Thanksgiving Snowscapes from Tahuya

the bean

Peek

Sledding

Last week we had temps in the teens and it was icy! We did get a couple inches of snow, but we found the best sledding near our house was on a iced over road in our neighborhood. Here are a few shots from our very chilly adventure!

The view from my bed

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want. need. wear. read. share.

I love Christmas. I am ready to get the decorations out of the attic, put the lights on the house, sip hot cocoa and trim the tree. I will be waiting until after Thanksgiving...reluctantly so. 

BUT, while I am already looking forward to stockings being hung, bedazzling the gifts under the tree, and seeing the wonder on Ryan's face Christmas morning, I am also aware of the need to simplify Christmas for our children. All children love Christmas and of course, Christmas gifts. But I have the desire to teach my children that more is not better. More is just... more.

Recently, I was introduced a new gift giving idea to me. Each child receives four gifts on Christmas: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. I think we will add a fifth category for our family: something to share.

I pass this on in the hopes that it may help one family out there simplify, be intentional, and give thoughtfully. This year, that's just what I'm doing!

want. need. wear. read. share.

vroooom!

A couple of weeks ago we welcomed a new addition to our family...

Ryan calls it our "Monster Truck"

 

2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 4x4 Crew Cab (diesel)

butterfly eyes

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black and white

We had so much fun last night! We joined our friends the Malloy's and Richmond's and went to the Proctor District (neighborhood in Tacoma), where they close traffic off and open all the businesses for trick-or-treating. It's geared for little ones (starts at 4:00 and ends at 6:00) so there weren't any scary costumes or tricks to be had! :) 

Ryan was NOT excited to put his costume on. He fussed and cried saying, "I don't like my penguin" most of the ride to proctor. Once he got out of the car and saw everyone else dressed up - and then got to put his pumpkin basket out and received CANDY!? Well, let's just say the evening got a lot better! He loved it! And he got lots of compliments and enjoyed the whimsical, silly and fun part of Halloween...just like his mama! Next year I'm hoping Rob and I will dress up too. I had thought about Rob being "the man with the yellow hat" and Ryan being Curious George. It would have been pretty funny, but we have had a lot going on and I couldn't pull it off this year. Who knows what next year will bring... :)

Here we go!

How does this trick or treating thing work?

Taking it all in and enjoying it!

Off and running.

Later at Grandma and Boppa's house - 

and a little chocolate on his cheeks too!