Christmas Came Early

I actually started this post before the storm came through the East, but this picture was appropriate to the title of the post, even if it wasn't the reason I named it that. We had a crazy snowstorm at the end of October that created a lot of destruction due to the fact that the leaves were still on the trees and the snow was super heavy. This is what our front yard looked like after the storm. We were very grateful actually. The tree that snapped could have just as easily fallen on the house, which we don't even want to think about, since it was right next to the girls' room. What is truly amazing is that the tree fell on our power line (look closely), and we didn't lose power, even though hundreds of thousands lost power. We were 1 of only a few families in the ward who had power. It's an interesting experience to have an entire tree fall - definitely a noisy one. But the tree is gone now, thanks to great friends in the ward and a couple of chainsaws. One of our friends will have some great oak firewood this winter :).
But the REAL reason for this post is that Paul gave me my Christmas present early (as usual). He just can't keep surprises hidden for very long, especially if he thinks I could use it before Christmas. He makes me laugh - in a good way! He gave me a new lens for our camera that will take higher quality pictures of the kids and I'll come out with something I really love! With so many kids, we could end up paying a fortune on professional photos, and hopefully I can learn enough about photography to do it myself, and save us some money. Here are some of what I've done so far (keep in mind, I am not a professional - there are no touch-ups, just some cropping). Most of these pictures were taken while the kids were playing, so there was no formality in the photos.

Life is Good

Our eldest has begun school. I can't believe it. Samantha loves kindergarten, and I love that she loves it! I miss her during the mornings, but I'm happy for her to start this new stage of life.

Paul's birthday was earlier this month. The girls helped me decorate the cake, and they did a fabulous job!

Anna did the candles on the right, Samantha did the ones on the left.

This one was Anna's gift for Paul.

She's changing everyday, it seems. She's smiling and today she actually belly laughed for the first time! I tickled her tummy when I was getting her jammies on, and her entire little body clenched up and she let out the deepest, most beautiful, belly laugh. Her mouth made the cutest open pucker shape when she did it. There is nothing better in the world.

Adam's looking older and older. He's such a big, solid boy.


Adam just LOVES holding Cate. As you can see from his face below.

Beautiful Cate - She weighed 11 lb. 11 oz. and was 23.25" tall at her 2 month appointment.

Paul took the girls to the Colonial Faire a few weeks ago. It's held nearby at the oldest running Inn in the US. The kids had a great time. This is a picture in front of the mill owned at one time by Henry Ford. They enjoyed being with their friends.

This is what might happen when you do apple stamping with a not quite 2 year-old.

Good thing he's adorable!

Fresh peaches off the tree - delicious!

That's it folks!!