a bit behind...

Ok, so I have been quite behind in my blogging...oops :( Between yesterday and today, I made 10 new entries on our blog!! Be sure and check them all out and I promise I won't get this behind again :)

oh, what a tree!

The day after Thanksgiving we bundled up in our warm coats and headed out to Piney Acres Tree Farm for the second year. It was a chilly day, but the sunshine was warm. Once the tractor dropped us off, the hunt was on for the perfect tree! Maryn seemed to be in wonder of all the tall trees surrounding her and helped pick out just the right one...9 feet tall and quite plump!!

riding the wagon out to all the trees

waving "hello" to the trees :)

which one should come home with us???

Maryn's first time seeing Santa this year...she wanted nothing to do with him, but did let him get close so we could get a picture

the perfect spot for the perfect tree

all she could say was "wow"!!

thankful hearts...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Thanksgiving Day is always a little hectic...two families and two dinners in one day, but it's spent the people most important in our lives and the ones we love the most. Oh how thankful we are for family!

great friends + ornaments= 8 years of fun!

The weekend before Thanksgiving we celebrated the 8th Annual Ornament Exchange with our Butler friends. I can't believe it has been an 8 year running event!! It's made it's round of hosts and this year we were lucky enough to have it at our house. Christmas decorations came out early this year and yes, the lights were up outside! With 7 couples traveling from the north side, Chicago, and Jacksonville, IL, we now have 10 kids and 3 on the way in the coming new year. It was a crazy night, but so great to be with friends! Can't wait for next year!!

the happy hosts :)

our overnight guests...the Jones Family
Polly, Andrew, Adelaide and Oliver

the guys...minus Scott (it's ok Beier, we still love you)

the ladies

the kids...minus Tate

thank you Elmo for entertaining the kids while the adults ate dinner :)

lovin' the california sun...

The first week of November, we packed our bags and headed west to California. Jeremy had a conference in San Francisco and Maryn and I took the opportunity to tag along and visit some old friends. A year and a half ago, our neighbors The Nolans, moved to Alamo (about an hour outside San Fran). We missed seeing them this summer and so this was the perfect chance to go visit. We had a great time catching up with The Nolans and they were so welcoming to let us stay with them 4 days. We miss them here in Indy, but are so excited for them that they are enjoying their life in California. Thanks Nolans!!!

Maryn's first time on a plane...Southwest do you know what you are getting yourself into?!

baby made the flight with us :)

Maryn and Erika getting close to a duck

Derek, Maryn and Erika

(the last time they saw Maryn she was only 4 mos old..big change)

I like California!

Maryn and Jessie- Duke's long lost girlfriend

us and the Nolans...what a great few days!!!

Maryn and Erika

Maryn and Derek

do i get a trick or a treat??

Our layered bumblebee went out for her first night of trick-or-treating! We drove over to Deleware Street where a whole block comes out and stands in at the end of their sidewalks to pass out candy. It was picture perfect...golden leafed trees, fire pits, costumed kiddos and lots of candy! Maryn wasn't quite sure what to do with the candy she was given- she kept trying to give it back :) We walked to a few other friend's homes then headed home to go to a party at our neighbor's house. Buzz, buzz...what a fun night!!

ready to go...she looks so grown up to me in this picture!

waving goodbye! Maryn loved posing next to pumpkin girl :)

getting her first pieces of candy

knocking on the door of our friends Sam and Tara

Zoo Boo!!

Scarecrow Quincy, Bumblebee Maryn, Rag Doll Turner and Monkey Stone

Maryn the Magician

Daddy and his little bumblebee on the train

Aunt RoRo and Turner

old friends...

In mid-October, we drove over to Columbus, OH to see some of my good friends from my days at Cedarville. Kristin, my roomie, lives in New Jersey and was in town for a family wedding. It was the perfect time for us to meet up and Lindsay and Kelly both live close to Columbus. Between the four of us there are 8 kiddos and one on the way. So great to see them all together!

me, Kristin, Lindsay and Kelly

the kiddos...I think the hotel staff was glad to see us all leave :)

oh how we love the fall :)

say "cheese" :)

playing at Holliday Park

big helper!

1, 2, 3...jump!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

We celebrated with a yummy dinner at home and a delicious chocolate cake. Maryn loved helping Jeremy blow out the candles :) That has to make all his wishes come true!

It's official!!!

In early October, Jeremy took the oath and is now officially a lawyer! We are so proud of him! It's been a long road, but God has provided us with much patience and we are thrilled to have this chapter of our lives closed. If you need any legal advice...you know who to call :)