The best day....

We had this weekend picked out for the last month. We having been planning to do something fun with the kids. We couldn't have picked a better day! It was 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. We decided to take a trip to Decorah to enjoy the trails and scenery.

This day is also one of my favorite days and the rest of my family's least favorite day.....Christmas card picture day. I decided since we were going to have the camera with us and the beautiful scenery behind us, we might as well take the tripod and get a picture for our wall and Christmas card. We got a few that turned out. I think the first one is the "winner"....but I kind of like the second one too. Any suggestions?? 1 or 2?

 The boys had a blast climbing the cliffs and sticking their hands into the water!

 Zeke enjoyed eating the leaves...he is so quick!

 We went to the trout hatchery. The boys enjoyed feeding the trout and watching them splash up at them!

Family Pictures

This weekend we went to a pumpkin patch after church and then we took the "dreaded" family picture for the year. The boys hate this...Ben hates this....and I usually get crabby and frustrated, but I still make us do it. Each year, for the past 4 years, we have taken the tripod out on a nice fall day and attempted a picture. I have found that they turn out better if we take them ourselves than if we go somewhere to have them taken by a stranger. This year was no exception. I thought we got some really great ones....So, instead of waiting until our Christmas card to share them, I just have to share them now! The boys smiled so nice...even though there technically wasn't anyone behind the camera.

just cute.....

I really don't have time to write much. Here are some pictures that I just feel like sharing because they are cute. Nothing fancy, just really cute. I love these boys that I share a life with. How did I get so lucky???

Silence

The older boys and our niece and nephew are on a vacation with Grandma and Grandpa...

Eli is sleeping....

Ben is at a class in Minnesota.....

The t.v. is off....

I am alone.....

And there is silence....

I never thought I would say this since I long for the time alone, but I miss the boys and Ben and Eli. I wish the kids would get home, I wish Ben's class would be done and I wish Eli would wake up. It is too quiet for me. I think I have to type this because I will soon forget how much I miss the noise. When everything is going on, I long for silence and some time to myself. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed the break, but I really am ready to have my family back! I guess sometimes through the chaos, it is hard to remember how much you miss it when it is gone. This is my life and I do love it! I love the noise of little boys running their trucks and dinosaurs on the floor. I love the squeal and babbling baby. I love the conversations that I have with Ben when we get a chance. I just sometimes forget....