Photo Shoot

Just a few pictures of the kids

Anika took this shot of Kathryn!

Flattery???

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. . . For a mom that is both blessing and curse. I went to a Banner writer's workshop over the weekend. (30 hrs away from the hubby and kids -- they may have fared better than I did:-)) Anyway, this morning in true Anika fashion, she popped up in this ensemble. I had to ask about it and I discovered that she was going to a "confer'nce" -- wearing her boots and jacket, just like mommy. Then I discovered her lounging on the couch "doing a crossword puzzle":-)

Be Still My Heart. . .

Our dearest friend, Linda, gave Anika this "bride dress". Do I even have to say that Anika loves it! She is a little bit too enthusiastic about this -- more that her mom and dad. (She told me that when she grows up she is going to marry Andrew -- that is after she found out Daddy is taken. I'm sure she will be mortified by that all too soon.)

Harvest Fair

Well, we were able to enjoy another Harvest Fair with our Sunnyside friends. It was so much fun to walk in and see all the double-takes as people recognized us. It has been 10 months but it still felt like home. We miss so many of the people there!!!

Anika: cheerleader Kathryn: Pumpkin Andrew: Spiderman!

A Cow's Life

A trip to Oregon is never complete without a stop at the dairy. Anika and Andrew LOVED the calves, barns full of hay, the injured bird that Aunt Patti is caring for, cousin Jennifer's horse, and of course the big, moo-ing cows.

Pictures with Pake

Silver Creek Falls

Pake took us on a drive to see the waterfalls at Silver Creek Falls. It was beautiful - the pictures just don't do it justice, but I'm including a ton of them anyway:-)

Time with Pake

We are back home after a week of traveling to see family and friends. We spent a few days in Salem with Lloyd's grandpa and then visited with wonderful friends in Sunnyside. The kids were so excited to see their Pake again. We also enjoyed the cool weather, beautiful colors, and tons of leaves. Anika and Andrew were able to burn up lots of pent up energy after our 13+ hours of travel.

More fun . . .

We also enjoyed a boat ride and a petting zoo. What a great day!Andrew was very sad to leave the donkeys, goats, and llamas. This might have been his favorite part of the day.

Go-Karts

We had a blast on the go-karts! Lloyd and Andrew kept it a little more sedate since Andrew wasn't totally sold on the speed thing. Anika and I were pedal to the metal the whole time - she loved it!

Family Fun

My girls: Me and my girls:
Me and my kiddos (This is the first pictures that I have of me and my three little ones - isn't it terrible to be the picture TAKER all the time!):

Putt-putt Golf

Our time at the Funworks included mini-golf. It was Andrew's first time and he couldn't comprehend waiting to put his ball in the hole and his club on the ground. Anika has certainly improved since her debut performance during our vacation this summer. (Can her success be attributed to the Wii?)

Funworks Fun

Modesto Funworks invited local pastors & families to a "Pastor Appreciation Day". We were able to go and enjoy many of the activities for free. So, we loaded up the kids for a "surprise ride" and took them to an evening of unexpected fun on a Tuesday night.

Surprise (Anika still thought we were just going to look at trees):