Christmas Time

Dove Dancers

Lydia has been dancing with the Dove Dancers since September and some of her friends a dancing with her. They were in a Christmas performance at the beginning of December and what a great start to the Christmas season! I was so proud of Lydia, she had a smile on her face most of the night and she danced exceptionally!

Thanksgiving

Another great time at Papa's and Gramma's for Thanksgiving. We had lots of family time and fun. We took some hikes in the nice weather we were given and visited Uncle Rob and Aunt Naty's place and Nathan had the best time shooting air soft guns with his cousin Tomas and Uncle. Only a couple battle wounds, nothing serious:)

Heidi

Good bye dear Heidi. We are missing you so much! You were such a gentle presence and sweet companion. You were a part of our family and you loved us unconditionally. You got us outside when we would have stayed in. You allowed us many hugs, and brought us much joy. You were such a beautiful Girl and you will always hold a special place in our hearts. You were a wonderful gift from the Lord that we had for almost 10 years. Everyone who knew you, loved you...and you loved every person you met, giving them the happiest greeting you knew how to give. You were the forever puppy...just 3 weeks ago someone asked if you were a puppy because of your exuberant joy. You brought glory to God because you did exactly what He created you to do. This verse that is bringing us peace right now in a fallen world which brings struggle and death to all. "What a wonderful world, God! You made it all, with wisdom at your side, made the earth to overflow with your wonderful creations!...All creatures look to you..." While it is hard to know with certainty that our pets will be in heaven, we are hoping to see you there.

Our Heidi died November 17th. She started getting sick just that week and went down hill quickly. We hoped we were going to bring her home from the vet but God had other plans. It was one of the hardest things Steve and I had to do. We miss her everyday.

And here are some pictures to remember her by:

 

A Boy And His Dog

Ma and Pa

Friends and Star Wars

Meet Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia

Fall

My helpers again...these two raked most of the leaves in a pile to jump in this year. Maybe next year I will get them to rake them to the street.

Helper

This little girl is turning into a great helper for Mommy!

The Hunters Are Out

He is going to be a hunter I think, always trying to shot something. Better the squirrels and birds then me!

Woolly Bears

Went for a walk and these were everywhere!

Longwood Gardens

We took a field trip to Longwood Gardens with some friends. It was a blustery fall day but the kids had a good time running around Amy and I enjoyed the flowers.

Awana Fun

Lydia has been going to Awana this year and they had a crazy hair night...she had a spider on her head

And then they had a Trunk-or-Treat at the church and Nathan and Lydia enjoyed going.

Piano

Nathan and Lydia have been taking Piano since the late winter months and they both are doing so well. They had their first recital in October and I was so proud of their courage and composure.

Date Night

Daddy took Lydia on a date and surprised her with a courage...her eyes lit up! And Nathan and I went on a date also and he got me a rose. I love when we are able to spend time one-on-one with our gifts from the Lord.

Skateboarder

I finally found the pictures, I thought I had lost them!. Nathan went to a skateboard camp this past summer and had a blast! He did so well learning new things and conquering some fears, I was very proud of him! And he got in the newspaper!

A Walk On The Wild Side

We took a nice long hike in one of our favorite woods with some friends. We saw some creatures and enjoyed being silly with each other.

Field Trips and Grandparents

Gramma and Papa came down and watched the kids so Daddy and Mommy could get away for a bit to celebrate our 15 year anniversary. The kids had a great time while we were away and then they stayed a while longer when we came back. We took some day trips together. First to the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly pavilion where we learned a ton about insects and reptiles. And then we took a trip to Fort McHenry for Papa and learned a ton about our history.

And of course there had to be an ice cream picture somewhere. Thanks Papa and Gramma for coming to visit! We love it when you come!