Really?

I about choked when I uploaded Aliya's Veteran's Day school picture earlier today; really, I haven't posted a thing since June? Good golly. Maybe this is indicative of the phase of life we now enter. It's not little people running around you in circles, but rather three young adults (well, maybe not Aliya yet) directing your time, money and emotions down paths I'm not sure I'm ready to navigate again: school dances, concerts, youth group, shopping in juniors, state fair, algebra and geometry. (Okay, so Derrick really never left those last two.) Enough ranting. This is our new reality and really, we wouldn't want it any other way.

In July...let the fair projects begin. Madison would go on to receive Grand Champion in Food Revue and Breanne an Award of Excellence.

A beautiful very first fair ribbon for Aliya at the Fashion Revue.

The van was loaded with fair projects this year, but we didn't have to make two trips.

Madison loves showing pigs at the fair. And really liked trimming them too. Before long, she'll be cutting dad's hair.

Our annual trip to Montana led us to Wyoming. (Don't worry, it was on purpose.) We spend two nights with Doug and Sara in the Big Horn Mountains. We saw moose and snow and Derrick caught some trout. Fabulous!

The girls' first Minnesota State Fair trip with 4-H. Their club's Share the Fun skit won at the County Fair.

Lifelight with Moriah Peters in the background.

A beautiful 7-year old had a four days of birthday parties in a row. Plus, we got to canoe and paddle board. 

Halloween with cousin Evie.

Meeting precious cousin Nora.

Lots of fun playing with Evie.

Thanksgiving with the DeWildes.

Madison...a grandma's girl.

Cousin craziness include flashlight tag in the basement this year.