Thanksgiving 2012

Our family is very small and most of our extended family spread out across the country (or the world), so unlike other families who have the joy of gathering together with their clans, our holiday affairs are generally quiet and low-key.  Though I've often longed for the sort of camaraderie I imagine larger, noisier families have, our family does its best to make the most of its small numbers.  One thing that's easier to do with a small family is...travel!  In the past, we've sometimes traveled to visit those families who live out of state.  This year, we thought it would be fun to rent a cabin in the woods.

What a pleasant surprise to find that there was snow!

Thank you!

This cabin--built in the 1930's--was so charming with its authentic period details.

This is where Andre slept--with the giant teddy bear that was bigger than him!

Long underwear;)

Beware of bears!

A stash of books and games.

Andre goes for the book, of course.

Mom in the kitchen, as usual.

My adorable nephew.  Half the photos I took were of him.

Grandma with her precious grandsons.

Cutie pie!

 Cabin across the way.

So peaceful.

How many guys does it take to light a fireplace?

S'mores time! (We had s'mores almost every night.)

The nephews dressed for their photo shoot.

Dad lending his assistance.

Sledding fun!

Tristan is ready to go.

A family that plays together...

Grandma watches from the sidelines.

 Uncle and nephew

Cousins

Brothers

The magic hour.

Taking advantage of the lovely light.  

There are some times of the day where it's almost impossible to take a bad photo.

Tahoe, blue as ever.

~ Thanksgiving Day ~

The table is set...

Tree of thanks

What are you thankful for this year? 

 Everyone took turns around the table, elaborating on their blessings.

 Big or small, there's always so much to be thankful for.

Thank you, Lord!

The Pilgrim & the Indian

As a prelude to Thanksgiving--and to keep these two active boys occupied--we crafted some thematic head gear and headed to the park.

From strife...

to peace.

Friends who are like brothers :)

I love family photos!

It's been about a year now and the camera my hubby bought me has proved to be a worthy investment. As anticipated, I've used it mainly for travel and special occasions.  But there's one other thing I enjoy doing that I don't get to use my camera for often enough, and that's taking portraits.  With the holidays just around the corner, though, I was glad to be employed by some friends to take their holiday pictures.  Here are some sneak peaks....

Last year, we had this family hiking from the riverfront to the woods, so it's no wonder the exercise-averse clan opted to have their photos taken at home this year ;) 

With a backyard like this, who needs to hike anywhere?

This creative family on the go doesn't mind the novel or unusual,

so they left the location shoot decision up to me.  When they said that 

blue-gray stripes were part of their theme, I immediately thought nautical 

and headed for the marina.

Thank you, friends, for the privilege of capturing these moments for you!

Memories of Hawaii

It's been nearly two months since our vacation to Maui and Oahu.  Normally, I am eager to share my photos from such fun, relaxing times, but this vacation was significantly different.  You see, while we were reveling in the beauty of a tropical isle, back home tragedy had struck.  A member from our church, someone I'd known for quite some time, was shot and killed in the line of duty.  He was a husband, a father of four, and a faithful servant at our church.  Needless to say, it was difficult to feel happy and light-hearted knowing that four children were suddenly without a father.  I had trouble sleeping the night I heard the news.  And for days afterward, I was distracted and feeling somewhat guilty.  How could I enjoy myself when others were hurting?  Then I remembered Ecclesiastes 3:1--the very verse my blog is based on.  "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." I was reminded that God has appointed every detail of our lives...a time to live and a time to die.  And all of us will have our times of triumph and tragedy.  I realized that Kenyon's death was a necessary reminder to cherish what God has appointed for us that day.  In light of this, I found a new appreciation for my precious family and vowed to cherish them while God allowed them in my life.  The same for my dear friends.  Once again, I was able to find enjoyment in God's creation with a grateful heart, having the assurance that Kenyon was enjoying himself in heaven even more.

~ Maui ~

 room with a view

 Doesn't this make you feel relaxed?

 The beautiful grounds of the Hyatt Regency.

 Ahh...lovely.

 Keiki pool

 with waterfall

black swan, taken for Holly & Izzy

 Leaving the beach for the valley

 Walking along Kaanapali Beach

Simply the best shaved ice!

 Lahaina at twilight

Giant banyan tree, one of the oldest around.

 Leoda's Pie Shop--yummy chocolate macadamia pies here!

 my little fish

 snorkeling with dad

 Going to our favorite breakfast place, the Gazebo Restaurant.

 Check out those clouds!

******************************

~ Oahu ~

 Met up with old friends at Hanauma Bay

Waikiki Beach

Waimanalo Beach

 The water is amazing here!

 Al & Billy boogie-boarding

Me & my little guy

 Paddle-boarding with Uncle George

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck--a must to hit up.

 Good grubbin'

 At the "Lost" beach.

Lots of turtles here.

 Dinner with good friends.

         

 My favorite hotel on Waikiki Beach, the Moana Surfrider.

My dream is to stay here one day.

 A great spot for people-watching.

 Waikiki at night.

Ko'olina Lagoons

Billy, Al, Mara & Andre

 Ohana

 Watching the sunset

Twilight...

then dusk.