family time

when we left it was pretty nice

sun shining, short sleeves

 something happened as we drove north

 

first the leaves began changing

and we needed an extra layer of clothes  

 by the time we reached our destination

I was freezing...and wanted SEVERAL layers

I'm just southern

 I did get to take these awesome pics of snowflakes

 I couldn't believe how intricate the details were

***

on our way back 

we stayed a few nights in the mountains

the first thing we saw...

a flock of wild turkey

 the view from our room

one of God's many masterpieces

 I do love a fireplace!

 celebrated Timothy's birthday 

with one of our favorites

Great American Cookie Company

 gorgeous sunset

.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

 we took the kids ice skating

 they've all been a few times

 though it's been quite a while

 I felt like this most of the time

 they all caught on pretty good

 I refuse to put the pics of us falling :)

 Stonewall actually looks cute on all fours

but we all had a great time

 even if we were a little sore later

 it was worth it.

I love playing with my children!

a visit in ohio

We have been out of town at a few meetings, 

and had the opportunity to stay with some friends in Ohio.

They have children our childrens ages,

some very, very close! 

The children call them Uncle Tim and Aunt Sandi

and I won't bother telling them different.

One of the first things I did was take a walk, yep, in the snow.

I some places it was up to my knees still!!!

But, I love going for walks, and I really enjoyed it.

I found something on my walk.

Tracks; deer, coon, birds, turkey......
Tracking down south is a bit different...

We all went bowling. 
Some of the children had higher scores than me!!
I told them I needed bumpers.
Here the boys are making sure nothing gets wasted out of the nachos!

Angel and Hunter are only one day apart. 

With so many of us playing, 12 to be exact, 
most of the time we spent waiting.
But we all had a good time.

Sandi curled Paige's hair one day.

And mine, which was a job, because my hair is very thick.
I liked it, and Nick did too, thanks Sandi.

This is what happens when you turn boys out to play!!
Then the temperatures got up into the upper 50's and lower 60's, 

and the snow melted. That left.............MUD!!!!!
We all had a great time playing out, even if it was super muddy. 

This is what is left of the new socks after the snow melted???
I'm not sure if it's best to throw 'em out 
and start over, or try to wash 'em.

Larky and Stonewall were playing basketball. 
No, Stonewall isn't picking, only scratching.

Summer and Paige had a great time thinking up ways to irritate Aaron,
aside from teaching Stonewall that he likes Summer best!!!
Aaron lets Stonewall play games on his I-phone, 
so while Aaron wasn't paying attention,
Stonewall learned how to text and call Summer.
Pretty good for a four year old.

Levi and Jewel hangin' out.

Callandre and Hunter playing.
We had a fun week playing and getting to spend the time together.