Trimming the tree

 My helpful elves

 

Each year we name our tree and this year, Ben chose the name "Kyle" the Christmas tree...so Kyle it is!  He is a beautiful 8-9 ft.frazier fur that has smelled up our home with his delicious scent.....this is my favorite part of getting the real tree each year.  The kids and I had a great time decorating it after Doug helped me with lights.

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!



2013 Fall Soccer Season - Kate

Driving it down to the goal

 Way to fight for that ball Sis!

 She played goalie for the first half of every game and did a great job!

 

Good friend and amazing teammate -- Chelsea

  Team: Emma, Chelsea, Kate, Jill, Sydney, Aidan, Sarah, Abigail, Addie, Coach Brian and Coach Pete

all smiles after a successful GOAL!!! (-: the perfect way to end the season.....

Kate had another fun season of soccer. This Fall her coaches were amazing (as we knew they would be) and she so enjoyed the practices and games. About half of the girls she has played with in years past. The only big difference was this year, they had a few players transfer or drop early on, which meant none or only one sub. for most matches.  These girls played their hearts out and we are very proud of them. Kate also maintained the goalie position for most matches during the first half.  It was so fun to watch her dive and go after those attempted kicks.  Nice job this season Kate ~~ we are very proud of you and how you gave it your all!



Crazy again

 My kids and parents at the finish line -- so thankful for all of their love and support, also for Doug the photographer!!

After last year, I think I told myself that I may do one more half marathon in my jogging career. Well, I have accomplished that, and it was probably my last.....or maybe your could say the"first" one in my 40's that is (-;   All kidding aside, I trained more this year which made the 13.1 miles more enjoyable (if that is possible (-; ) and I had the AMAZING support of my family and friends along that way. My parents were in town visiting this weekend too so it was awesome having them on the route for encouragement, smiles and high fives!  A special thanks goes out to Doug, who was in charge of loading up the troops, getting everyone to their spot just in time to cheer me on a few more miles and for waking up early to take me down to the start line -- I love you and so appreciate you!