One last trip

Last night my sister and her girls came out for a quick overnight trip.  While she was here, we decided to make one last trip up the mountain to pick the last of the apples at Riley's Farms.  It was cold and windy...perfect in my book.  We made it just in time because yesterday was the last u-pick day of the season.  We left with a bag full of delicious Rome Beauty's.  Since Hylke's so tall, we left the picking stick behind, knowing that Hylke's shoulders would be waaaay more fun for the kids.  Elliana designated herself as the official bag carrier and refused any help along the way.  She had a few spills along the way, but it never once slowed her down.  Her very independent, very determined personality was definitely shining through.  After some picking we went to the petting zoo, ate fresh bbq'd tri-tip sandwiches, drank fresh pressed cider and let the kids run all around.  What a great time!

Who needs a picking stick?!

 My big sis and her kiddos

 The cousins

 Our attempt at a family picture

 little miss independent

 Oops!

 

Auntie Amy helping E

Halloween

We had a great Halloween.  It was so fun to watch the kids enjoy trick or treating this year--the first year that Noah was really excited about it, understanding exactly what was going on.

Elliana was hilarious!  When Noah decided that it was time for him to go back in and check out his loot, Elliana was insistent on staying out and "tick-a-teet(ing)" more.  So, Hylke and I took her out by herself while Noah helped hand out candy with our friends.  They were certainly the cutest panda and elephant I've ever seen.

 I had to stop to get at least ONE picture with the kids...you can tell Noah wasn't excited to stop...he was ready for the next house. :)

 Elliana got the hang of it and was doing it all by herself...she couldn't wait to go to each house

 Noah and Spidey...his buddy Joel

 Panda, Elephant and Spiderman

 

  Elliana all on her own

 

 This has to be my favorite picture of the night...my little escaping panda

Little Drummer Boy

There are few things that Noah enjoys more than playing the "drums" while Hylke plays guitar.  He has great rhythm and a stays on beat really well.  Looks like we may need to invest in a real drum set sometime..for now this is great!

Overdue

These pictures are over a month old, but I haven't picked up my camera in almost that long!  The battery charger is MIA and so the camera has stayed put for way too long.  It's a good thing my girlfriends are such talented photographers or else I'd have no cute pictures of my kids from this past month!

I finally downloaded the pics that have been hanging out on my camera for awhile and just had to share a few.  When our friends, Tim and Amanda, returned home from their honeymoon, we had the privilege of having them here for a few nights while they waited for their new place to be ready.  Tim could hardly wait to show Noah and Elliana what he brought them from their trip. 

My sweetheart

Pumpkin Patch

 It was the perfect fall day for a trip to the pumpkin patch...

so that's exactly what we did.  Happy Fall!

The beauty of creation

The weather last night was just right for eating dinner outside with some good friends.  You know that perfect temperature where it doesn't feel warm or cold?  Just perfect.  I'm so glad we were outside to watch the sun set.  Sunsets like the one we watched last night (captured by my friend, and talented photographer, Michelle) remind me of one of my favorite songs, Cannons, by Phil Wickham. 

It's falling from the clouds
A strange and lovely sound
I hear it in the thunder and rain
It's ringing in the skies
Like cannons in the night
The music of the universe plays

You are holy great and mighty
The moon and the stars declare who You are
I'm so unworthy, but still You love me
Forever my heart will sing of how great You are

Beautiful and free
Song of Galaxies
It's reaching far beyond the milky way
Lets join in with the sound
C'mon let's sing it loud
As the music of the universe plays

All glory, honor, power is Yours amen
All glory, honor, power is Yours amen
All glory, honor, power is Yours forever amen