Christmas Preperations.

We helped my mom set up her Christmas Tree this weekend.  Faye was much more interested in the big empty box than the beautifully lit Christmas tree.

Thanksgiving Photo 2013

Annual Dudley Thanksgiving Photo!  Best picture taking weather we've had in years for the Thanksgiving picture.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Johnsons!

Thankful Half

 A few months back, Camille asked for me to run a Thanksgiving Day half marathon with her.  Unfortunately, my pain levels have been so intense that running down the driveway brought tears, running 13.1 miles was out of the question.  However, I didn't want to miss out on the fun!  Thankfully Annette could join Camille in running the race, and they both put up with my loud cheers while they ran.  The race was at Thanksgiving point and on a gorgeous morning for late November.  The Johnson ladies ran wonderfully!  Camille even PRed!  The surprise of the day was Kelly driving down to meet his girls at the finish line. 

 Half a mile from the finish! 

Keeping strong!  I watched as Annette and Camille passed several runners in the final stretch.  It's so exciting just to be at a race, even if I can't be in the race.  

Kelly and his girls!  The refreshment table for the runners included the usual bananas, Gatorade, and water but also included some Turkey Day treats including Pumpkin Pie and frozen turkeys for the runners to take home!  So much fun.  Way to go, Annette and Camille!  Hopefully I can join in the fun next time.

Little Cuties

 After a year of being consumed with cake decorating, I remembered how much I liked taking pictures!  We took Faye and Miss P to Wheeler Farm for a friend photoshoot.  Unfortunately, I'm rusty, but hopefully the pictures turn out fantastic next time.

So much personality in such a tiny body.

Luckily the girls didn't mind if the pictures turned out fantastically or not, they were more interested in the farm animals.

Trick-or-Treat Practice

 Faye is still not talking much, and I'm hoping we can teach her to say "Trick or Treat" by Halloween.  Miss P and Holli joined us for a practice round of Trick-or-Treating today up at the District.  Luckily we had Miss P's cute voice to win over all the store employees.

Holli made Miss P the cutest pumpkin dress!  I still can't get over how adorable the whole getup is.

I have yet to dig out Faye's costume for this year.  So, as an improvisation, Faye was a scarecrow today.

Break time to check out their loot!

We ended our Trick-or-Treating spree at Marble Slab to find our sweet Tilly ready to play!  The girls had a blast chasing each other around in circles and eating some tasty ice cream.

After ice cream and a bit of candy, the girls were on a bit of a sugar high.  We took them to a park to work off their extra energy.  Miss P enjoyed pushing sticks through the holes of the playground stairs.

Faye loves to climb up to the biggest slide at any playground, but then is content to sit up high instead of enjoying the slide.  

Luckily we still have a week to work on saying "Trick-or-Treat."  Hopefully Faye will get it down by the big day.

Birthday Get-Away

 Alan's request for his birthday was to spend time at the Stratford Family Cabin.  Luckily his birthday was the same week as fall break, so we happily trekked northward for some down time.

We stopped at the local market for supplies.  Logically, as we saw the giant pile of pumpkins, we suck out baby in the middle of them.  

It's always a good day at the cabin.  We are grateful to have had the chance to stay. The weather was perfectly crisp and plenty of leaves were on the ground to crunch.  Even better, we were joined by Samm, Amy, and their wee lass.

Faye and Kaylee happily coloring together while the grown ups played games.

 The girls loved playing in all the leaves.

After Samm and Amy's clan left we enjoyed some family time together.  We went for a walk to check out the neighboring cabins/houses.  Faye did so well running up all the hills! 

Of course, after a good walk what's better than some ice cream.  Alan taught Faye the proper way to dish out dessert.

Even though we only spent two nights at the cabin, we had a blast!  Faye was worn out from all the fun.  Luckily Woody was willing to snuggle her on the car ride home.

Pumpkin Pickin'

Oh pumpkins, how do I love thee?  When my mom and Heidi suggested a trip to the local pumpkin patch to take pictures of the girls I was ecstatic.  Unfortunately I didn't have time to run home and grab Faye a dashing outfit to wear, but there's a certain charm to Faye's excitement about the pumpkins while wearing some basic play clothes.

 

To the side of the pumpkin patch was a corn maze.  Faye was excited to explore, and this picture is one of my favorites from the day.