Christmas Memories 2017!!

Our Christmas day was gray but warmish- wish we could have seen some snow :)

Benaiah on Grandpa's shoulders...

Then little Owen comes next- he's  so soft and cuddly :) 

And Auntie Jubilee loves to "mother" him when she can...

I had a little helper to set the table...

Our table decor is always pine branches and pine cones as we have plenty of them....

Some friends gave us some bees wax candles, they were fun to burn...

Our normal menu of soup and salad, but instead of ham we had little smokies...
Chicken noodle soup, sausage potato soup...

The smokies and gnocchi soup....

Kaitlyn's yummy dessert...

A favorite cottage cheese dish...

And our raspberry dessert and Hannah's iced brownies in the back and some chocolate candy...

A happy face, ready to open her presents...

Our happy family, minus our Canadians  :(  And next year, we may have less as they may be in Canada as well...

The boys mostly got warm beanies which they really use for chores on our cold mornings... 
Not sure why these pics are so blurry, hope you can still enjoy...
The girls have handed this blog post job over to "Mom" so I will try my best to keep you updated with our life here in AZ.  Wedding plans are in FULL swing and we are counting down the days!!!  We have 3 weeks left til Joylin's wedding.

Joshua's Reward for His Determination !!

Joshua spent half of the summer practicing with his bow and arrows. He was determined to get a big buck even though he hadn't gotten drawn for gun hunting.... Nothing was going to stop him!!

He scouted out this big one a few weeks ahead of time and kept stalking him and keeping track of him. He actually lost him for a few days and then found him in a new location, several miles away....  The poor thing was just doomed :(  He shot him at 25 yds. he ran 20 more yards and died!!

Justin helped him get it home that evening and big brother came by to rejoice and admire it with him!!

He was soo happy and thanking the Lord for helping him :)
It will be the biggest one on our wall :) 

Joylin's Bridal Shower

Kaitlyn had a fun shower for Joylin, everything was so neat and organized. We all enjoy her hospitality skills :) 

It was a wintery theme...

Scarves with candles, greenery from our pine trees, and some special tasting pretzels....

Our beautiful bride - to - be :) I didn't get pics of the gifts but most of them were small things or money since she needs to haul it all to Canada.

The Hot Cocoa Bar with all the toppings, cake and ice cream.

She had three different soups brought in, Taco Soup, Sausage and Potato Soup and Wild Rice Soup, accompanied with rolls and salad. It was all delicious!

Mom and the three sisters.

Joylin, Joanna, Julianna, and Lilliana - friends forever :)