Playroom tree

Last year, at an after-Christmas sale, we found a killer deal on a 6 foot artificial tree. Though Brian and I are both adamant supporters of the real thing, we thought it would be pretty fun to have another tree upstairs, that the girls could decorate as they wish, in all the bright pinks and purples their little hearts desire.  So it's been stashed away in the garage for a year, and when we pulled it out, it truly was "like Christmas" for the girls to piece together, and decorate "their" tree, which now adorns the upstairs front window.  Fun!

Goin' on a tree hunt...

Quick!  It's not raining!  Put on your boots!  We're goin' to find a tree! 

 Tromping through the tree farm...

 This is fun!

 Why are they always more interested in picking weeds than picking a tree?

 

 Daddy, the tree hunter!

 

Our 8 foot Nordmann, all decked out.  :)

Where did November go?

Where did November go?  Well, that's a good question.  Although a "short month" on educational calendars, with plenty of days off, we found ourselves over-booked, and under-rested.  I'm not quite sure I have it in me to go into the details here, nor do I think it would be wholly appropriate, but let's just say we've spent the majority of our "free" time over the last month or so trying to ensure the safety of ourselves, our home, and most importantly, our girls.  And it's been exhausting.

The good news is, that we made it over the hill for a quick Thanksgiving trip to Bend, where we got to visit Mimi, Papa, Rob, Jenn, Mikayala, and Grandma and Grandpa Carter.  Our visits there are always too short, and we look forward to going back soon.

We are currently gearing up for the holiday season, and are hoping this month takes a turn for the positive, with a definitive reduction in drama.  Here's hoping I can fill our blog in the near future with tales of fun adventures and holiday spirit.  Happy December!

 This may be the only photo from Thanksgiving (or the whole month, for that matter) that turned out halfway decent...)

Soccer pics!

YMCA Youth Indoor Soccer League

Team Rapids

Ages 3-4

Fall 2012

School pic

Second Grade

Mrs. Meeuwsen

2012-2013

Happy Halloween!

What a fun, crazy, busy Halloween!  :)  As soon as we got home, we got our costumes on, and took the obligatory pics.  We then hopped in the car, and headed across town to trick-or-treat at our old neighbors' house.  They miss the girls greatly, and look forward to seeing them in costume every year. 

 After that stop, we headed to the Frye's house for mummy dogs, mummy pizzas, a pumpkin veggie tray, and apple cider.  Yum!  The kids were so excited they could barely eat, but we managed to get some real food in them before meeting up with the Harms family too, and hitting the streets.

The Three Amigas..."Daphne," "Wicked Witch," and "Dorothy."  :)

*THE* most haunted house in the neighborhood!  The pics just don't do it justice.  Creepy!!!

 By the time we had hiked from the Fryes' to our house, (the halfway point before looping back), cousin Keira had showed up for a quick snuggle and a chocolate bar for her Daddy.  :)
  

We made sure we hit up every house on the way back up the hill that we had missed on the way down.  By that time, we had been trick-or-treating for TWO hours, and the girls had quite the stash of candy to sift and sort, and celebrate.  Another successful Halloween!

 

 

Disney on ice

Surprise!  Disney on Ice with Grandma, and the Masons!  Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon!  :)