Holidays.

We had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving. With James off all week, we were able to enjoy some family time, see a movie, do some early Christmas shopping, and rest together. Grateful he was able to get the week off. We did an early Thanksgiving at the Humphrey's since Luke and Laura were able to come home. It was great catching up with a handful of family.

Amelia with her Cousin Ian... She loves him.

Amelia also got to spend some time with her cousin Brenna. Clearly, Brenna wasn't sure who this girl was.

the whole family.

We also got to see Mommom and Daddad (amelia's great-grands) Again, wonderful to catch up and see them. And of course, Amelia got Dad-Dad to read to her.

On Thanksgiving Day, we went to my parents and ate, and ate, and ate, and watched football.

Amelia wearing Nana's reading glasses.

How else do you follow up Thanksgiving meal? After dinner hot tub party! Uncle Landon is teaching Amelia how to play the air guitar.

Then, as tradition would have it, we went out Saturday for Christmas tree shopping. Here's our tree! Amelia and daddy stop for a pose.

Ellie took a picture of our family

Nana and Papa with the Ellie, Lincoln, and Amelia

Cousins enjoying the ride to the trees

Ah, I love this time of year. Looking forward to more memories throughout this month.

Give thanks to the Lord...

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we decided to dedicate the month to giving thanks. Although it isn't and shouldn't be the only time of year we give thanks, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to encourage Amelia (as well as mommy and daddy) to consider all that we have in Christ. So I made this "thanks" board that each night at dinner Amelia suggests something we thank Jesus for in prayer. We write it down on the slip of paper and return it to its pocket. I plan on using these cards for years and looking forward to seeing how Amelia's prayers of thanksgiving change year to year.

Here are the things she's said so far: Food, Juice, Daddy, Mommy, Church, Ellie and Lincoln, and Friends. Sometimes she needs some prompting but most of the time she has something on the tip of her tongue. Looking forward to see what else she rejoices in... Oh, the mind of a two year old.

It also seemed like a great time to start scripture memory with Amelia. Here she is reciting Psalm 136:1. Of course, with the camera out, she needed some prompting but what joy it brings to hear her sing out His praises. I hope and pray she will learn to treasure them as well.

Halloween!

With Halloween yesterday, we, of course, had our annual party and trick or treating with Amelia's Cousins. This year we did it at our house. Amelia was so excited but I could tell she wasn't fully getting what would actually happen. But all day she was talking about it and kept asking me when would we go trick or treating. We also had a few other Halloween related events of the past couple weekends. Here's a bunch of pictures to fill everyone in:

ZooBoo a couple weekends ago. It was fun dressing up, trick or treating, and seeing the animals all at the same time. Its a shame our little cotton candy missed her nap that day making her too tired.

Annual Pumpkin Carving

Amelia just liked playing in the seeds

Happy Halloween!

The homemade costumes were some of the best this year: Here is Ellie the Squid.

Lincoln the Hot Dog

Amelia the Cotton Candy

I made Vampire Bitten cookies for the party

After the party, we went out trick or treating. Amelia caught on quick.

Waiting on the candy.

It thoroughly wore Amelia out. Here she is with her great-grandfather grabbing a couple squeezes before heading the bed.

Happy November to all! And only 3 more weeks until Thanksgiving !!!