strawberries and read heads

A few weeks ago Gretchen wore this adorable dress to church. All my girls have worn it, but I never got pictures of the other two in it. Why I don't know, but I wish I had. It may seem like just an adorable dress to you, but it is extra special to me. See my mom made it, She was an incredible seamstress. She loved to make dresses for little girls, and I know if she was here today she would be sewing up a storm for my girls. I am lucky that I do have my sister Lynelle that has made many beautiful dresses for my girls and some really cute gator stuff for Dallin, I don't want to sound ungrateful for all she has done for my kids, but I have moments when I really want my mom to be here enjoying my kids. I know she would just eat them up and spoil them like crazy. I know she is not hurting and is in a much better place and I know that I will see her again, but I just want to take a selfish moment and miss her terribly. The last week or so has been a tough one for me, I am not sure exactly why, I guess just the holidays, but man do I miss that wonderful person I called mom. She was such an example to me and influenced me to try to be a good, honest, faithful person. I know I fall short, but I hope to one day be as a great a mother as she was. She always wanted a red headed, and so I am sure she pulled some strings and was excited when Gretchen got to come meet us. I am quite sure she gave Gretchen a big kiss right before she let her go to come down to earth. I hope that my children will one day understand what a wonderful mother I had and I look forward to the day when I can show them off to her in heaven.

Leaves for Lunch Anyone?

Dallin has been really enjoying the chance to go outside and explore. These pictures were taken a few weeks ago. We were out picking up pecans and Gretchen was swinging on the tire swing, so Dallin decided to have a little snack. He wasn't real sure about the ground at first, but it didn't take him long to find the leaves to entertain himself.

Tire Swing

The girls have been having a blast on the tire swing. They will stay out on it for a good while, before they start fighting. Gretchen especially loves it. Every morning she says "I want wing". It is so cute and she would stay on there all day if someone would swing her all day.

S'mores anyone

sticky? not me.

A few weeks ago it was a bit chilly so we decided to have s'mores. I just love getting to spend time together. I don't know if Gretchen ever ate a cooked one, but she sure had her fill of marshmallows and Chocolate. Dallin couldn't get enough graham crackers.

Amelia The Vampire

Jed ????

Gretchen The Princess

Dallin and Daddy #1 gator fans

Estella The vampire

This year for Halloween, Estella and Amelia wanted to be vampires. I swear everyone is all about the vampires, thank alot twilight. Anyway, they had a good time. we went trick or treating downtown on Friday evening. Helen and her bunch went with us. they were an Indian family Very cute! Afterwards we all went to Los Compodres for dinner. Within about...oh ...maybe 2 minutes We realized that we were pretty out numbered by children and it made for a very crazy meal, but it was fun and something we sure don't do very often. Then on Halloween morning they had a trunk or treat at church. They had a haunted house, it seemed to be a big hit. Gretchen didn't waste any time eating her candy.