First Snow, Turkey Shoot, and Meeting Madi!

Where did November go?! I decided that I really don't like to be rushed. Busy, yes (in a healthy way) ~ but not rushed to where I seem unprepared for things and events which is how the whole year has been! "Goodness me!" As Willow would say.... haha. So, the weather has been unbelievably dry. We finally had our first snow storm in November. I couple of inches of dry white powder that I don't believe quenched the trees thirst. The first falling snow was super exciting for Ava who dreams of a white winter. She has been looking forward to making snow figures and sledding. Eating leftover otter pops in a blizzard would have to do I guess. There's got to be a real storm heading our way sometime....

First taste of Winter:

Mid-November, the annual Turkey Shoot was held at range:

I stole these next photos from Tana Baker off facebook......

Sarah, Jamie and the girls came out a couple of days early for Thanksgiving Break. We finally got to meet the new member of the family ~ Madilyn! We of course all fell in love with her. Such a sweetie.

Willow was probably the most excited of all. You know how she loves babies!

Then there is Sarah. She makes motherhood look easy. She can go through a tornado and come out shining like an angel. She's amazing. She's a wonderful role model and inspiration for her growing girls!

It was going to be a great Thanksgiving. I was looking forward to some family time! It's not that often we are all together under one roof.

Our 3 year old!

I can't believe our baby is three years old! *Sniff*
"Miss Independent!" She's still got that "I can do" attitude. Potty-trained,....... now only if we could train her to sleep in her bed. Haha. She reminds us everyday that she's a big girl. She's eager to do new things and usually doesn't want help. She gets very excited about clothes she wears, especially dresses. Thrilled when we go out into nature (who isn't? It's only natural). Overjoyed, when we go on adventures. She's a wealth of information and words for her age. You can tell she's got two older siblings to learn from. She doesn't miss a beat!

Her favorite things still include her baby dolls, riding her bike, Peppa Pig, books, family, and playing with friends.
She remains a huge Daddy's Girl :)

I love how she gets silly during these photo shoots. I just laugh......

Turning three also means more tantrums (testing limits, etc) which I'm preparing for. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for. In my experience, three year old kids are much more of a challenge than two year olds :)
Willow is already showing more demanding emotions. There have been days I just shake my head and roll my eyes. Then at times, maybe I want to pull my hair out! Haha

Ava likes to dress her up sometimes, then she tells me to come take a picture......

 Grandma Hamilton sent her another Ladybug Girl outfit. She loves those books and the adorable clothes.....

We were lucky to have a sunny, 70 degree day to buzz around in. Crazy, for mid-November!
Lucky for us!

This Ladybug Girl colors our world. The best part her as my shadow most days is that she teaches me patience, not to be too serious, and to take a break and play!