Hope is the Thing: 2012

Hazel in her Blessing Duds

For someone who desires to know how to take decent picture as much as myself, you'd think I'd have a lot more patience for the craft. For example, after returning home from church after Hazel's blessing, I "forgot" to take photos of Hazel and everyone because the voice of our (Hazel's and mine) sweats calling our name, was just so stinking distracting, that there was no ignoring it. Sigh~ It's just that sometimes I'd rather smell my own children's stinky feet rather than gathering everyone together in an uncomfortable pose for five whole minutes, hoping they will all smile and look at the camera the same time.

Anyhow, it is for this reason I'm now getting around to taking some photos of Hazel in her blessing dress.

"I'm sorry, you're doing what?"

See she is my daughter.

But like every pretty girl, she decided to rally:

"Who me?"

She was begging me to get her good side

Vogue

One musn't forget the shoes.

Trying not let on she's getting a little tired...

...one more for the fans...

"No more!"

...oh the drama... :)

Dearest Hazel,

Your blessing was wonderful and perfect-just like you. I look forward to watching you grow into the beautiful person I know you'll be one day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to live with our family. You bring my crazy amounts of joy.

Love you forever,

Mom

Hurricane or Halloween/Trick or Treat?

There are so many things to post about and I'm wondering do I start with the hurricane or Halloween? The bad or the good? The trick or the treat?

I say the TREAT!

Speaking of treats, here is a little eye candy....just because...well, because they're sisters and they match and they're cute.

And just in case you thought the hurricane deprived us of all Halloween festivities, I'm here to set the record straight. The Friday before Miss Sandy arrived we had a Halloween play group. Let's pause to play a game of 'I Spy'.

Can you spy with your little eye a Ryder and a Penny?

We're abiding by the honor system here, so don't cheat and scroll down!

***

Here they are! Did you find them? For Halloween 2012, Ryder was Spiderman,

Penelope was "Brave"...

....and Hazel? Well, she was a zebra, of course!

The next day we had our ward's Fall Festival which included a trunk or treat on one of the most beautiful fall days I've ever seen. The calm before the storm, I'd say.

Hazel neighing

Phil manning the trunk...and treaters :)

Oh...that wig...

More NJ Fun

Sunday we were able to have our little angel baby blessed. (I need to get some photos of her in her all gussied up in her gown). As my parents ended their stay with little Hazel's blessing, Phil's parents started out theirs, so we've been able to continue all the fun throughout the week.

Some of the highlights included an evening spent in downtown Summit, looking around shops, playing at the park and going out to dinner. Ryder and Penny even lucked out with some free balloons from a party shop owner closing up for the day!

And of course, more pumpkins! This time we went to Hillview Farms in Gillette, which was fun because they had some peacocks that Ryder could have spent all day looking at.

(I know what you're thinking--but there really were peacocks there, not just Hazel in her bow)

Phil and I feel so very blessed to have had both our parents here (especially, since we're so far away) for such a special little event.

Now...back to reality!

Pumpkin Picking @ Wightman's

Living in the East Coast I've always wanted to find a fun place to go in the fall for an authentic harvest experience. We visited Wightman's Farm today with my parents and had so much fun going on a hay ride, picking out a pumpkin and getting a donut. I loved every second of that beautiful place. We also lucked out with fabulous weather and no crowds. I was so happy we got to do this while my parents were here :)