HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Dave and Barb made the trip from Colorado to spend Thanksgiving with us! It was a wonderful time having them here. Secretly, we had been planning with Dave's brother Bruce and his wife Polly, to surprise Dave and Barb by also being here for Thanksgiving. (from MN) We had some great family time with them and Cousin Matt.Scott cuts down our Christmas tree.
Ford is almost 4 months...laughing, 'talking', and drooling.
Dad and the boys.
Maisy in her German dress.
Law and Ford.
Wandering around the Christmas tree farm.
Girls in matching pj's.

Grandad and Bibi with the children.
Dave's birthday pumpkin pie! (thanks Mom!)
Is that a big table or what?
Uncle Bruce and Ford.
Bibi and Aunt Polly.
Dave's surprise when he sees Bruce, Polly and Matt.
Bibi and Ford.
Bibi made this amazing quilt for Maisy with fabric from all over the world...including some fabric of a Great Great Grandparent that is almost 100 years old. THANK YOU BARB!

Ford rolls

Happy Birthday Marine Corps and Scott!

Scott and I had the privilege of attending the Commandant's Marine Corps ball last night. Over 3000 people were in attendance at a beautiful hotel on the water in DC. The Marine Corps band put on a small concert and there was live entertainment! AMAZING! It was my first experience seeing secret service in person...pretty neat! Niki's Mom valiantly handled all 5 children for the night...THANK YOU MOM!

For those who know I rarely even blow dry my hair, I'd like to say I did this pretty much on my own, with Mom pinning a few hairs. I'm neither creative, nor good with hair, so God must have been helping me! :)


Solo's not an average dog...contemplating his next chess move.

Mom and Ford.
Does this look like something the men of the S family might do or what?
Scott celebrated his 39th birthday with a homemade pumpkin pie from Mom.

Are you SERIOUS???
Law learns to play chess...check out 'Julie' in the chair in the background!

Fall Fun!!!

Funny up close Maisy.
Law is 7!
Ford works on his neck muscles.
Our bookworm.
A little blurry, but a smile nonetheless.
Lots of time in the woods near our house.
Ez sports his Ethiopia hat. (it was 60 degrees and they were freezing)

Surprise visit from Uncle Jake!

Fall Birthdays!!

For this child I prayed, and the Lord granted me my petition of which I asked of Him. 1 Sam 1:27

For a year, I prayed IT was the Lord's will and we would have another child. No, that's not exactly how it should go, but that's the truth. I'm so thankful for all of our children and am REALLY enjoying Ford. He's smiling up a storm, ooing and aahing at us and the kids, and even the fish on the swing. Every day he gets more and more fun. It seems in all my bliss, I haven't taken many pictures of him or anyone else for that matter, with the camera, just the phone. I'll do better! :)

Lots of fall birthdays in our house! Its beautiful here this time of year and we are enjoying the outdoors after being trapped inside during the stifling summer heat. School, awana, swim and piano lessons are in full swing.

Law has a mini 7th birthday with Grandma.
Maisy in her birthday (5) dress from Grandad and Bibi.

Ez came up with his grape almost all the way eaten...there was no posing for a picture!
Bobbing for grapes just isn't the same as bobbing for apples...I thought it would be easier because they are smaller...but they sink. :)

Maisy trying to pass Law in the egg race as he poses for Dad!

Ford blends in sporting his hunting gear from Uncle Bruce and Aunt Polly.


Law got a hold of the camera...nice toes!

Maisy's most favorite shoes from Aunt Ang.
Bike helmets in the woods...just in case! :)
Fev turned 4 last month...check out the guard dog.
Grandma hangs out with Ford.
FUN visit from Uncle Arnie and Aunt Diana!