The Big Snow of 09- Pt. 1

Some pics from our front porch as of 8am this morning (we got between 4 and 5 inches).







Time for a snow day!

Holiday Traditions

The last three years we have enjoyed a very special tradition for getting our tree, we go to costco with the Myers, have dinner, get our tree, and then go to Starbucks and get hot chocolate! Our kids love it and look forward to it every year. This year Carson is starting to understand what is going on and kept talking about going to get our "mismas tree." He was amazed that we got to put it in our house! Here are some pics from our adventure:

Kaylee sitting at the table like a big girl

Sweet Autumn enjoying her first tree getting adventure

What are they planning? Too cute

Carson loving all the trees

The gang!
We will greatly miss these dear friends God has given us! We already have a camping trip in the making and they are coming down to visit!

Northridge, CA - Our New Home

The last few months have brought about much change for our family. The biggest change being that God is moving us to Northridge, CA to plant a church. God has been growing our hearts toward being in an area where there is a need for the gospel to go forth, and Northridge is where He is taking us. We are excited about this next chapter in our lives and all of the ways in which we will be able to watch God work. We are also sad as we will greatly miss our family and friends that God has blessed us with. It has been a sweet blessing to be close to our families the last 6 years and we thank God for it.

This last weekend Tim, Caitlin, Grace, and I took a trip down to Northridge to spend time with people and to look for housing some. It was a very encouraging trip. The girls were troopers as we drug them all over the place and enjoyed seeing where we will be living and making new friends. We are not able to secure housing yet as we do not have all of the support we need. However, in the meantime we have a place we can stay until we are able to get a place. God is definitely teaching me about depending on Him, being flexible, and trusting! We will be moving right after Christmas so the next few weeks will be pretty hectic. They will also be bitter sweet as we enjoy last times with friends and family and say goodbye.

Hopefully I will be able to update and put some pictures up before we move, but if not, you know why!

Favorite Photo

First Day of First Grade

At times it is hard to believe that Cait is already in 1st grade. Here are some pictures from her first day:

Cait with her friend Jason from kindergarten

At her very own desk

Honestly, sending her off to 1st grade was a little harder for me than I expected. I think the thought of her staying longer and seeing her at her own desk made her seem so grown up. I love watching her go through the new stages of life, but selfishly I get a little sad that we are already here. At least I have 3 more that re not there yet!

Summer Camp Outs

Twice this summer we have done backyard campouts with the kids. It is easier than going camping for one night somewhere else, and they think it is a lot of fun!

The last time we camped out Grace really wanted to sleep in the shade tent we have. So here they are conked out under the stars

Our silly Gracie Girl!

Enjoying smores that daddy made in the fire pit

Sisters

A typical Carson pose!

Sweet dreams buddy!

I am so thankful for our sweet family and the good memories that God enables us to make!

Double Trouble

Carson and Kaylee are becoming fast friends these days. They love being together! They are starting to interact a lot more and are enjoy doing many things together.

Such as riding in trucks and eating popsicles...

and getting into the wipes! (Carson is realizing he is caught)

Kaylee is excited about her new find

Carson decided to redeem himself by informing me he was cleaning for me!

At this point Carson has not taught Kaylee too many "bad" things. However, I see this as a glimpse into what is to come!

Ben & Lizzy's Wedding

July 3rd my brother Ben got married. Both Caitlin and Grace were flower girls in the wedding. Grace was excited to experience this role for the first time, and Cait, well she was quick to tell us this was her 2nd time as a flower girl. The wedding was beautiful. They had it at my parents house at night. Unfortunately, I have very few pictures since I was playing wedding coordinator for the first time (and hopefully last ;)). Congrats Ben and Lizzy, we love you!

Setting up - Kaylee and Evvie

Jon and Julia

The flower girls raking

My brother Morgan taking pictures

The 4 flower girls - my girls, and my sisters Bella and Maddi

A little of this, and a little of that...

Summer has ended up being kind of crazy for us! It has been lots of fun and lots of work!

Enjoying the 4th of July parade

Giggles and grins playing with the swamp cooler!

Kaylee likes to show off her tricks

...and her cute hair!

Tim worked hard to set a trap and catch the mouse in our house

I got up in the middle of the night to get water, and this is what I saw...

And, our summer started with Cait needing stitches in her knee, here she is with her bear the hospital gave her

Lancaster County and Philadelphia

On our last day we enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing day. We decided to take a detour on our way back to Philadelphia and drive through Lancaster County. For those of you who don't know, Lancaster County is home to many Amish people. It is beautiful country and was intriguing to be able to get a glimpse into how many of them live. It also provided for some interesting conversations on life and the way we live.

The beautiful countryside

An Amish family in their buggy

An Amish farmer plowing his fields with a horse and plow

Amish family restaurant we ate lunch at. Good Food!

The weather was a little overcast when we drove in to Philly. The fog was so low you could not see the tops of some of the high risers

The Liberty Bell
Unfortunately we did not make it in time to go inside and see everything, so we just looked form the outside.

Kaylee posing, again, in front of an old village

Independence Hall - the front

and The Back