November Thankfulness - Day 1

today & every day, i am thankful for these 2 little girls. they make my life worth living.

and it just so happens tonight, they let me snuggle with them on the couch. the both fell asleep in my arms. that very rarely happens anymore. 

Rachel's Birthday Halloween Bash

the party, as predicted, was indeed a stone cold blast. i really don't mean to toot my own horn, but come on. a halloween themed birthday party for our little girl was probably one of my very best ideas. we never get to see all the kids in their costumes because we are out trick-or-treating. 

we had her party Sunday afternoon. which lead her to believe it was her birthday all weekend long.

my very proud little witchy girl!

 some of the decor from the party. and little witch hat cookies i made - thank you, pinterest.

 presents, presents & more presents. our girl is definitely loved & set for barbie dolls from now until the end of time.

singing happy birthday, she is looking at her big sister right here.

speaking of big sister. Olivia was Medusa.

here are those crazy brownies.

party people. rachel with her best friends. and a pic of my best friends together.

the kiddos (clockwise) - emma, karlie, aubrey, walker, keller, & ellis

we had a wonderful time. thank you to all of my family & friends who obviously love my little Rachel so very much. happy 5th birthday, Rachel! we love you so much!

leaves. they are a fallin

my least favorite part of fall has begun...falling leaves.

most of the time, it's a gradual process --> enjoy the pretty colors. a leaf falling here & there. eventually they all come down & we are settled into the stark naked trees & impending winter doom & dispair. woe is me & all that jazz.

but seriously this year, every tree in our yard lost all of their leaves on the same friggin day. {please note the extra green grass. the lawn bounced back after the drought this summer & this is the greenest it has been in months.}

jarrett is the official leaf raker in our household.

and the girls are the official leaf pile jumpers/destroyers/players. 

mama is the official photographer of said activities.

playing in leaves is excellent cardio. and exhausting, as you can see.

she might have taken a nap out there if it hadn't been 45 degrees & the wind gusting at 25 mph.

 this big boy is not to be outdone by the girls in this house. for my sweet sweet jersey-boy loves a good leaf pile jump too. i didn't get pictures of the actual leaps, but let me tell you, it was quite a sight to behold.