Finding the perfect tree

It was a cold day, but we were determined to find the perfect tree...........
We found it, but not without a lot of searching. Here, everyone helps haul the tree to the car. Even Lily helped. Of course someone had to take the pictures:)

We walked and walked................
Lily thinks she found it. But we had to let her know it was just a tad bit small (it is behind her and just about her size). She kept saying, "this is just right"
But we were all happy with the tree we finally found, with a thumbs up from everyone! Now, let's go get some hot chocolate!!

Thanksgiving

Posting some pictures from Thanskgiving. Colton made the turkey, and Melanie made the stuffing and Tofurky. Both Colton and Melanie made the pies in of course a contest fashion; nobody could decide whose was best as they were ALL good! I stuck with my traditional making of the fruit salad and mased potatoes. We had a great day, with lots of relaxing at the end. Us girls shopped with the best of them the next day and bought a lot of useless stuff:) It was FUN though. We missed you Dylan. Can't wait until we see you at Christmas time.

Cadence and Colton's performance

Cadence and Colton were in a play over the weekend called 'The Curious Savage'. They both did such a wonderful job and we could not be more proud of both of them. Their Grandparents and Great Grandfather were able to attend one of the dinner performances.

Lily's 4th Birthday

We had a great time for Lily's 4th Birthday, even though she was still somewhat under the weather from the week before. All the kids were here, except for Dylan, who could not make it home from college (we missed you dearly). Lily's Grandparents and Great Grandfather were here, which made it extra special. You will see that although Lily is really only 4, she insisted on putting the candles on the cake and got a little carried away:) She absolutely loves horses, so that was the theme.

A girl's best friend

Lily and our dog Rainbow became fast friends from the moment we returned from China. Rainbow quickly became very protective of Lily, and Lily of Rainbow. She makes sure that Rainbow has food and water everyday (and those scraps of food under the table). Her favorite thing to do is to walk Rainbow, no matter how cold it is. They are inseperable at times! It has been fun to see their relationship grow over the past 3 years. I did include one picture of Lily and our cat Mozart taken last Christmas (as to not leave him out). Lily loves him too, but he is not much of a cuddler and does not have the tolerance for a little one that Rainbow has. Oh well, they do share the love of trains.

Black and whites of Cadence senior year

I took these senior pcitures of Cadence. These are the black and white versions of my favorites. It was fun and we actually saved a lot of money with my doing them. I think they really captured her stregnth, self assurance, and fun-loving spirit. Now, if I could just get Colton (her twin brother) to let me do his!

This is our daughter Lily who is actually turning four years old tomorrow. She was adopted from China just three years ago, joining our family to make 6 children. She has brought so much happiness and joy into our lives.