Happy Birthday Holland!

More pics in Picasaweb!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

Following our day-after-Thanksgiving tradition, today we got our Christmas tree! Although C.J. and I were VERY excited about our adventure, I'm not quite sure Owen felt the same way. Evidenced by the picture above, I think maybe we didn't pick out the right tree. But he dealt with it. And after bringing it home, a few mishaps (i.e. the entire tree falling over while I was decorating it), and a good nap for Owen, we are all thoroughly enjoying its goodness! Now we can just spend December playing...oh, you have no idea how excited I am!!!

This is Owen in the car on the way home (and post hat removal):

Our tree in all its glory (I found it impossible to get a good pic of the tree):

And Owen staring out the windows at the cows:

A few of the things I am thankful for...

Today was an AWESOME Thanksgiving! I was a little worried going into it because we had a busy day scheduled and I didn't know how Owen would handle all of it or how well he would nap while we were out and about...but he was a champ! We spent the first part of the day with the St. Hilaires. Leah hosted and she did a fabulous job! Sherrie made most of the food, which was superb! Owen loved traipsing around with the boys and we had an awesome time visiting with the adults. We then headed over to my sister's house to spend the afternoon and evening with the Labbee crew. Alli, the food was excellent! Thanks for hosting. It was truly such a blessing to be able to spend some good time with both sides of our family today! Honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better Thanksgiving! Hope yours was joyful, too! More pics in Picasaweb.

Scott, Trisha, and Cohen...

Once again, today I got to see some friends that I hadn't seen in a LONG time...and, I got to take a few photos of them! Their little boy, Cohen, was pretty much the sweetest baby on the planet! Scott and Trisha, I really enjoyed getting to see you. Your family is precious! More of the Swanson family in Picasaweb.

If you're up for a good laugh...

check this out:

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/k1xNHaSnWI8RSO4e4vR3

I stole it from Allison...she made it...but it was too good not to share with you.  So thanks Al!

The Anderson kids...

I've decided that when you're working with kids as beautiful as these, it's hard NOT to get a good picture. Today I got to visit with a friend from church and her adorable little ones...and while I was there, I snapped a few photos of them! Shannon, it was REALLY good to get a chance to visit....we need to do it again before too long! There are quite a few more in Picasaweb for your enjoyment (click on the link to the left that says "more of our photos in picasaweb").

Oh, Country Life...

As I'm sure lots of you know, we have had quite a problem with flies, insects, and mice in this house, which I believe was built in the 40's.  Well by now we are quite used to it...spiders crawl in Owen's crib and we just flick them away; C.J. gets rid of dead mice by just picking them up bare-handed; and I vacuum up dead flies about 3 times a day.  But for some reason, my experience this morning really got to me.  When I went to take a bath and started my bath water, EIGHT spiders crawled up the drain into the water....EIGHT!  Normally one or two crawl out and I have to fish them out with my hands...but eight?  The first few weren't so bad but by the time I got to #4 and it started squealing around in my hand as I threw it out of the tub, I kinda wanted to scream...and I'm not a wuss.  I have a pretty high tolerance for unwanted creatures, but this morning just put me over the edge.  Don't get me wrong...I LOVE living out here and love the lifestyle that comes with it.  But every once in a while I start to think that living in a NEW house would be awfully appealing.  And then I just remind myself of how awesome it is to raise Owen here and I quickly get over it.  Today, however, I could do without the spiders!

The Linehan Family

So today I got to take my first whack at photographing a family! An old friend of mine from high school who I hadn't seen in WAY too long made the trek to our place with her family...and let me just say, "boy were they ever troopers!" I have officially decided that capturing an entire family is WAY harder than photographing individuals...but, I had a ton of fun! The boys really hung in there and Kim and Aaron were totally awesome in obliging me and my hair-brained ideas. There are a whole bunch more in Picasaweb if you want to see them (have I ever mentioned that the best way to view the photos in Picasaweb is by clicking on the "slideshow" button?). Kim, I know there aren't really any PERFECT shots but I hope you enjoy them just the same! It was super fun to see you...and your family is absolutely beautiful!

Today's Experiments...

I've been trying to figure out how to take indoor shots, so today I decided to play. There are more in Picasaweb for those who want to see. And by the way, I am having a ton of fun taking pictures lately and I'm running out of subjects. Any volunteers?

Grama's boys...

More from this morning in Picasaweb!

Alli's boys...

Happy Monday!

Our boy this morning.

The fruits of Daddy's labor this weekend
(and boy am I ever excited about it!)

I know this isn't the greatest pic, but I had to include it because I thought the mix of Christmas lights and fall foliage was rather unique...or maybe we're jumping the gun a bit...but why not? I mean, if you like Christmas why not enjoy it in November too?