Castle Mom and Dad

I seem to only want to blog when I have way too many pictures and way too many activities to feel grateful about.  I never seem to remember how to put pictures in order of event, so backwards I go but the blessings remain.  (I think the pattern I see is I blog quarterly). 

The Christmas season is over and the new tree is going into storage.  Another great reason why I should never move, I can store my tree without having to pull it apart.

 Christmas day evening, dinner with the Hardcastle family.  It was so nice because every member was able to be here.  I know how much that means to Grandma, Charlene,when that can happen.  Plus its a good time to get to know the little Hardcastle s.

 Our growing family got together before dinner and opened our gifts to one another.  It's always a challenge to find our time to be together, but the kids are great and we can come together and enjoy the day and watching the kids, and seeing all our blessings at once.

 Out second stop of the morning was at Karen's for our traditional breakfast.  Eggs, ham, juice, scones, honey butter, and gifts, and gifts and fun.  It can be chaotic but it's always worth it.  This tradition was started by mom and was very important to her that it continue, but we now wouldn't have it any other way.  When the kids were little, Kim and I would give them the choice of staying home and having a quite family day, and they never wanted that, so chaotic or not this is our way.     

 Our day started with stop #1, to see what Santa brought to the Lafeen kids.  Hyrum was so excited and said "this is just what I asked for", train and blocks, but he did mention that Santa forget a train, It was funny that he would remember that.  Kate was just overwhelmed at us wanting her to be excited, but she loves Minnie Mouse, and Milo was just relaxing.

 Our home Christmas Eve.  The gifts have multiplied and the bikes were out together.

 This little photo means a lot to me.  I was teased a bit my other family members for wanting to do this, but I may never have this type of little threesome again.  The kids had fun dressing up and seemed to enjoy the fun.  I took a lot of pictures, this may not have been the best one, but I am so happy to have gotten it.  

 Kate's birthday, #2.

Photo of the year!  Kate loved the trees, but not the shopping.

 The 2 girls and kids and I went to the 'Festival of Trees.  We walked fast and saw a lot.  Kate loved the trees, and was constantly pointing out cute things on every isle.   

 My new tree, after 15 years of the same tree or a fresh tree, I broke down and bought a per-lit flocked white tree. Decorating it in red, sliver and white gave me such good childhood memories. I'm not sure I have ever loved a tree as much as this one.

 It's a GIRL.  Jodi and Trevor throw a great gender discovery party and we all found out together that they are having a sweet little girl in May.  We are all so excited, and I know they are too.

 Thanksgiving at our home.  Lots of people and lots of great food.  Everyone came and brought such amazing food.  Kim and I only had to cook the Turkeys, dressing (stuffing), and gravy, and set up the house.  The rest of the food was delivered with the family.  What a fun day with visiting and  kids playing together.  Truly a day of giving thanks for family.  

 Hyrum's birthday #4 he is such a good gift receiver.  He will say with every opening "this is just what I wanted",  Melanie makes such cute cakes and often has to make them twice.  The Hook cake was just one of her many amazing pieces of art.

Jessica with the future Elder Lafeen

 Missionaries coming home.  Paul Hardcastle and Travis Latham (No Picture of him)

 Milo's blessing day.  What a sweet little boy to have in our growing living family.

 Pumpkin picking, painting and decorating contest.  We try to do this every year and it's a lot of fun.  We actually had more painting than carving this year.  I did end up carving a few of my own later, I've got to have some glowing candles on the porch on Halloween night. 

 The adorable Smee (Milo), Tinker Bell (Kate), Hook (Hyrum).  I know the manes weren't needed.  

 The mean old(old) witch.  I love my ring and bracelet   

Our blessing are many, the year has been long.  We certainly have our personal struggles, and aches and pains a plenty, our work can be demanding along with Kim's Bishop responsibilities, I love my Primary calling, but no matter how rough the days seem to get our grand kids, children and all our extended family remind us our blessing out-way the struggles.  I am grateful for our lives our families, and our blessing that come everyday.