Giving Thanks

This year we had a wonderful thanksgiving with wonderful friends.  There was plenty to be thankful for this year!  One of our most exciting blessings is that we are, for those of you who may not know, expecting a new addition this spring!  And everything is looking good!   It was a treat to share this day with so many friends who we count as blessings!

Norah snuggles up with her Auntie Catherine

We got the day started early with the Packers vs the Lions!

Eric and Catherine were representing the Lions!

Sorry guys...

Ta DA!!!  

Ellyn and I created a feast for quite a crew!

The tell tale sign of a successful Thanksgiving feast!

A Walk on the Wild Side

We recently got to spend one of our few days off as a family up in Portland.  We took a trip to the Portland Zoo, which was great!  The rain kept the crowds at bay, so we practically had the place to ourselves!  Norah just loved looking at all the animals, the elephants were by far her favorite.  And word is that there is going to be a new baby elephant due around the new year!  We'll have to make another  trip up for that!

We were greeted by mountain goats

Norah measures up in wild spirit... 

but not quite as close in inches!

Norah got to meet a couple of her distant cousins!  

They have so much in common!

"Dumbo!  Look Mama!  It's Dumbo!!"

Mama elephant and her one year old baby

After our adventures at the zoo we warmed up in the luxury of a king suite at the McMineman's Kennedey School!  Norah loved jumpin on the bed and swimming in the outdoor warm pool! 

Norah got to hang out and swim with her cousin, Wilson... so much silliness!

Katie and John's Big Day!

The coming of fall brought on the much anticipated union of Katie to her John.  I love my Katie as a sister and could not be happier for her and her Lou as they welcome a most amazing man into their lives.  It was a beautiful day to celebrate a beautiful love!

Congratulations and Blessings my Loves!

Beautiful Bridie!

And the Lovely Lou!

Norah gets geared up for the big show!  

Any bets on how long she stayed all white?!  

(The answer may surprise you!)

Happy Family

Katie and her Ladies!

(Norah could not be torn away from Lou's side... it was precious!)

Norah did so well walking down the isle with Lou... 

and even sitting through the ceremony! 

Doesn't Lou look like such a little lady! 

Making a sandwich for Daddy

Norah made sure that everyone was fed before the big ceremony!

You better hydrate Auntie Kellee... it's gonna be a long night!

Ding!  Ding!  Ding!  Goes the trolley!

Naturally our first trolley stop was...

So sweet!

Most of the maids after a post trolley touch-up!

Norah takes a power nap to gear up for all the dancing you know she's gonna do!

I love that I'm married to this man!!

The Johnston Ladies

Norah and Lou cut many a rug that night!

My Girl.

B n' E

The maids being a little less honorable!

Gettin goofy with Uncle Eric and Auntie B!

The Johnston ladies let loose!

Silly family fun!

Minneapolis Times

On the second leg of our trip we settled down in Minneapolis.  We got to have some great of family time (though it's never really enough).  Gaga and Becca and I took the girls to Minnetonka Orchards where we had the place to ourselves and a few goats and chickens! 

Auntie Becca and Uncle Scott with the girls

Norah and Rozlyn had lots of fun playing with all of their Mama's old toys that Gaga saved for just this reason!

Kids and kids... so sweet!

Rozlyn is very interested in the chickens

Norah checks out the foul of the farm

Gammy and Rozlyn

Gaga with her grandies!

Even puppy gets his own swing!

Norah takes her puppy for a ride down the slide!

Classy caboose!

It was so wonderful to have all the Minneapolis family at one table!

Photographer swap out!

Bella and Norah spent the better part of the evening sliding down the stairs and laughing up a storm!

Lil Nico is ready to join in the fun!

After 20 minutes of  sliding down the stairs together Bella and Norah were best buds!

We hit up French Park on an especially sunny fall day.  Norah just loved the maze of nets... lil monkey she is!