Thanksgiving 2018

We ran in the 2nd annual Gravy Chase in downtown Zionsville. We did the 2 miler.  Grace ran with Zeddie and Camille ran with Paul.  The rest of us ran at our own pace.  Ben and I had been running since September so we wanted to see what we could do.  It was a crisp fall morning.

 Grace set the table for us.  It looked festive!

 Green been casserole, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and mashed potatoes.  Plus turkey, cranberry sauce, and a green salad (with pomegranates, feta cheese, red onions, and toasted pecans with poppy seed dressing).

 Getting ready to carve the turkey.

 We invited some new friends from Zeddie's school, the Meyer family.  Anton, Jennifer, Noam, and Yali.  They moved here from Kansas City, although Jennifer is from Switzerland and Anton was born in Russia but grew up in Israel. 

Sibling love

Two months old

Paul Tanner

Two months old

11 lbs 3oz

The Piano Guys

Paul says hello from the balcony of the theater where he went on a date with mom and dad to see The Piano Guys.  :)

Ben surprised me with tickets for my birthday to this concert.  They were actually a gift to him from a colleague, so the price was definitely right!  I was a bit worried about how Paul would do but he was happy the whole time.  A lot of talent happened on that stage that evening!

Meet the Mormons

We went to see "Meet the Mormons" in the theater today.  It is always a treat to go to the theater together as a family.  I found the movie to be very inspiring.  I am grateful to be a member of a church that encourages us to be better.  I am grateful for the amazing role models in the Mormon church.

My 43rd Birthday

We celebrated my 43rd birthday at home today, a day late due to a busy schedule on the 8th.  I can't think of a better place to be in my life than with my amazing children and wonderful husband!  Happy Birthday to me!!!

Ethan and Evan turn 2

Zeddie, Paul and I attended our little friend's two year old birthday party.  Ethan and Evan are quite special to our family and we are so glad that Zeddie and Paul will grow up with them!

One month old

Paul Tanner

one month old

8 lbs 13 oz

Visit from family

Ben's mom and sister came for a visit.  This was the first time they have visited our new home here in Indiana.  The kids were so excited to have company!  Grace, Camille, and Seth were all baptized in Arkansas but we decided to have Gabe's baptism here and to also have Paul blessed on the same weekend.  Ben enjoyed showing off his farm projects. 

Paul having some special time with his Aunt Sarah.

Paul's blessing day

Paul was blessed today.  I think he is a pretty lucky little guy to have such a great father to give him his name and blessing. 

Gabe's baptism

Ben and Gabe

(Just for fun click on their names to see photos of Grace, Camille, and Seth's baptisms.)

Ethan, Zeddie, and Evan

We were so happy to have two of our favorite Indiana families join us for Gabe's baptism.  Here are all the kids smiling together.  I love this photo!

Ann, Sarah, Camille, Zeddie, Grace, Gabe, me (Judi), Paul, Ben, and Seth

My wonderful family! 

It is great to be 8!

Grace's photo shoot!  Wonder of wonders she got him to cooperate!  :)

Hastening the work!

3 weeks old

sweet Paul

ah-choo

after a bath

"Why so many pictures Grace?"

Good-bye roosters

We bought 40 laying hens back in April.  The Buff Orpingtons were straight run meaning you could get a mix of cockerels and pullets.  We ended up with five cockerels!  We bought ten Americanas who were supposedly sexed but two of them ended up being cockerels.  So we were down to 33 hens and 7 roosters. The kids got attached to "Oreo" an Americana who we thought was a pullet so we are keeping him.  We do not plan on breeding these particular hens so we had no need for the roosters.  We listed them on Craig's List and after two days we had someone interested.  During that time one of the Buff Orpington cockerels got out of the chicken run and we have not seen him since.  So with five roosters remaining Ben and Seth headed to a meeting place to carry out the transaction.  It ended up being a little bit of an ordeal when "Sunset" took off when Ben opened the van.  I can imagine it gave some of the customers at the gas station a little chuckle!

Sunset

One of the five Buff Orpingtons.

Duck project begins

Ben and the kids are embarking on a duck project and the fun began today when all 120 ducks arrived! These are laying ducks and the kids are going to have a little business selling duck eggs.

getting ready

opening the box

here they are

 a closer look

and again

We ordered 120.  We received 120.  Two died in transport.

11 days old

Gabe and Paul.

Hair cuts

The girls and I headed out early this morning (8 a.m.) with Paul to have our hair cut.  It was long overdue for all three of us.  My hair kept getting in Paul's face when I nursed!  Grace got 9" cut off and will donate her hair.  We didn't take any pictures of Camille or I.