Train Park and brunch with the big guy.

We did our annual visit to the Train Park for the lights! Membership to the Train Park is worth it just to be able to go on Member Night! 

Braden and I took two trips around! 

The boys even went on the little Steamers train.

Our dear friend Jeanine invited us to Brunch with Santa at her Club. The boys have been looking forward to it for weeks! 

They had their letters all ready and got to deliver them to Santa. So they were able to tell him what they wanted and make sure he had it in writing, too. 

Now we'll see if he comes through!

Catching up...

Keeping up with the blog has not been at the top of my list lately! I did want to get a few pictures on here from some of our fun. I'm sure Braden will love looking back at this picture of himself petting a sheep some day. :)

The Nature Conservancy had a Night Nic at a local farm. It was a fun way to learn about where the food that we eat comes from. 

The kids got to do some activities and then we had a yummy dinner. 

Maya's Farm is a great little get away in the city. 

On Thanksgiving morning there was a big flag football game at the park by our house. Anthony got in on the action.

And so did Braden! This was his first game!

Hunter, on the other hand, found a little girl making one of those bracelets that everyone is making these days. He thought he would give it a shot.  

He also tried on some new head wear. 

 

The Minnick's joined the party.

 And you know it's legit when there is a bounce house!

I got to snuggle with Taylor. He's my bud, for sure.

The boys and I got to watch Daddy take off for one of his flights the other day.  

We finished t-ball season! It was a success.

"Can't catch me!"

I'll see you again.

My sweet Grandmother passed away on November 2nd. She was a special lady and lived a long, 90 years. I was able to spend lots of great, quality time with my grandparents growing up. And she and I moved to Arizona together 17 years ago. She didn't like it quite as much as me and headed back to Ohio to live near my parents after about 6-months. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and I was blessed to have her as my Grandma. I'm also glad the boys were able to know her. Near the end of her life, dementia took some of her mind, but it never got to her heart and she was kind and loving until the day she went to heaven. We rest in knowing she is at peace in the arms of her Savior and so happy to be reunited with Grandpa. 

My Mom and Grandma. Both beautiful at all ages.

My grandparents have a special place in my heart.

Thankful my Grandma was able to make the trip to Arizona to celebrate our wedding.

Grandma was one of 11 brothers and sisters and the second oldest. She is only the second to pass away. All of her siblings but one sister came to her services on their church bus. Mary and Reva sang a song at the service. They are truly the Richardson clan. I love hearing their stories and they have many!

This is Grandma on her 90th birthday in September of this year. She was a master quilt maker. I love this picture because she was "fixing" a spot on her blanket. I'll cherish the many quilts that will continue to keep me warm that were made with love by those hands.

The boys were able to go back with me for the services and it was a great opportunity to see family and enjoy Ohio. The Smilebox shows a bit of the fun that we had on our trip.

This digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Thankful.

There is always something to be thankful for. We're grateful to God for all of His provision.

Swim lessons

Hunter loves swim lessons. After his first class I asked the teacher how he did. She said, "Great. Just a few listening problems but that's the same with any 5-year old." I said, "He's 3." "Ohhhhh! He told me he was 5. He did great!"

Trick or treat

We had a nice surprise at our neighborhood potluck when Easton and Anden Holman showed up. Easton's Dad was Braden's tball coach last season. They had fun hanging out.

It was quite an eclectic bunch of characters in our 'hood!

We then caught up with Kyndal and crew for the actual candy grabbing. 

Another motley crew.

We got to celebrate Angel's 6th birthday with a ninja party.

Hunter got in some tball practice... with his bike helmet on.

And look who is riding with no training wheels!

Pumpkins... and stuff.

We've done the "fall" stuff... pumpkin patches and all that jazz. I'm ready for Halloween to be behind us. I think it's a way overrated holiday! Fill the kids with sugar and scariness... great fun. 

Petting farms... the poor creatures.

Braden decided we needed a pumpkin family that mirrored our own family. :)

Braden told us that he and Sam were going to meet up at the Botanical Garden Pumpkin Patch. Well... we actually ended up being there right at the same time as Sam and his family! Braden's a better event planner than Anthony!

Hunter was along for the fun as well. 

I had some work stuff in Safford, so we made it a family affair. We went through Willcox on the way and stopped at Apple Annie's.

There were some yellow delicious apples left for the picking. 

And there was another pumpkin patch.

And a super big corn maze that thankfully was closed so we couldn't get lost in it!

But mostly it was fun being together.

We went to the hot air balloon event and Braden turned into a witch. Thankfully he turned back into himself later.

And Anthony and I got to get dressed up and head to a fun wedding for our first nanny Sarah. It was fun to celebrate with her.

Maine

We had a great trip to Maine at the end of September to celebrate Matt and Bridget's wedding. We had beautiful weather and it was great to spend time with family. I  made a Smilebox with pictures from the trip at the bottom and posted a few my favorite pics here, too. Looking forward to the next trip!

The boys loved being at Bald Mountain Camps for the wedding. Even if they did have to get all dressed up! 

They had an awesome time with their cousin Leah! 

And Grammy was happy to have all 3 of her grand kids together. 

We had a great time with Uncle Matt and Aunt (now-officially titled!) Bridget. 

We enjoyed the fun of Fall. 

But mostly the fun of family. 

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