I know I'm not doing so much blogging these days. I feel some mom guilt about that. But I am really enjoying doing these monthly photo dumps. Looking back at all we did, all of these little snippets that make up our days, floods me with emotions and gratefulness and love. May our children grow to know how loved they are and may we be good gardeners for their passions & souls.
We went on our first family hike in a LONG while at Mt. Agamenticus. It was THE PERFECT time to do some leaf-peeping. The leaves were a brilliant gold, making it a magical, glowing hike.
Our little forrester was totally in his element. Cannot wait to do more hikes with him!
This was probably Owen's biggest hike to date and he was a champ!
Ian found pretty much ever spot he could to take a rest. :)
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| Ian was my photographer :) |
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| We found a bear hibernating! |
Mt. Agamenticus is beautiful! There's a 360 degree view at the top. You can see the ocean, Mt. Washington, and many more places, all noted in a neat circle of sculptures.
The boys got to see their first porcupines up close!! These guys didn't mind the crowd that gathered to observe them.
Liesl started solid foods & Ian discovered the joy of photography this month. I have MANY of his originals on my phone.
These three are just the sweetest.
Jim continues to be the breakfast chef on the weekends, making pancakes and crepes or eggs and bacon. We love this little tradition and the boys often enjoy assisting him.
While he cooks, we often read a few books on the couch together.
Quite rarely does this little one get a bath, but when she does... the CURLS COME OUT!!! <3
Jim harvested the potatoes and I'd say we got quite a few this year...
Liesl tries swinging at the park across the street and big brother Owen enjoys pushing her.
Ian's gotten into writing his own stories, with one of us writing the words and him drawing the pictures. This one was about Frank and Barnacle :)
When we got home from that playground outing, Owen surprised me with one of my favorite moments to date. We've been listening to Oklahoma, the musical, in the car and I was singing, "Has it really got a team of snow white horses?" To which a little voice piped up, "One's like snow, the other's more like... milk." I was so surprised and thrilled. His little voice hit every note perfectly and with the exact rhythm. Love him so.
Ama & Grumps came for a visit before Thanksgiving. We took them to the children's museum.
We got our first snow!! Ian prepared his snowballs for a snowball fight with me and was waiting for me with this grin when I arrived outside. Ha! That boy makes me laugh... his exuberance for life is incredible.
First snowman of the year! It was a team effort.
Jim came with me to an appointment and had some Liesl cuddle time.
The weather was perfect for fondue... not that we need an excuse!!
My dad was in heaven. We all were, really.
So dark, but still so sweet.
We had an early Thanksgiving feast with my parents.
And we bundled up and took them to Mt. Agamenticus :)
Two bears were there this time.
I have to say that this year Owen is so much more comfortable in the snow, making the boys great playmates!! Last year it was just a bit too hard for him to walk in the deep snow and he often didn't want to stay out for very long. This year--- not so! He wants to be out there and they played together for a long time. There's no bad weather when you have good gear!!
Owen made Liesl a "birthday cake" out of play dough :)
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| An Ian selfie |
Ian helped me chop the potatoes for our chili. He's been into helping me a lot, which I love.
Full-on cuddle... love.
We went sledding on Wagon Hill for the first time this season and it was a blast. As soon as we arrived, Ian took off running with his sled. Up and down and up and down he went--- totally excited and independent! Owen was happy to spend the time with me going down, and riding his chariot back up :)
Liesl and Jim had a little cuddle session watching us :)
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| Ian gives sledding the thumbs up! |
Ian always is grateful for Jim to have a day off :) Sweet morning cuddle... but don't be deceived, these normally turn into wrestling matches.
Ian tries skating for the first time and it's a hit! With each lap around the rink, his confidence grew. It's been a sweet activity for the two of us to do together on weekends during nap time for the younger two.
Gramee & Grandpa came for Thanksgiving and we had a second feast with them!
We got our tree in the morning...
And then Gramee & I spent the afternoon cooking!!
The next morning Gramee and the boys prepped the ingredients for apple baked oatmeal AND THEN Jim and I went on our first date without Liesl for the morning. It was lovely.
When we got home we decorated the house and the tree!
Owen was thrilled to wake up to the ornaments and the lights... he said, "Wow!" In the sweetest voice that only Owen can pull off. To know that boy is to love him.
Ian's into learning his letters and wanted to match the lowercase to the uppercase.
We put our nativity scene on the mantle and Ian placed the wise men looking at Jesus. When I moved them to be walking up to the manger, he quickly noticed and told me that the wise men came to "SEE" Jesus and moved them back. So, here they are... to remain all huddled up :)
Owen, Liesl and I joined our local Hike It Baby event at Great Bay Discovery Center for a chilly, beautiful morning.
I write this one week from Christmas, so December is truly in full swing. What a wonderful season it is, and especially lovely to enjoy through the eyes of your children!!
