A Mountain of Fun

During the week of Thanksgiving we loaded up the Suburban (and new rack) with loads of clothes and food and took off for the Smokey Mountains. We had such a memorable week, celebrating Thanksgiving with our family members from Mobile, AL. We started the week off in Ober Gatlinburg enjoying some ice-skating (we took a pass), black bears, ski-lifts, and the alpine slide. Even little Alden enjoyed the fast toboggan-like slide down the side of the mountain. We enjoyed food from the Apple Barn Restaurant to top off the day. We made two trips to Cades Cove National Park where the kids enjoyed "driving" the vehicle and visiting cabins and old churches. Of course, we paid Ol' Dolly a visit at the Dixie Stampede (William's favorite) and even went horse-back riding on Thanksgiving Day. Brave Caroline rode a horse all by herself up and down a mountain. We did a little outlet shopping on Black Friday to top off our trip. We had such a great time and family memories were made that will never be forgotten.

Happy Birthday Dous

While my parents were visiting we decided to do something we rarely can do with them - celebrate birthdays. We planned a last minute party to celebrate the girls' birthdays at Chuckie Cheese and invited some friends from church. Everyone had a great time, especially Jason. The men enjoyed a little basketball competition (if there is such a thing). A special thanks to all that came and made that evening a special night in our little girls' lives.

Washington D.C.

With 5 young children it is a rare thing for Jason and I to ever go on a trip by ourselves. However, my brave parents came for a visit and graciously watched our children while we enjoyed ourselves in our nation's Capital. The main purpose of the trip was to visit Capital Hill Baptist Church, pastored by Dr. Mark Dever. It was a great time spiritually where we could sit and reflect at the strengths this church family possessed and how we could grow from what we see them do in great strides.

Jason & I also did some sight-seeing accompanying by lots of walking, picture taking, purchasing souvenirs, and checking in on the kids. Through friendships at the church we were very thankful for our private tours of the Capital, West Wing, Eisenhower Building, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress (yes we were in the reading room).

Pretty Pumpkins

Here are some cute pictures of the kids in front of the house decorated with pumpkins and mums. Jason and Anne-Marie went and picked out the fall decor. Anne-Marie has really gotten into watering the mums for Karen. Denise (family friend) came over one night to watch the kids and they carved the pumpkin. Only Caroline liked digging the "guts" of the pumpkin out - surprise, surprise! Of course, it is nearly impossible to get a picture good of all five kids at one time, so here are a few of the best taken.

Fall Fun at the Farm

On Saturday members of our Sunday School class all meet at Huber's Farm for a fun day of play and food. The kids had a great time! Of course, like always, we overdosed on fried rolls and apple butter in the restaurant. Alden picked up two, one for each hand, and enjoyed every bite alternating left and right hands for mouthful bites of yummy bread. William absolutely loves the barn. He and another boy got into a "hay throwing" competition. We had to strip him down in the garage because of all the hay inside his clothing. Caroline and Anne-Marie's highlight of the trip was the pony ride. It really wasn't something that special, but to them it was wonderful. The trips to Blackacre have really helped the kids warm up to the animals, especially the goats.

First Smiles

Each time one of the newborns give their first smiles it is always exciting. Elizabeth, now 3 months old, is regularly giving sweet grins and happy smiles to everyone that looks at her. She is an absolute delight. All the kids love taking care of her and holding her. These pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago.

The Puzzle-Maker

Caroline certainly has probably "changed" the most of all our kids. Preschool has been so good for her. Apparently she loves to make all the kids laugh. When dropping her off, you can hear the kids' little voices whisper, "Caroline is here." Followed by Caroline opening up her long arms and responding, "I'm hear every body." We have had a few episodes of discipline. Mom was shocked one afternoon to learn she spent the afternoon in the Principal's office. We think she has a good understanding now of what is expected of her. One of the funniest things about Caroline is her "sense of style." She models her fashion after Punky Brewster. I don't know where she learned to "roll" her knee socks, but she loves it. Karen will drop her off for school with the socks tall at the knee and pick her up with them rolled down to the ankle bone. Karen has made her promise she will never do it again. Caroline could possibly be our tallest child. She has almost caught up in height with Anne-Marie and wears a size 1 shoe (remember she is only 4). She continues to be the source of laughter in the household. Her newest title is "puzzle-maker." It really is amazing how quickly she can put together a 200 piece puzzle all by herself. She has matured so much and is excited about life, liberty, and the pursuit of laughter.