Heikoop Thanksgiving

Before heading off to the Thanksgiving afternoon at Diane and Brad's, James suggested we do something together with our little (but growing) family. :) And so, off we went to Brantwood Farms - just a few minutes from our place, and the location I use for many of my photo shoots. They had a whole Fall Festival Setup - pony rides, straw castle, face painting, food, hay rides, and the corn maze. And that's what we went for - the corn maze.

My first ever. I've been waiting for years to go through one...and we did it. :)

Which is why after Katie went around in circles for a while, and James thought we were done by going through the "entrance"  I persuaded them to go through again, so we could do it properly. :) I just had to experience it right. Which we did - in all of five minutes. :)

It was fun. And the kids -especially Katelyn - loved it. Erik got a bit self-conscious with the other people walking by, and Laura just fell asleep in the Ergo.

 

 Katie and the "cowboy" girl.

 Before Laura fell asleep.

 Ta-da-da

 Almost at the end of the maze.

 Good scarecrow friend.

 It took a while to get Erik to pose in there...but we got it. :)

 Isn't that look wonderful... such good food we're blessed with. Each couple/member, was responsible to bring one or two dishes, which worked out beautifully. I made the jello salad - using my mom's traditional delicious holiday jello. Special to bring in some of the Fehr traditions to the Heikoop side.

 The table - laden with much blessings. :)

 Her first Thanksgiving dinner. :)

 Erik was quite thrilled to sit at the little table all by himself. :) While the other kids sat outside on Brad's new in the works deck.

 Sarah and Jonathon

 Heather (with her darling haircut) and Diane.

Katelyn with the bigger kids outside. 

Micah, still recovering from his broken leg. 

The guys - seems like they have to have one picture of them attempting coolness or something "hoodie" like... :) Well, it was an attempt.

Nathan and Katie having a blast together. (by William)

I also took a quick photoshoot of Reuben's - his 1 year old - cake smash pictures. :)  

Then all outside and to the nearby trail for the walk. :) It was beautiful. Lots of good conversations. 

Erik getting his piggyback ride from Dad. 

 Nathan and Katie running.

 William took this shot of James and I with his iphone. :) I was glad to get it! 

Another (adorable) shot of Katelyn and Nathan.
They had a blast throwing corn kernals at the uncles... 

Walking together (another William shot)

And to end - another shot from William - sooo pretty!

After our walk we went back to Brad and Diane's for dessert and more visiting. A lovely day to spend with so many loved ones. I did call our family in Alberta, and they all shouted "Happy Thanksgiving" which made me a touch sentimental, but so nice to know they all love me. :)

Very thankful. For my Savior, husband, children, family on both sides, church family, and the place God has put me. Don't know why God had such mercy on me, but I'm forever grateful.

Pen Pals

Katy got a letter from Grandma Fehr today. She was so thrilled.

Had to carry it home from the mailbox (well, pulling it on her skateboard) and couldn't wait to open it!

They're supposed to be writing letters back and forth, now that Katy is learning some of her letters.

Grandma is such a good encourager for her.

So on our next school day, we'll have to start a letter back to Grandma Fehr. :)

On a Two-Wheeler

Katy got into her head that she needed to conquer the two-wheeler. I had her patiently :) wait for James' help, and last Saturday, he helped her a long a bit.

I saw it out the window at first, then grabbed my camera and got a few shots of her having the time of her life. 

Determination and flying hair. 

 

After many of the falls.

Big smile.

She didn't mind falling, and did a great job for her first time. I was proud of her.

It's so neat (and a bit sad) to see her growing up quickly - learning the bigger ways, and ready to tackle the next challenge. At the same time, that's what makes life extra exciting, is growing up, moving on, and ready to fall...as we learn to keep our balance.

Aftermath

The bathroom, after being gone most of a wedding weekend, and a busy Sunday...

(but it can often look like this in our normal life...)

 

Your "success" as a mom is not measured by your capacity to keep everything in order; it's determined by your ability to trust that even in the chaos Jesus is beautiful- and even in the mess, so are you." - Jason Johnson

 

How I wish that even in the chaos, I would have the perspective - not so much the part of about me being beautiful... :) but that Christ is the central One in our home, and my attitude should be reflecting that truth.

Keys and Books

I'm back again. Kind of. :)

I've had a bunch of photo shoots in the last couple weeks - family portraits, blog headshots for a friend, and my first wedding, so I'm working on editing their pictures.

But here's a couple from around here to fill up the empty space here. :)

Loves making noise. Whether it's with her vocal cords or piano strings, when she decides to make noise, it's loud. :)  

Erik reading to Laura.

It's so cute to watch a little child, act "bigger" than a baby, and help her, talk to her like a mommy, and be so helpful. Both Katy and Erik are quite helpful with Laura.

Especially telling me when she's in the toilet, or about to go into the bathroom. 

Happy. :)