Christmas

The girls waiting to come down the stairs to see what Santa brought them!
Harper looks pretty pleased, especially because she is sitting next to big sister!!

Madison and her Dad enjoying the early Christmas morning.

The girls in front of the tree.

Harper checking out her new musical instruments.

Christmas Tree

Last weekend we went on a hunt...for our Christmas tree. It began on this platform in 30 degree weather where we loaded a horse drawn hayride and were "let out" in the wild to find, chop down, and drag back the perfect tree.
* Note the scary saw*

Getting bundled up!

My girls

Trekking through the fields on the hunt...

We found it!!!! A blue spruce...which actually once home was A LOT more prickly than first thought.

Matty and Madison cutting down our tree.

Now it is time to decorate and what a great helper!

Ta Da!!!!!!!!

Another First

Here we go....

Firekissed flushed cheeks

Madison roasting marshmallows

December 1st 2009 has been my favorite day at our new home so far. We built our first fire and spent the whole evening laying on blankets, listening to Christmas music and being mesmerized by the flickering flames. I made a beef stew and we roasted marshmallows while intermittently talking, laughing, crawling, wrestling, and reading. Because of the flash on the camera the pictures don't really capture the dark, warm, firelit feeling of the atmosphere. It was the perfect night.

What a Great Trip, Part V

Abilene!

We love Wade!

Harper, Kyle, Erica, Madison and Me

Me and my girls

One last photo to remember our trip by!

So our first trip back to Texas was filled with family, friends and memories. It was hard to leave, but also so good to be Home again.

Friends, Texas Trip Part IV

Me and my gals

Madison and her gal

Our incredible kids!

Friday was very specifically set aside for friends. I was able to spend a lovely, laugh filled day and night with Jill and Sarah, two of my best friends. Their presence made my trip and it was such a special time. Luckily we were able to see Megan the night before so I didn't miss out on any of my gals!
Madison was able to be with one of her best friends, too. I loved watching all the kids play together in such creative and rambunctious ways! It was such a fun, fast and furious 24 hours.

Abilene, Texas Trip Part III

Upon our return to Abilene we enjoyed the familiarity of home. We had a whole crew over to visit and play on Thursday and it was so lovely to see all of our friends and family.

Visiting with Uncle Matt, Lily and Grandma Jilly

Lily and Harper

Madison and the kids

Loving on some Uncle Dee Dee

Lucy Jane, Texas Trip Part II

The proud grandparents!

Harper loves Lucy, but really, really loves her bow

Madison and Lucy

One of my favorite pics of the whole trip!

Kickin' it with Uncle Kyle

What a crew

A day at the Falls

After the big D we next traveled to Wichita Falls to visit Cody, Emily and ta daaaa Lucy Jane. She is so precious and tiny and beautiful! Harper looked like a beast sitting next to her. I can't wait to see the two of them grow up together.
We took a trip to "the falls" of Wichita and walked around with the fam. Kyle and the folks, and Mamaw came up to visit us too and we had such a wonderful visit. It felt amazing to be with my family again!

Texas Trip, Part I of Many

Giving Some Sugars

Delicious!

Last week the girls and I went home to Texas for the first time since the move. It was glorious!

Harper was pretty spectacular on her first plane ride much to the delight of our fellow dubious passengers, who had probably seen the same article I had about the baby and her mama who were kicked off the Southwest flight the week before. Success with no tears or tantrums!

Lauren picked us up from the airport and it felt great to be back in the Lone Star State! Madison was able to stay with Grandma Jilly and Papa Ben while we spent the night with the Devenys and Harper and Nolan got to know each other a bit. He was a doll to her, so gentle and sweet. They shared baby food and his puzzles. Mason came over to visit and have dinner with us and by the end of the night the Thorntons were pooped. I think I was out by 8:45!

The next day we were off to Lauren's baby shower for sweet Clara. It was a great time to see some more folks and catch up. Mason was incredible enough to take us to Witchita Falls for the next part of the adventure!

Here's to Fall Ya'll

Enjoying one of the last sunny days

Patterson Fruit Farm doing some pumpkin hunting

Autumn

I have never seen colors like I have this fall. The pictures I have taken don't portray the vibrancy of the golds, oranges and reds of the leaves.
Yesterday was the picture of autumn-the contrast of the fall colors of the leaves against the crystal clear blue skies. The warmth of the sun complimenting the chill in the air so that laying a blanket in the sunshine feels like heaven! We all took a walk after Matt got home from work and took in all the beauty, from the smells to the colors. Since we moved here it could be my favorite day in Cleveland.
Madison's favorite climbing tree has begun to change color and I couldn't resist snapping some photos of her surrounded by golden light.

Cheeri-O!

Harper enjoyed her first experience with cheerios today.

She started out using her two fingers to pick one up at a time, check it out, suck on it and then make it super mushy.

But by the end....handfuls, stuffing like there was no tomorrow!