A Saturday of "Thanks" and a birthday

We left Pender early on Saturday morning to be able to spend the day with the Cairney's. The Jensen family hosted us all and it was a beautiful day.  The kids even ate lunch out on the deck! The afternoon was spent playing basketball, walking the dog, playing cards, watching football, and celebrating a birthday. Elly turned "13" (the adorable young lady in pink) this weekend so it was great to spend the day with her too.  Again, feeling blessed and extremely thankful to be part of such an amazing family of in-laws!

 

Thanksgiving

 A flashback for the cousins -- 9 years ago....

Kate, Ben, Wil and Jon

 basketball fun

Two men we are always thank-ful for~Doug and David



Ben enjoying some cuddle time with Brooks

We headed back to Pender for the weekend and enjoyed time with family.  The weather did not really cooperate until Sunday, but the kids managed to play a few games of bball and there was plenty of long walks with the dogs.  Usually in years past my sister's, Mom and I would wake early for a black Friday shopping spree...but this year we enjoyed long coffee mornings, and online shopping (-;  It was great!!  Time spent together is always one of the things I am most thankful for -- feeling blessed this Thanksgiving!

Christmas Card ideas

 the wind decided to take off in Kate's hair (-;

 this may be option #1 - Ben's favorite

 option #2 -- Kate's favorite (maybe because she looks taller! )

and of course, a crazy option!!!

It was a beautiful day on Sunday, so I thought that I would try and grab a few shap shots of the kids. They were pretty cooperative, and of course, Doug was thrilled that I decided to veto the "family" option picture for this year.  Just something for him to look forward to next year right??



Afternoon at the bridge

 starting down the path towards the bridge

 trail bridge info......

Mr. Ben striking a pose

A beautiful Fall afternoon for family

 heading back

my sweet girl ~~~Kate

Before our weekends get booked up with basketball and other activities, we decided to venture up north and explore the high trestle trail bridge. This is something that I had been wanting to do for the past couple of years since it's completion. It was a chilly Fall day, but the sun was beautiful as it reflected on the bridge and the horizon. Kate and Ben loved just being able to run freely, throw rocks down to the water below and listen for the echo of their "splash"  (I love seeing the amazement with how they interpret the delayed sound from the actual time that they see the splash - priceless! )  Doug and I just enjoyed the afternoon together as a family (-;  We wrapped up the evening grabbing a bite to eat at the local tavern.  What a fun November day!