Pumpkins

 pumpkin carving is just one of those things at our house that never gets old and is just as exciting each year as it was the year before.

 This was Abby's first year of really participating. And i wish we would have caught it on video. she was incredibly excited, but really grossed out each time she would touch any part of the inside of the pumpkin, which was fallowed with a squeal and giggle. Each time she would try to grab a seed, she'd put her face right up to the pumpkin.

 Boys will always be boys. And we will always love them for it.

 Its always a surprise how gooshie and gross it is inside the pumpkin, every year.

 Gross!

 All finished and lit up. Jarom and Lyd's cut their own this year, with only one small injury. All the kids designed their own, except Abby did have to have some help, but we did put a bug on it upon her request.

You just gotta love these kids.

First snow man

 After a few days the snow wasn't so fluffy and the kids were able to build with it a little better. This is the first snowman of the season at our house.

the boys and their really small tunnel.

6:30AM wakeup "SNOW"

 Our little Kathryn was so excited about the snow, that she woke up at 6:30am, before the sun was up, asking if I could please help her get her snow suit on so she could play out side. She was not very impressed that I made her wait for the sun to rise.

Family Tradition, Apple Juice Making!

 First you start with large crates full of beautiful crisp apples. which the kids love to help load into buckets, that are then dumped into the wash basket.

 Second we spray (or wash as we call it) the apples with "really" cold water.

 Third, some one throws the apples into the garborator, that chops the apples up into small bits and spits them into another bucket.

 Fourth, The buckets of apple bits are put into the press. where the men then take turns, turning and cranking back and forth until no more juice can be pressed out of the apple bits.

 Fifth, the press is disassembled, and the unwanted pulp is shoveled into the tractor or wagon.

 Sixth, the pulp is then taken up into the mountains for a tasty treat for the bears.

 Meanwhile the buckets of apple juice are strained through cheese cloth, and then poured into clean jugs for our super delicous, happy enjoyment. YUM!

Great Grandpa & Grandma Henrie's

 We were blessed to be able to visit Grandpa & Grandma Henrie this fall thanks to Miah and Allen and Sharlene. Visiting the Henrie Forest is like escaping the worries and struggles of life, even if only for a day it is always worth it, and something that we all greatly look forward to. The forest, fresh air, family, and Grandpa''s sense of humor make it an incomparable event for our family.

 Grandpa and the Uncles have created a small zip line, swings, and the "space ship" that the kids look forward to each time we come. But even without all their fantastic creations the kids always find many fun adventurous things to keep them busy.

 almost missed Ellie's picture.

 Brennan was a little to big for the zip line but Abby really needed a turn.

 this space ship has been here for as long as I can remember. There is always kids in it having a blast. Sometimes its the silly, small and simple things that the best memories are created from.

Abby was terrified of the sound of the quads when they were on, but when they were off she played with great happiness.

 Grandpa has built bridges over every little stream, and my kids think they are the coolest thing.

Kathryn walked the log piles for quite some time, very proud of herself each time she made it to the other end and didn't fall.