NASCAR Party!

Recently, we went to a birthday party for some good friends of ours, two boys turning 8 and 11. What better place to have a party than at the NASCAR Speedpark. With so much for the kids to do, go-karts, laser tag, a rock wall, the arcade, not to mention the food and cake, there were times we didn't see Calla or Noah for a long time.

Noah's favorite was the go-karts, he loved "driving" and speeding around the turns.

Calla seemed to enjoy herself too:)

Sadly, Nehemiah was reduced to spectator status until he gets a little older.

This was one table with Andrew the birthday boy.

Jeff snuck in a picture with William, the other birthday boy.

Our children certainly enjoyed the menu of pizza and cupcakes!

Later, Calla and Bella hit the arcade. After repeated warnings that the "claw game" was impossible to win and therefore a waste of tokens, I was silenced when Calla won on her first try!

My little climber was up to the top in under two minutes.

The only "hog" Noah will ever ride (if his Daddy has anything to say about it).

The only gun Micah will ever shot (if his Momma has anything to say about it).

Finally, we went outside for the rides. The little ones were just tall enough to take a turn on the Frog Jumper (think smaller-sized Tower of Terror).

I love Micah's expression! We will call this the "going up" face.

And this is the "going down" face. I think he enjoyed himself, I know the rest of us had a blast!

Christmas Card Sneak Peek!

This past weekend was so beautiful with the awesome weather and the changing leaves, we decided to take some family pictures in the hopes of getting some shots good enough for our Christmas card. We dropped by our friends the Jones, who graciously accepted our last minute plans, and got a few shots of their family as well. After just a few mini-meltdowns (most of them by me!) we let the kids just do their own thing. Wouldn't you know, those were some of the best shots of the day.

Oh how I love those blue, blue eyes!

I try so hard to keep this cute little face in mind when he is being ornery...which is pretty much always!

Noah and this football have been attached all weekend. He took it everywhere, seriously, everywhere. We had to pry it out of his hands for a couple shots, but managed to get one or two sans football. I think he may have slept with it Sunday night:)

Caroline took awesome pictures, or should I say Jeff took awesome pictures of a very photogenic Caroline.

Calla showing off her acorn collection.

Soon we moved inside for some pictures in front of the fireplace and then on to lunch.

These two had enough pictures:)

One quick call and the Vaughn's joined us, let the party begin. The guys watched the game while us ladies kept ourselves busy.

Claire certainly was a big help. I wonder if I can hire her to babysit?

Back outside to run off some steam, I took charge of the camera and got a few shots of my own!

Sweet sisters.

Silly kids!

Finally the guys joined us outside for, what else, more football!

After such a wonderful day spent with great friends and (hopefully) some terrific photos, it was our Heavenly Father, the first and greatest artist, that had the last word, er shot, umm picture, well you know what I mean.

The best photo of the night:)

Craft Crazy!

Poor Fall, or more specifically Thanksgiving. It is the forgotten holiday. With Christmas music on the radio and fall decor 70% off in most stores, one would think we are securely in the Christmas season, but alas there is still one important day left before we say goodbye to Fall...Thanksgiving.

I guess you can't really blame retail, aside from grocery stores, there is very little money to be made on Thanksgiving. In our marketing-rich culture that equals, Christmas comes early and Thanksgiving gets pushed aside.

Well not in our household!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Families together, tons of great food and most importantly a reflection on the abundant blessings Christ has showered on all of us. In an effort to give a little love to Thanksgiving, I did several fall crafts this month. I am a chronic starter of things, but I definitely struggle with the finishing up of projects. What I need is a little accountability:) My good friend Rebecca provided that, meeting with me once or twice a month so that we could start and FINISH some crafts. Pinterest inspires me (if you are wondering where I get my ideas) and Rebecca keeps me on task to complete what I start.

Fun themed hair clips.

Fun, not-so-themed, hair clips.

And along the hair accessory line, something we have needed for a very long time, a headband holder.

Can't leave the boys out! This is a scarf for Noah.

A turkey taggie that was a bit cuter in my head than in person. That may have something to do with the fact that I am not a great seemstress and obviously cannot sew a circle:)

Attempt #2. Yikes! Not much better, possibly worse, but I know one person who didn't mind my creative sewing at all.

Yep, definitely my biggest fan.

And lastly my crowing achievement! This thankfulness board has been on my to-do list for far to long so I am thrilled to finally see it realized. I love the idea of adding to this every year with the cards in each pocket showing what we are thankful for that day of November. What a beautiful way to capture memories and moments. I love that this is quite big as well, reminding everyone who sees it that we have so much to be thankful for in our lives.

I plan to do a similar project on the back side of this board with an advent calender, lets just say the pictures will come...soon;)