Brody's # 4

It's been such a blessing to be able to celebrate milestones with JJ and Sarah again!! Last weekend we got to celebrate Brody's 4th Birthday. We started the day with donuts and coffee (chocolate milk for the kids)!!! Then we took a trip to the family fun center for some go carts and video games!! Finally, we ended the night with a family party and sleepover!!! Brody seemed to have such a fun time and my kids could barely contain themselves. They had been waiting all week for Saturday's party. Truly it is sooo GOOD and PLEASANT
when brothers live together in unity! (Ps 133:1)

Dear Lord, I pray your blessing on Brody. May this next year be filled with your joy, peace, and hope. Father open his eyes that he may see you more clearly. I pray that you would create a hunger and thirst in him that can only be satisfied by seeking after you. Father, may this next year be filled with blessing as Brody learns more about you and truly places his life in your hands.

Father I pray your blessing on JJ and Sarah. Direct them in your ways as they raise Brody and Paige. Give them wisdom as they prayerfully consider this next years set of decisions. Give them you peace and protect them!!! Thank you father for pouring out your blessing on our family and thank you for hearing our prayer. We love you so much Jesus and pray these things in your name, Father. Amen.

Birthday Party Bliss party two!!

Halloween Pics

We have had a tradition of inviting the neighbors over for Halloween and letting the kids all go out together. It's been really fun and this year we were able to set up a little studio in the bonus room since I still had the equipment from the preschool class photo shoot rental. I should edit out the "extra" elements in the back drop of this picture, but I thought it more accurately captured the wild energy of the kids. The kids were all so cute. I think they really had fun together!!!

These are pictures of the two Ninjas Jack and Braeden. WE have been so blessed with such awesome neighbors. The Lord has surrounded us with people who share our values and just love Him. We could not be more blessed.

Here is a shot with Luke (Jack's brother) and the two ninjas!! Sooo cute :) :) :)

Breaden and Grace

We had some extra time before we picked up Kailey from preschool so I took Braeden and Grace down to the water. We had a good time playing in the dirt, chasing the ducks and splashing in the water. But, I have to say I was so touched by Braeden's tender heart for his sister. I didn't even tell him to help Grace, but on his own, he gently took her hand and walked her over to see the ducks. It was so sweet and deeply touched my heart. Truly, these kids are a gift from God!!! May His spirit dwell in their hearts always :) :) :)

Miss Grace

Well, just about the time I finally start to understand how to do the lighting it's time to wrap it up!! Miss Grace was my last little subject and unfortunately she was having WAY too much fun!!!! There was not much I could do to get her to stay still long enough to get a posed shot. BUT, I have to say we did have a blast laughing and trying to get her to stay within the backdrop. Here are a couple of my favorites. (The little stinker, I don't know where she gets it!!!!) :) :) :)

Braeden's photo shoot

Here are some fun shots I took with my little photographer in training. He was so cute and such a willing participant. WE had a blast setting up mom's studio up in the bonus room. Braeden really got into the "studio." I even let him take over the camera for a while!! He is so funny, after every shot he'll say "ohh yeah, that's a good one!!" Humm, I wonder where he gets it!!!!

Kailey's class pictures

I was so blessed to be asked to take the school pictures for Kailey's preschool. But, I have to admit, it was a bit humbling. The kids did AWESOME. Each one of them was such a blessing. I just wish I understood more about setting up lighting, and getting it to work with all the appropriate setting on my camera. By the end of the two day experience I definitely felt like I learned a lot. I just wish I could have done a few things differently!!! Thankfully, all the kids expressions turned out great, maybe the parents wont totally notice all the incorrect technical photography!!! :) :) :)

Anyway, here are my favorites of Kailey!!! These were supposed to be more formal "class picture" type photos. But between "Miss Expressive" and a mother who never follows the rules for anything......... this is what we got. I am actually pretty happy with these, since I think they capture her personality so well!!! My little Kailey Bugs definitely has a spice to her!!! :) :) :)

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

Braeden's kindergarten got to take a field trip out to Kruger's Farm on Sauvie Island. The outing was a celebration of God's creation which they had been studying. We were so blessed to be able to come along with the Isaac's and Natie's families. The day could not have been more gorgeous. We had a ton of fun learning about all the fruits and vegetables, seeing the farm animals, taking a tractor ride and finally getting to pick out pumpkins. It was muddy, but I think that was part of the fun!!! We have been soooo incredibly blessed to have Braeden attending West Hills Christian School!!!

Grace and Kailey were battling a lingering cold so they weren't quite at full speed. But, I think they really enjoyed seeing all the pumpkins. Part of the deal was they needed to pick something they could carry. For Kailey this was an easy task (find the smallest pumpkin and grab it.) As you will see this was a much more complicated task for Braeden..........

He was trying to find the best and biggest pumpkin he could carry back. His process took the entire time...... :) :) :)

more pumpkin patch

Alicia and Natie were so precious together. We were actually in the tractor ahead of them when I took this picture. I took it while we were moving (hence the blur) but, it was such a sweet picture anyway!!! These guys have been such a blessing to us. It's truly been a joy raising our children together at church and school!!!

Tyge and the girls picking out their pumpkins!!!!!

Isaac's got his!!!!

Braeden, posing for the pic!!! :) :) :)

Beach shots

Beach shots

What is it about the beach???? Truely mezmorizing isn't it!!!! :) :) :)