First Snow of the Season

 There's a hawk in that there tree.  I had my prime lens on, so I couldn't zoom.  It was intently watching for breakfast to 'hop' by.

 Handsome snow fella - Waitin' patiently for the Mrs., I'm sure.

Malinda says the wonder will wear off, but right now she thinks it's magical.  And it is.

Send off

The past couple months we've had to say goodbye to some people it isn't easy to let go of.  I know God has seasons, tides, bridges, batons, seed sowing, ... and any other metaphor/simile that describes transitions in life, that are healthy, but sometimes I really don't like what 'is good for me'.

Stefan left for Iraq.  Josh left for Boeing. Both were so excited about the doors God is opening for them.  Both had a hard time leaving James and the rest of the Summit fam.  I feel like I'm letting go of sons because they have really taken root in my heart.  

I'm sad we didn't get photos of our Kung-Fu Panda night with Stefan and Danielle.  Noodles, dumplings and, of course, the Wooshi Finger Hold and the fabulous 5! 

Josh's departure gave us a bit more time & therefor, photo ops.

 

Eating cookies, watching the Hawks lose.

 Basecamp Jenga!

Move day.  Hooked up at his place.  He wanted shots of the view he'd had for 2 years; this gigantic Maple in the backyard.

 Michael and Paul (dad and little brother) came to help him move.  We had some breakfast together before they took off to play Old Works one last time.

 James gave Josh a Housh Jersey too.  He has the "Home" colors, James has the "Away". 

There were tears.  Both Stefan and Josh are the kind of guys you just love to be with.  Easy, relaxed, funny, family oriented, & kind.  I miss them both so much.  Can't wait for when they return - whether from war or from the land of Boeing.  There will be hugs, and warm cookies, and a pint waiting!

Dressing Up

 Malinda still loves to play dress up!  This is her 2nd year going with a group of friends to do a food drive instead of getting candy.  It's called Trick-or-Treat So Kids Can Eat.  Everyone still gets to have the fun of putting on a disguise, & it really blesses the people whose doorbells they ring to be able to give more than a candy bar!
At the ELC, where I am a teacher's aide, they had a dress up day too.  I didn't, but check out Dani (the teacher in my class) and her trusty sidekick!

 A few more of the kiddos. 

James and I spent the evening playing cribbage amidst the ringing of the bell and handing out sweets to the kiddos of the neighborhood.  :) 
For those of you who know me from when the kids were growing up - this is WAY out of character.  I'm still not an advocate of the holiday, but!  I am an advocate of giving those who are a safe, fun avenue to enjoy it.

Alone time

We took a drive to Oosle and walked and talked... ahhhhhhh!

Putting Aside

Photos are in reverse... Sorry!  We don't have a long growing season in Montana.  Needless to say we had more green tomatoes than red so Green salsa was definitely in order!

 Into the jars.

 Sauced.

 Chop-chop - after roasting which I didn't get a photo of...

 A portion of the harvest.

 I got busy in the kitchen ... Greek yogurt banana muffins (eggless!)

 Fairlight's Lasagna. 

And Minda made Asian glass noodle salad with eggrolls and bbq'd pork with hot mustard!

Pre-shoot Model

M. has become my "Let-me-test-the-light" model before my shoots.

 Isn't she lovely?

We love it when we are blessed by sights like this at the end of our time.

Trip to the Patch