Sean's Birthday Dinner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFVrMV4kCIA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Christmas Tree Hunting!

We went up to Sugar Plum Farms this past Saturday to do our annual Christmas tree hunt.  We thought it was going to be super cold, so all the kids had double layers of clothes under their coats and hats...and it didn't even feel that cold even though it was 37 out!  They were begging to take off their coats and hats, haha!  It was a beautiful day!

 Hayride up the mountain

 We found our tree! (there was still a bit of snow on the ground from earlier in the week.  The kids couldn't stop throwing snowballs at Nana!)

 Lilly put little snowball eyes, cone nose, and a branches for arms in this tree to make a "snowman tree"  She was quite proud of it! 

 Sean picked out this little tree as a "kids' tree" for out front porch.  It was so cute and the perfect shape!  

 Roasting Marshmallows

 Sean got all of his straight in the fire and they burned, but he still ate them and enjoyed them!

 Lilly didn't want hers roasted, but ate them plain

 After we got the tree set up, Jack wouldn't leave it alone, so we put the gate up around it...poor guy was NOT happy!

Here's the kids' tree outside with a lot of the ornaments they have made over the years.  The top is a crown 

Then, to finish the weekend, Sean lost tooth #8 while eating dinner!  Love his picket fence smile :)

Blessed

This Thanksgiving

 I feel abundantly blessed by the precious family God has given us.

Our two sweet girls

 Oldest son and protective big brother, Sean

 Our youngest son, Jack

 A precious blessing given to us by God

 to make Sean the happiest big brother around

 And a full happy family

 I am just amazed God decided to bless us with these 4 precious children

 to enjoy and have fun together

 to watch with awe as they grow

 WAY too fast 

 from tiny babies

 Into curious, fun-loving children

 Lord willing to grow older together

 to support each other

 Thankful for a godly husband

 who loves me despite my faults

 and Lord willing, for us to grow old(er) and gray(er) together!!

 And that we will never forget the joy of our children

 and to slow down to see the world through their eyes

 We love our beautiful town of Matthews

 where our children can grow with lots of memories

 And Lord willing keep these memories forever together.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

(All photos by Amanda McQuade Photography)