So much to be thankful for!

November this year found me feeling more grateful than ever before. Our thankful tree--and hearts--were overflowing!

Children especially have no difficulty finding things to be thankful for..."my mussells, muny, day and night, food, trees, ansesters, the temple, dimples, our Savior, braids...." 

So much time with family...this was a great cousin get-together with the Johnson side. 

Gorgeous weather and children that make my heart sing every day

And a fun-filled Thanksgiving with our own little family, Rachel, Conlon and Baby Jane to wrap up a month of gratitude.  (See that handsome angel who makes my life sweet and wonderful every day?)

Darren, Hope and Jane even took really long naps that day so we could have a quiet, peaceful, warm! dinner!  Another Thanksgiving miracle :). 

Fall is just plain fun

Yes I love this season.  In every way.  I love the warmth of the colors and the briskness of the air.  I love the caramel and the apples and the candy.  (Admittedly, my kids get a little angry when their Halloween stashes diminish more quickly than expected ;). I love thinking up and making costumes for the kids with Kevin.  (Narnia theme this year....Darren is Aslan....

Eden is modeling Ryn's White Witch crown)

I love the leaves and even raking them.  

I love chilly days spent inside that end like this one: (Darren helped pick up some toys in this bucket....)

http://youtu.be/CVcgkhAKcSQ

And the perfect ones where you glory in every second you can be out there in long sleeves and pants or short sleeves and a light jacket soaking up the golden light. 

 

 And the evenings just begging for a fire to roast marshmallows and hobo dinners with friends like the Lehnardts.  (In case you can't tell great photography from mediocre, most of these pics are from the Great Michelle :))

And Halloween recitals, parties and trick-or-treating....

Darren wore the clown costume Carma made for Kevin to a cousin Halloween party. 

Ryn--White Witch, Elle--Susan, Eden--Lucy, Darren--Aslan, Hope--Reepacheep and we had my sweet parents handing out candy and Kevin's trick-or-treating with us. 

And now we have Hope's birthday to add even more joy every year!  I can't believe it has really been a whole year.  What a gift she has been!  Next post:  "Hope turns 1" :)