The Best Christmas Ever

My parents were able to be with us this year for Christmas, for the first time in decades. Thanksgiving has been their customary time to drive to Oregon for a visit, usually avoiding the icy roads over the mountains from California.  This year, since they are not driving but flew most of the way, shirking road hazards was not necessary . It was such a treat to have them here.

One Whole Year Old

Rilla turns one! The year has flown by. I've treasured taking these monthly photos. I'll review them in an upcoming post. What a cheerful bit of sunshine she brings to us all.

Winter

Unfortunately all this beautiful snow and frost completely melted away in one day and we are back to our usual rain and mud. It was so lovely while it lasted, sigh.

Choosing The Christmas Trees

Only about 2 miles from our house,

we discover this charming little Christmas tree farm.

Meeting up with Casey and Holly's family,

we choose two perfect trees, one small {for us} one big {for them}.

We take a few pictures {don't let the bright sunshine deceive you, it was around 10* above 0*!!}
Then head home for hot chocolate and snacks. This is the first time we can remember getting a tree in the snow.

Snow on Snow

The View
 from my window today.

Thankful

Dinner then the traditional walk/run

Pink Hat

Rilla~11 mo.

Beloved Friends

A Mini Vacation...

...with Ben, Shannon and Rilla.
::Beautiful weather,
::Only a little, fixable car problem,{thank the Lord}
::A couple of great restaurants,
::Some shopping of course,
::And a great condo too.

Be Still My Beating Heart

Rilla in the Garden @ 10 mo.

Determined not to let time slip way past her monthly birthday as we did last month, we got Rilla's 10 month photo session done only 1 day late. What a perfect Fall day it was too, with lots of beautiful, warm, glowy light.

Football Game at Sunset

 Last week's home game. Cold, clear weather, lots of the family to cheer Drake on, {real cheer-leaders too,} treats from concessions, Drake playing center, great game,5 overtimes. Unfortunately we lost by one touchdown. John and I split after the 4th overtime.{ Probably not the best place for him to be only 3 days after total hip replacement.}

Blue the Haze at Early Dawn

"Now the frost is in the air.

Blue the haze at early dawn."

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."-   Elizabeth Lawrence

Lola-3 (Going On 33?)

The Birthday Girl (also a little late).

9 Month Pictures (a little late)

Before we Bid Summer Goodbye