The Search for the Perfect Tree...

This year, we decided to start a new family tradition. I actually have to give the credit to Shayne, because it was his heart that was set on not only having a real Christmas tree, but picking it and having it cut just for us. We really wanted to go to a place that provided an "experience," but we didn't want to have to travel too far to get it. After a quick internet search, we came across the Boyd Moutain Tree Farm. Why is it the both of us have lived in Haywood County all our lives and not known about this little gem? It was great. The whole operation was very well organized and the staff was extremely nice. There were many many trees to pick from, free hot chocolate and cookies, and of course, Santa was there for a free picture.

All three of us had a great time and look forward to carrying out this tradition for many more years to come!

Pictures by Colleen

We are so fortunate to have a friend who has ventured into the world of photography. She is very talented and I am always anxious to see her pictures! We have enjoyed being her guinea pigs and it's very hard for me to only choose a fraction of them to share. To see more (or contact Colleen), check out her site:
http://colleenhannahphotography.zenfolio.com

Halloween

I know, I know, I'm slacking yet again. I think it's time to realize that I'm just not that good at keeping up with my blog. I do try though, and I appreciate those of you that keep up with me, despite my slacky-slackerness :0).

Even though I'm very much in Christmas mode right now, I wanted to share a few pics from Halloween. As Avery gets older, holidays become more interesting. She was not at all interested in helping her daddy carve the pumpkin this year, but she did enjoy watching...and she loved getting to paint one! Still to this day, she points to her pumpkin and says "Avery painted pumpkin!" And even now when I tell her it's time to get dressed, she says "Halloween!" Obviously, unlike me, she is still in Halloween mode.....

Counting our blessings...

As the holidays approach, it is easy to think of all the things we want and to forget about the important things we already have. We have so much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Pumpkin Patch

Avery really got into pumpkins this year. She loved going to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins. She preferred the little ones, stating that the larger pumpkins were "too big" or "too heaby (heavy)". Our house actually looked like a pumpkin factory, because between us, Avery's nana and mawmaw, we ended up with nine real pumpkins (in addition to the fake ones used as decorations). But that was okay, because Avery loved playing with them!