Happy NYE!!

Catching up a bit...

The weekend before Christmas we made a huge family weekend of it, we...

Saw Zoo lights

Drove to see neighborhood lights- and the singing house lights

Valley of Lights - first time

Family Miniature Golf & Video Games 

Decorated the house and tree

Watched Christmas movies

Baked more cookies

Christmas was wonderful, and quiet and just us four together. The kids asked wasn't I going to take pictures....and I said no not this year. I think I took one or two but I just sat and soaked it in. Spending time with them, enjoying them. We opened presents, we ate, we napped, we spent the day together.

Yesterday we fed big pig a treat! Her first...and she loved it!

And right before Christmas we also finished our daughters puzzle. It was a library purchase and we were happy to see it was only missing the one piece, otherwise a complete set!

and a new mug for momma...

Now we are ending 2018 and looking back on all the wonderful times. We've had a hard year I won't lie, we've been hit with big things, health things, other things but we've had SO many blessings and that's what you really have to take into your heart when looking back. Not the hard times but the good times. We ARE so blessed.

Last Week

Last week we....

Ventured to the lake for a cool weather walk/hike 

Spent time with Scarlett giving belly rubs

Decorated our Tree...Finally!

Tried ice skating but it was a bust

Family Lunch out

Family Zoo trip

Hubbie's work Christmas party dinner outing

Here's to a wonderful rest of December...we've got trips planned, cookies to bake, presents to wrap, lights to go and see and a party with homeschool friends to attend along with a volunteering day to make crafts for Meals on Wheels - our month is packed with good celebration.

Hello December!

The last few weeks have been packed....

My birthday weekend

Thanksgiving

Cutting down our Christmas Tree

Hubbie's Birthday

Town Christmas Parade

and today....decorating our tree and getting lights up on the house- its a Christmas day!

We've had such fun the last few weeks having birthday celebrations, Thanksgiving and now getting into the holiday spirit. The Christmas parade yesterday was our first time attending and it did not disappoint. The weather was very cold and we could have used extra layers - we even got a few snowflakes when we were sitting there but it was still SO fun. 

What a great way to kick  of December and get into the holiday spirit.

Our Tree cutting adventure...took us high into the mountains with a great view. The kids didn't want pics taken but we actually got one of the hubbie and I which is rare. It was a gorgeous day with the sun shinning and a bit of cool breeze. And we found 'the one' according to my husband who picked 'the' tree!

 Christmas Parade, Dec 1st 2018 - our first time!

And a book I couldn't resist at the library sale for our son! A boy and a pig, I was hooked! We'll start it after the holiday season/December.

 The boys- sunbathing on the porch.

 Welcoming the holiday season and the Christmas spirit.

Last Weekend

Last weekend was my birthday weekend...Saturday we spent downtown walking in shops, eating pizza and frozen yogurt then Sunday we went on a hike/walk and out to buffet lunch with my birthday coupon. It was a lovely family weekend spent together. That's all I wanted for my birthday was just to spend some time out with my kiddos and husband and they made it wonderful for me. So blessed.

 These two...not much on smiling for the camera!

Today is thanksgiving and we are looking forward to again just spending time together - - good company, good food and relaxing. Missing other family members that can't join us on this holiday. Also looking forward to kicking off Christmas this weekend...cutting our own tree, attending the light parade in town then decorating for Christmas as well. 

Happy Holidays!

Nature Walk & Happenings

Yesterday even though its been a long week already...because its been a long week already we ventured for a nature walk. It was chilly but gorgeous. Surrounding ourselves in the trees near one of our favorite lake spots we only walked the paved path. We stopped to view sights, listen to the trees and snap photos. Our son has been taking his camera everywhere we go lately practicing and practicing his nature photography. He is so patient sitting still positioning himself to get a good shot. He also loves taking photos of his sister and I love watching these two together. So it was a slow paced peaceful walk in nature all together for just a short time as it was pretty cold and breezy out then back into the car for some heat and home we went. Just enough of a great break with two of my favorite people in the world to spend time with.

An early birthday present I received from my sweet kiddos....yes I LOVE pigs!

 Kids raved over home made garlic knots - SO much better than store bought to go with Pasta/Lasagna night:

Recipe: https://www.ruchiskitchen.com/recipe/easy-one-hour-pull-apart-garlic-rolls/

With one missing before I could even take a picture of course...cause kids had to taste test!

 My sweet sweet old girl Sadie. One of my favorite photos of her because it brings back such wonderful memories. Our first real big Idaho snow when we lived there. She couldn't get enough of it. She ate it, bounced in it, played it in, galloped around - it was like she was a puppy again with an enormous amount of energy. 

She still has a bit of her brown on her face and legs in this photo...now she is all white.

We had a rough week this week taking her to the vet as she's been slowly going downhill- she's 12 years old.

We got some meds to hopefully extend our time with her and make her more comfortable but only time will tell.

This girl has our hearts. Shes a big love bug with the best personality. She loves car rides, adventure and the snow. She can fit 3 tennis balls in her mouth if we let her. She loved to be on the couch or in the bed as close as she could get to us - she hasn't been on either for the last year and I miss that- so does she. She has the neatest bark that we love to hear! And she just LOVES to be loved on.

When it is time to say good bye it will be nothing less than devastating. Each animal holds a special place in our hearts. So hoping for a bit longer to love on her.....

Finding peace in nature and peace with things to come.