and Kathryn on a 15 mile hike!  Amazing!  They had a super time and came back to camp just in time to start the fire (funny how I have lost the talent of fire starting with 2 scouts in the house), and have dinner.  We even got to see a mother black bear with 2 cubs.  It was a terrific week and we got home in time to put on our costumes and trick-or treat.

Happy Birthday Kathryn!

Monday was Kathryn's 9th birthday.  Boy this year has flown by!!!  She got a new camera that matches her eyes, some books, clothes, gameboy, and star wars toys.  Jacob designed and built her a night stand with shelves for her books and pretty things.  She had a super day complete with donuts for breakfast and dinner at a Thai food restaurant.  Her birthday celebration began on Friday when James took Jacob and Kathryn to watch a motorcycle race.  She had a chocolate cake on Monday and James made her a winter adventure cake to finish off her fun week.  We are so grateful to have Kathryn in our family.  Kathryn gives generously and is a kind, helpful, smart, beautiful girl.  We love you Kathryn, happy birthday!

Who says girls don't like to get dirty?

Last Saturday while James, Jacob and I were busy in the garage, the girls entertained themselves...they found a low spot in the front field that collects water when it rains a lot.  We have had A LOT of rain lately so these two spots were mini ponds in the front field.  The girls started by wading in the puddles, but the fun soon evolved into 'swimming'.  Needless to say they had a super time.  James had just mowed the day before so there was plenty of grass clippings to stick to them and get in their hair.  It took us a while to get all the grass out of those beautiful curls, but the fun was totally worth it.  According to Sarah and Samantha, it was all Kathryn's idea. 

Jacob Received the Aaronic Priesthood

On August 9, 2009 Jacob received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained to the office of Deacon.  What a special day for Jacob and all of our family.