Favorite Friday Photo-Sugar and Serenity

This week has been full of more Christmas preparations, a trip to the Broadmoor for a buffet, and the end of school.  Brian and I went to the Broadmoor for a work buffet and the beauty of that hotel was gorgeous!  Of course my camera had to go with me a capture a little of it.   

We did have the school parties and I would say some had just a "little" bit too much sugar! 

The Broadmoor was full of gingerbread houses.  It was set up like an old western theme. I haven't gone through all of them but this house was my favorite.   

Our two kindergartners at their party. It looks so calm behind them but believe me pictures can not tell the whole story!
 

Following along with Lisa on Favorite Friday photo.  She has an amazing blog you won't want to miss and I actually get to meet her in person in April! I am SO excited!

 

Beauty of Christmas in a time of darkness

 One more week until Christmas and I am having a lot of fun capturing the "little" parts of our holiday.  With such a darkness over our nation it makes me feel guilty for looking for the beauty of the season. 

When I look at those eight little eyes that have so much excitement in them it is hard to know a parent is now grieving for that same look in their own child's eyes.   

We can only pray for all those that are hurting so much in many ways, and to keep on living for today with the unknowns of tomorrow.  I can remember being pregnant with Riley when 9/11 happened and crying asking Brian what were we thinking getting pregnant with the evils of the world.  Of course that was one of the four best decisions we ever made and I pray in this season for hope for this next generation.   

This tree was like the one my Grandma had.  She was patient, kind, and very relaxed.  I remember her each year when I set this tree up and it will always be my favorite decoration. 

 

Favorite Friday Photo- A little magic from the North Pole

It was time for the annual visit with the man from the North Pole.  This was the first year I can remember that all were willing to sit on his lap and express their wants.  I believe this moment was a talk about wanting "toy bulls" from Santa.  Oh what Santa must have thought! 

The four of my loves. This may be the last year I can convince this to happen. I am not sure next year my  middle school student will do this for Mom.  So it will make it into a frame with our collection of "first" Santa visits. 

I did think Santa was so cute. Check out that
"glitter" on his checks.  He did magic which was fun for the kids to see! 

The girl with the biggest heart had many ideas for Santa.  She of course wanted to give him a hug.  Truly a Bri moment! 

The magic of Christmas was upon us this day!

Following along with Favorite Friday Photo with my friend Lisa. Stop by her blog for a beautiful post that you will find touches your hear!

 

Sunday- Decorating

Kids are funny.  We cut the tree then ran out of time to decorate, but each night they would tell us it needed to be done so it wasn't long until we loaded all that stuff upstairs and they decorated.  I don't know what Andy was looking at but the innocence of this photos is what I love. 

Bri was all about what was pretty and her "girl" ornaments.   

Riley sees the bigger picture in life..oh and those tall branches that needed a little attention.  I know we are getting closer to the 
pre-teen years. I can feel it but for now he is still doing these family nights-without complaints! 

Katie is a slower decorator she is very meticulous.  She spent a lot of time looking through "her" box and eventually got some help from her friends! 

If you know me you would know there are just a couple ballet slippers on our tree. 

 

Favorite Friday Photo-Tree

It was time once again to get our tree.  This year would be very different, we would not even need coats. I have to say with all the warm weather it has been very hard to get into the "spirit" of the season but kids are different they love the season! 

It didn't take long to find the perfect tree for us! 

Brian talked to the girls how to see how old our tree was. They were so cute counting the rings of the tree. 

Andy was allowed to take his dog with him this year.  I thought they were so adorable together.  Andy has a real connection with him.   

We always get a tree on some dear friend's land and then have a chili dinner with them.  It does not matter the weather this tradition always feels good.  I heard we may have snow this weekend..praying hard that is true! 

Following along with Lisa's Favorite Friday photo...I missed it last week and was bummed about that but I am back:)

 



Sunday Snapshot-Twilight

We are not 16:All in our thirties (some close to 40):All happily married: Many responsibilities in life: Seven kids ( and waiting for one) between us:  Had to see Breaking Dawn 2 together: Three sisters  

We all read the books.  I was never going to "waste" my mind on them.  Many were reading it and my sisters were among the readers. Discovered that a 16 year old girl in me still lives (a little).  When we were in Seattle my parents took a road trip that passed Forks and we all ended up with Twilight shirts! 

A great escape with these amazing women, my sisters, for a night. And just to touch on being a vampire...I kind of like the idea of never having to sleep, rarely eating, and endless amounts of energy!  And of course Edward.....



 

Favorite Friday Photo-Looking back!

Yesterday we spent Thanksgiving with Brian's family.  This little one is our niece and a whole lot of fun to follow around with a camera! 

We went to see Brian's Grandpa who is 93 years old.  He has seen many things in is his life the latest being surviving Hurricane Katrina.   Things have changed and aging does not always look that fun. I can see days gone past with these two talking stocks, bonds, and banking...many subjects that they both like.

Uncle Brian's turn to hold this little one. Brianna was not far behind as she loved playing Mom. 



Our little lady all ready for turkey!
 



Why does Riley seem older in this photo...maybe because the "big" boys play this and he loved it!

Following along with Favorite Friday Photo!