time to get up

I wish she loved this cozy spot when I say "time for bed" as much as she does every morning---

"just a little longer" she pleads every morning...
"it's too cold" she complains as I gently tug on her covers
"5 more minutes" she begs

She takes after her Mom :)

STRETCH!!!!!!!!

It is Friday!!!!

Hooray!

fallen leaves

35mm f2.8 1/160 @ ISO 1250

It has been such a beautiful fall.  Will this really be covered in white tomorrow?

lights poured out the windows

Danny and I jumped in the car one evening this past week.  We were welcoming home a friend who had been away on a mission.  We knew we wouldn't be long.  Dinner was almost ready.  Each of the girls had an instruction...one was practicing music...another finishing dinner and another setting the table.  Nothing is perfect around our house but as we pulled out of the driveway, the sun was down and the lights from our home poured out of the windows.  Our daughters were inside- being crazy, silly, distracted but also really really really good.  Their goodness fills our home.  We both reflected on what it would have been like had we not had the privilege of being their parents.  They truly bring us so much joy.  Life isn't easy...and far from perfect.  We have challenges and trials...hard days but really really good days too.  We are grateful that we get to grow, work, try, fail, and triumph together.

A couple of Saturdays ago...the weather was GORGEOUS and fall was in the air.  I had a new lens to play with (the 50mm 1.2) and about 1 hour to spare (before we had to leave for the football game).  I asked the girls if I could take their pictures- we put outfits together in about 10 minutes.  As we were about to leave Danny was finishing up a day of working in the yard.  We grabbed a shirt for him and decided to all go to a hillside in our neighborhood.  This photo shoot was the most PAINLESS attempt at family photos- completely unplanned, I didn't even change, I didn't buy one article of clothing- and I don't think Danny had even showered.   As we got there we realized that my mother in law had just come for the game---so she even took some of all five of us.  They were the least planned and organized photos we have taken-but may be my very favorites.

Halloween 2014

trunk o' treat

the maze

For Ellie's book club this month we read the MAZE RUNNER.  Sara and Em were hosting.  They chose to meet at a haunted maze in Kaysville.  I have NEVER in my life visited...and certainly not paid...to be scared in anything haunted.  I had visions of a crazed person jumping out at me...and me clutching the 12-13 year old girls we were with.  I considered asking Ellie if she would hold my hand.  You think I am kidding...I am not.  We purchased our tickets, lined up for instruction and listened.  When the employee told us it was only haunted on Fridays and Saturdays I am sure that my sigh of relief was audible!  PHEW!

After we FINALLY mastered the maze (aka finally got out after walking in circles!) we had hot chocolate and caramel apples at the car where the girls discussed the book.  Ellie, Danny and I really  enjoyed the book.  Ellie is ready to read the other two in the series.  I participate in a book club with each one of our girls and it is one of my very favorite activities we do together.  That makes three...which is sometimes a scheduling nightmare...but worth it!

become as a little child...

How readily they trust...

how freely they love...

how generously they forgive...

how effortlessly they seek joy...

What a privilege it is to love a child...

I am reminded so often Jesus' invitation-

BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN

VW Transporter

Danny was able to resurrect his 1970 VW Transporter (a.k.a. VW bus truck) this summer.

Danny and Grandpa Davis used to drive through the orchard and fill this same truck up with peaches to the brim and take them to the farmers market.  He always wanted to have a truck like this as his own some day and then when he turned 16 Gramp and Gram surprised him with it.  He did a few things to fit it up back then and started driving it but not too many weeks after the transmission went out and he decided to park it for a bit.  About 10 years ago Gram fixed the transmission and had it painted and did some interior repairs.  About 2 years ago Papa had some engine work done to it by Gordon Gunn.  This whole time it sat next to the rock shop house under a Costco car tent and then after Gram passed away it started to live in her garage.  Papa was finally convinced to let it come back to it's 16 year old owner after 25 years of either sitting or being worked on. "Every time I drive it it brings back the great memories of growing up on the farm with Gramp and Gram." Danny

Oceanside, CA: the pier @ sunrise

Oceanside, CA