November 25, 2011 Christmas Tree Hunting

We usually get our christmas tree soon after thanksgiving but wait to put it up in our house so it won't be too dry on Christmas.  This year we were able to join my parents and sister's family in the hunt for a perfect tree.  I have to laugh a little when I think about this tradition but I do love all christmas decorations especially a beautiful fresh tree!  We went to a tree farm just minute away from my parents house in Arlington which is where we went last year.

Walking out to the trees on the tree farm

We are straggling behind and gained a little furry friend along the way!

Lovinus kids doing their pose which has become their tradition

Lovinus Family

Makenna

Cameron

Steve being hercules carrying both his growing kids

Braden look at the camera

The Christen family of 3 on Braden's first of many christmas tree hunts

I didn't have gloves for Braden so he has socks on his hands and of course they are going to his mouth.  No surprise there!

Gorgeous view back to their barn

Cameron & Makenna

One tree found!

Posing infront of the horses

The tree hunting gang!

We had to get a pic in front of the tractor however there is so many of us you can't see it!

Thanksgiving November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving this year was at my sister's house in Everett.  It was my holiday off this year from work.  My Aunt Barbara and Uncle Brent had not moved back down to Tucson, AZ yet so they were able to come celebrate with us.  It was nice since they are usually moved down to Arizona for the winter months for both Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

My sister's beautiful table all decorated and ready for our big feast!  You'll notice in the back is her new China cabinet that Steve worked so hard to finish so it matched their table.  Looks awesome!

My mom wanted to get a picture with your grandkids for their christmas card.  We took a couple of dozen and none of them really turned out great.  Mostly it was because the lighting was so poor and the photographer (Me) didn't know what to do on my camera to help the lighting issue.

My dad brought his tripod so we could get a family shot.  Again hard to get everyone looking, smiling, and eyes open.  This was the best one of most of us....sorry Uncle Brent since your eyes are closed in this one.

Cousin Makenna hanging out with Braden in the exersaucer!

Grandma Jacquie with her grandson, Cameron

 Steve working in the kitchen

Cameron and Makenna holding hands as we say grace!  Too cute for words!

We are eating our feast!  We are so blessed to have all the many things God has provided for us....family, friends, shelter, and food!

What are the kiddos eating?

November 20, 2011 Braden's Dedication

We dedicated Braden at Bethany Community Church on November 20th.  Everything went great and he was actually dedicated with 3 other little children so it was a busy service.  It was great to have so much family and friends come to join us in our commitment to raising Braden to know the Lord.  We were missing a few important family members from Yakima but understood why they were unable to attend.

Uncle John getting his time in with Braden before the service.

Braden with his cousins Cameron and Makenna.  Cameron is doing a great job holding Mr. Wiggly (AKA my son)!

The Family and Friends who joined us

The family with Pastor Joe Springer who helped perform the ceremony

Well after several pictures we still couldn't get Braden to actually look up at the camera for a picture....oh well!

Grandma Christy with Braden, of course fingers in the mouth.  No surprise there!

We invited everyone back to the house for lunch after church.  Cheryl and Taryn are being sports and posing for a picture.  You have to love it when people always want to take your picture while your eating.

Cameron, Makenna, and Dad's turn to say cheese!

John hates having his picture taken but somehow we managed to get him in one.

Grandma Christy with Braden.

November 1, 2011

I made a visit down south to see my grandparents with my dad.  They hadn't seen Braden since he was a couple months old so I was way over due.

I had Braden in his borrowed exersaucer from the Robinson's (Thanks guys!).  He loves that thing.  It totally saves me when I'm showering or getting ready in the morning.

Braden crashed in Grandpa Dick's arms during lunch.  Oh I just love it when they are molding to your chest and sleeping.  Don't you just wish you could freeze that moment in time forever!!!

I wasn't sure if he would nap during our visit but I was able to transition him to the floor and he stayed asleep for a short while.

Braden and Great Grandma Ann.  She could hardly wait to get her hands on him!

There's my smiley boy!

We convinced Great Grandpa Bill to have a short hold too!