Steeples

I had an idea to start photographing steeples that I saw on our trip. They are really pretty!

Our trip to the Mountains 2009

This year, our trip was overall fantastic. Last year, it was too, until the plague of death took over the final night there. But, we all managed to avoid disaster this year, and we are all better for it!

Before I get to heavy in pictures (which you know are coming), I wanted to share a sweet moment with Brooks. I am not a writer, but have recently come across some great books by author Francine Rivers, and can't get this scene out of my mind without writing it as a novel...

"It had been a great day.

Everyone knows that when you are on vacation, you are - but you are not. The night came, with it promises of sweet dreams and rest for tired bodies. Our children were ready to dream, with the exception of Brooks. His sweet smile and tired voice beckoned me to stay with him a little longer. 'Mama, can you sleep with me for a while?' If only Mama could sleep with him forever. So, I snuggled down beside him, while he rested on his blanket of blue and contentedly sucked on his thumb.

After a few minutes, I placed my hand across his back. A smile crossed his lips. He was content and happy. Ever so gently, he touched my cheek with his hand. This hand that was his constant companion. It was warm and soft from drool. A smile crossed my lips.

It had indeed been a great day."

Freezing cold at the pumkin patch

(click on the collage so you can see it in detail)

We visited the Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch on Saturday and it was a total bust. It was incredibly cold. But, this stubborn mother learned her lesson... no matter what my plans are - if it is 50 degrees with winds at 15-20mph, my plans need to be changed.

Brooks was scared of the tractor and the helicopter, saying that both of them were too loud. He is so sensitive to loud noises - just like Scott. We stopped at Durbin Farms to eat our pack lunch inside, and I got the best pictures of the day then. We also got to take Jamie and Laura to the barn to meet Reed and Samson the donkey - they had a good time!

Looking for a special Christmas ornament?

I have decided to try my hand at selling Christmas ornaments this year. I love being crafty, but I don't like to have crafty clutter all over! So, the solution is to make things that I can give away, or better yet, sell. If you are interested in purchasing one, please visit my page at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32708273

Zoo fun

I never seem to post these in the right order... Here is a collage of some pictures and below is a more detailed description of our day.

Fun at the Zoo

Look at these kids - they were SO EXCITED! We went to the zoo with our friends Jamie and Laura. They are experienced zoo goers and were able to really show us the ropes.

Being the animal purist that I am - I had a little hesitation about going... Many of the animals had really nice habitats - and some had areas that I felt could be so much better. But, I remember that hopefully these animals will bring awareness for children and adults about their preservation, and they sure don't lack for food - which their wild counterparts do.

The flamingos were so pretty - their wing tips had black feathers and their knees were pink!

Loved the giraffes the most. If I had my choise, they would be the ones I would work with.

The elephants were just beautiful. The baby that we saw at Thanksgiving last year is getting big. She was very playful. These guys are really hard on their area - there wasn't much grass.

Kate

Kate asked me to take pictures of her tonight.

Scott and I are just so proud of the sweet girl she is.