Halloween 2012

 

Time for Trick or Treating again this year.  First up is the pumpkin carving.  I had all three kiddos draw the face that they wanted carved in the pumpkin and then I went to town.  Please do not laugh at my carving abilities.  They are a little weak, but the kids seemed please with the final result.

 

 

This year we had a Tim Tebow, Felicity-the American Girl, and Cinderella

 

Luke read Tebow's autobiography this past summer and LOVED IT!  So he knew exactly who he wanted to be when it was time to decide.  Thanks to Aunt Holly for coming through and finding a Tebow shirt in NYC for him.

 

 

Hannah chose Cinderella the day of Halloween.  Since she changed her mind every other day (cheerleader, ladybug, superhero...), I just let her pick an outfit from our dress up box and voila!  A princess!

 

Hayley's beautiful dress is one passed down to her from her cousins.  Their grandmother made this dress for them a few years ago and Hayley could not WAIT to dress up as her doll, Felicity.  I though she looked so precious.

 

Our motley crew

 

Chris made it home just in time to take them out to trick or treat.  Being back with an infantry battalion has been tough getting used to again for everyone.  Gone are the days of being home for dinner and free time on the weekends. We are back to unbelievable long hours, working most weekends, and on call 24hours a day.  Yikes.  Gotta love those 2 am phone calls.

  I was so happy that he was able to be home this night.  The next morning he left to go the field for 10 days.  Just a little "warm up" for us on what is to come with the work-ups and then actual deployment.

 

Enjoying the spoils...

Bates Nut Farm 2012

 

 

Well, we found our pumpkin farm while we are out in CA.  I always love heading to the pumpkin patch in the fall. A tradition we started when Luke was only 3 months old.  Although this fall day was not feeling like fall.  It was a warm 82 degrees, and let me tell you, the kids were so happy that I made them wear jeans!  Hehe!  This pumpkin farm has it all...the patch, a country store with yummy food, education center, petting zoo, maze, hayride, picnic area and pony rides.  We had a blast spending the day with some of our great friends.

 

I love this picture of Hannah.  Caught her in mid-giggle.

 

Listening intently to the life cycle of a pumpkin.

 

You can tell he was less than thrilled with the hat.  Such a good sport.  He made a very handsome Farmer Steele.

 

A female pumpkin flower!  Now, she was THRILLED with the hat.  Lookin good, Hayley Anne!

 

Hannah was the bee that pollinated the flowers. She loved the puppet and was a tad sad to have to give it back.

 

The maze!

 

Say "Yeehaw" for the hayride!

 

Can't wait to go back next year!

We Love Aunt Holly

 

Hooray for another visit with Aunt Holly.  Of course, we HAD to take HER to Legoland.  She is the one who gave everyone season passes!  The weather was beautiful and fun was had by all.

 

 

Luke and Hayley couldn't wait to show her the Lego version of NYC.  Pretty cool stuff.

 

 

Ah, the log ride.  Hannah was a little unsure to ride and of course the ride got stuck for about 10 minutes while we were on it.  So glad she didn't actually climb out! 

 

 

A visit with Aunt Holly is never complete until we go to TARGET!  Hannah was most impressed with the pumpkin headband.

 

 

She was not impressed with sitting in the stroller at Legoland.

 

 

We love Aunt Holly!!!!

 

 

Can't wait for her next visit in February 2013!

Living Proof Live 2012

 

What an amazing weekend I had with my dear friend, Kelly.  Our friendship has been one that brings me such joy.  For over 13 years, we have braved the title "Marine Wife" together.  I have learned so much from my dear sister in Christ.  When I think of the Proverbs 31 woman, I think of Kelly. I love her so very much and I am so thrilled to be living close to her here in CA.

 

Our wonderful husbands sent us away together for a women's conference in Long Beach CA.  24 hours of girl talk, a public bus ride, Praise and Worship, Bible Study, heart to hearts, prayer time, and a hunt for the closest Chick-fil-a was exactly what I needed.  I thank God for Kelly and our amazing friendship.

 

Sweet 16

My niece, Anna, came in town for her 16th birthday this past week.  We had an absolutely amazing time.  The kids were beyond thrilled to have Anna here with us.  You can tell they were just a tad excited to pick her up at the airport.

 

 

 

 

Art class had never been this fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, we had to take her to Legoland while she was here.

 

 

 

 

 

One evening, I was able to take her out to dinner just the two of us.  I could kick myself for not getting a picture.  We ate at a wonderful Mexican restaurant, talked and talked, and then did a little shopping at the outlets.  Super fun girl time.

 

 

 

Chris took them on a hike the last full day Anna was here. 

 

So hard to believe that Anna just turned 16.  I remember meeting her for the first time when she was newborn. Kim and Scott brought her up to North Georgia to see Uncle Chris. So tiny and sweet, she slept the whole time wearing her precious overalls just for Chris :)

 She is an amazing young woman with a heart for Jesus.  My girls just adore her (as well as Luke).  What a great role model she is for my girls.  We just love Anna too pieces and will never forget this very special visit with her.