Hunting down that perfect tree...

Every year I am so geeked to pick out our REAL Christmas tree...sometimes I am the only one, but it doesn't stop my Christmas cheer!  This year we went to a tree farm close by and picked out an already cut tree.  We had debated whether we should bring Peyton, but in the end we brought the whole family!  It started out great...we found the perfect tree and then while paying it all started to unravel!  Peyton was freezing (we forgot mittens!) and she started crying, then we couldn't figure out where to put the tree...we ended up putting it in the van which was a little messy and it was just a little too long that the back hatch couldn't close so it beeped the entire way home!  Cold children, a crying Peyton and a peeping door all made for a memorable experience!

Picking out our perfect tree!

Michigan State Twinners!

Daddy kept Peyton busy while Parks and I decorated the tree.

Parker was such a great helper this year and he took his job very seriously!

 Daddy loves helping to decorate the tree!

Parker's favorite Christmas decorations...he plays with them so carefully!

Our Cancun Get-away...

After hemming and hawing, Joel and I decided to join Gritters, Kuipers and Bagnalls for a 5 day get-away to Riviera Maya, Cancun!  It was a hard decision financially but even more so about leaving the kids for so long!  Financially we determined that once we start paying for Christian Ed we will NEVER be able to do something like this so we mine as well do it now!  My parents agreed to watch the kids the whole time so that took care of that issue!  After 5 days of basking in the amazing sun, eating meals without interruption, sleeping in every morning and making some hilarious memories with great friends we confirmed we made the right decision!

My mom had a whole poster made for the kiddos to know what they would be doing every day and to count down the days to our arrival home!

Ready to fly out at the airport in Detroit.  Looking a little pale but not for long!

The view from our room...so beautiful!

The grounds on the resort.

 Hanging out on the beach our last day!

After we got home we learned that Parker was sick (throwing up) while we were gone!  My parents were so sweet to never tell us so we could enjoy ourselves!

9 months...

This was a BIG month for Peyton!

October 13...Peyton's dedication at Engedi!  All of our family and friends were present to support Peyton and our family on this exciting day!

October 15...On Joel's birthday Peyton started crawling!  It started out with just one little crawl forward but within a few days she was going every where!

October 25...Peyton pulls herself up on furniture and takes steps along it.  

October...Peyton is quite the character.  She now waves, gives high-fives and winks!  We are having so much fun interacting with her.

Fallin' in love with Fall...

Our favorite place to be in the Fall is hiking at Riley Trails.  Such a beautiful place to see the colors, enjoy the fresh air and spend some quality family time exploring the woods!