My cup runneth over.

This is what my father-in-law said at the Thanksgiving table this past Thursday, and he is so right.

We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving...

Beautiful family...


laughter...


a father my children are blessed to have as a role model...


a son who brings joy to my heart, everyday...


tickles from, and giggles with Nana...


better yet--snuggles with Nana...


a son who has nothing but love, patience and kindness for anyone who crosses his path...


a grandpa who never tires of his grandchildren...



watching the Green Bay Packers beat the Detriot Lions (sorry Brett:))...


a little girl who will appease her mother once in a great while and pose for a picture:)...


delicious food...


having the chance to visit with my sister and aunt that I haven't seen in a long time...



Most of all, I am thankful for my Heavenly Father, who selflessly sent his Son, so that I may be redeemed. There is nothing better that that!

What are you thankful for?

sunshine, swinging and sliding

Today was a beautiful autumn day in Ixonia. The temperatures were in the 50's and there was very little wind. Elsi and I enjoyed a walk, swinging, sliding and the sunshine.

Little girl swing...


Big girl swing with silly faces


Sliding


Hunting for rocks


Rock inspecting...talking to the rock


Wearing Mom's slippers:)

there's nothing like...fellowship with friends

Saturday, we spent the afternoon in fellowship with some wonderful friends. Chuck, a great friend from church, invited the Tiedtke's and us to his house for the afternoon for a picnic. We enjoyed beautiful weather, food and fun. He was a most gracious host and cooked up a delicious dinner. We greatly appreciated his hospitality and hope we can return the favor in the near future.

Charles, our gracious host

Charles's & Ingrid's three beautiful girls

Gretchen

Charlotte

Rachel

Simon piles leaves on Gretchen...Gretchen goes to return the favor:)

Elsi and Daddy hanging out

Leaf boy

Isaiah, chillaxin':)

Noah in the dog kennel...where he belongs:)

The dump...

the accusation...

the anger...

the threat.

I think someone has anger management issues;)

Elsi hard at work...raking leaves:)

Charlie Boy enjoying salsa...and...homemade guacamole. Yum!

1. Elsi finds hair clip.

2. Mr. Tiedtke shows her how to use it.

3. She tries it out on him:)

Steve and Drew called me away from Elsi to something...I just had to see. When I got there, this is what I found...

April works so hard, it's great to see her enjoying herself.

Rachel and Gretchen tree climbing

Ben & Simon tree climbing

Playing ball with Abby and petting kitty

Noah...being Noah:)

Playing ladderball, solo

Looks like someone enjoyed Hawaiian Punch:)

Strolling with Mr. Tiedtke

Not really sure what is going on here?