Thanksgiving

I am so thankful to be able to claim these people as my family:

My sister and Grant hosted Thanksgiving this year at their new house in Arden. It was just awesome! The weather was gorgeous and we were able to play our usual yard games outside comfortably without bundling up in coats. The kids ran around, jumped in piles of leaves, and enjoyed being doted on by grandmothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

My extended family has been doing the Thanksgiving thing together every year for as long as I can remember. Our traditions have evolved as our families have grown and changed over the years, but the main elements remain the same: love, laughter, fellowship, amazing food, a plethora of pie, and plenty of thankfulness. Nana, you and Grandpa started this....well done!

Fall Soccer

Harding's last soccer game of the season was on Saturday and he managed to score two goals. This fall, he really took to soccer and enthusiastically participated in every game. He wasn't the best kid on the team, but he ran hard and has gotten pretty darn good at defense. His coach was excellent and the other families on the team were really fun.

Going after the ball. 

Coach Jim and the Kodiaks in their post-game huddle. 

Harding and his team-mate Bennett

Harding with Brighton...it would be just fine with me if they get married one day.  :) 

Out of my "Rut" for Halloween

I've been in a blogging and picture-taking rut lately....but managed to come out of it to document Halloween. We went trick or treating in West Asheville again this year, and despite the chill in the air, we were not disappointed with the festivities. Vermont Avenue knows how to do Halloween! 

 Harding was so excited about Halloween this year that Trip and I couldn't resist dressing up too.

 Shelby wore the monkey outfit that Harding wore two years in a row for Halloween when he was 2 and 3. She was not happy about the hat, but my sister managed to distract her long enough to get this picture.

 Getting into character with our vampire boy. 

Harding's grandmother BeBe really came through with this vampire costume....she sewed the cape and pants according to Harding's drawings and specific instructions. Harding LOVED it and has been wearing the cape nonstop since he got it.