The Tree

 

It was a great day to go get our Christmas tree.  Everyone bundled up, it was cold, but not too wet.

Riley was so excited to be out with everyone!

The kids did a great job decorating. I let them do the decorating, and I get to take pictures, my favorite thing!

Leaves!

 Riley had fun playing in the leaves.  Well, maybe he had fun.  I think he only sat there because I told him to stay.  He wasn't too sure about it.  Nevertheless, he loves being outside, and because it's fall, he will be spending a lot of time around leaves. Next up will be snow!

Building Space

 

Josiah has really been having a lot of fun having a Lego table set up in the office. He is so imaginative and can spend hours building his own creations. I really can't imagine a time when Josiah doesn't like building anymore, but it has happened with all the others.

Last night!

 On Beckhem's last night with us, he was enjoying his snack.  They are moving to Tennessee.  I will miss them, but am also excited for this new adventure they are embarking on.

Game Time

 Josiah really enjoys playing chess, so he was excited to be able to play when Matthew was here.  The kids played quite a few games, and even bought a couple of new ones.  I think we will playing a lot this fall.

Naptime

 You might look and think Mikayla is taking a nap, but no, she is only resting on top of her big brother who is fast asleep.

Grandma's Little Buddy

 Beckhem came over this weekend and we matched.  He is wearing camouflage pants and I was wearing a camouflage sweater.  He is so much fun.  He has the most precious smile.

My Helper

 Joshua put together a new chair for me to put in our guest bedroom.  Just in time for Matthew's visit.  Glad I have so many sons to help me out.

The Big Obsidian Flow

 We took the kids to The Big Obsidian Flow.  It had been over ten years since we have been there.  It is such a fun hike.  The younger kids had never been.  Mikayla said it was the best hike ever.  She is the one in the middle.

My Hummingbird

 I love watching the hummingbirds come and drink from our feeder.  They are such amazing creatures.

My Little Precious

I love my sweet little Tiny.  She brings me so much joy.  I am thankful God gave us such wonderful animals.
 

Just like Old Times

 

Messing around with Matthew.  So great to have him home for a couple of weeks.

Working from Home

 Haha.  Don't tell Kerry.

Flagpole

Brian put up a flagpole this year. We are so thankful for our country and the freedoms that we have.  We are also thankful for all who serve to keep us safe and free.  Thank you to all who serve, but especially Matthew and Thommy.  Thank you for your faithful service, we are so proud of you!
 

Having Fun

 Beckhem loves getting out his basket of toys.  He crawls all over now and loves going in the girl's room to see what he can find to play with.

New bike

 Josiah has been having so much fun riding his new bike.  Riley loves to chase him as he rides around in the back yard.

Welcome, Riley

 Meet Riley, our new puppy.  He is adorable, and fun, and a bit of work, but the kids have really been doing a great job of taking care of him and doing most of the work.  They love him so much and he definitely gets lots of play time.  We are really enjoying him.

Interesting Year

     Well, it has definitely been a year.  At times it has been very difficult, but I try to focus on and be grateful for the good things that have happened and the blessings that God has poured upon me.  

    Some highlights have been:

        Spending time with Beckhem

        Hannah was able to be with us for several months

        We were able to go camping

        We got a new puppy

        The boys went to Mexico on a missions trip

        We bought a new travel trailer that fits us well

        We went kayaking

        Our massive hedge was trimmed (thank you, Noah!)

        Brian is replacing our deck

        During challenging times, I have learned to trust God more and more!  He has been and always will 

            be faithful!

Mini Vacation

Brian and I were able to getaway to the beautiful Columbia River Gorge Hotel.  This hotel is right on the Columbia River and the grounds are very lovely.

I really enjoyed walking around the grounds and taking in the beauty of God's creation.

Playtime!

Winston and Tiny are having so much fun with Winston's new Christmas toy! Winston has gotten super fast at catching the toy that randomly pops out.