A Few Weeks Behind...

Since I'm sure there will be a plethora of pictures to upload after Christmas, I need to do some catching up.


Noah, Audrey and Abel came for their Christmas visit the first week in December. Even though they were only here for a weekend, we had time to eat multiple bags of potato chips, go horseback riding, nap, lay around before and after napping, stay up late into the night talking and, finally, (by watching her cousin's example) teach my darling Edy to walk.


Josh's Daddy Joe kindly saddled up Black Horse for Audrey's riding pleasure. It was a frigid day for riding, but we kiddos huddled in the truck while Audrey rode to her heart's content.



Abel always looks like such a doll in pictures. In real life, he's still a doll, but he's also a little fireball. If you haven't yet, you've got to meet him.


Edy is passed that lovely stage where she will smile for anything. She now requires some type of entertainment. What you cannot see here is that I'm dancing like a moron directly in front of she and Abel. They are smiling to make me feel better about myself, I'm sure. We Halls (and Smiths) are not known for our dancing.


Edy would spend all day being read too, if she could. And I would do it, if I could. We are a match made in heaven.

And just because I like these two:

Yes, Merrilee, She's Walking!

She'll hate me for this someday...

But can't a mommy brag??

Papa K

Our beloved Papa K passed away last night. He was an incredible grandfather to Josh, a precious grandfather-in-law to me, and he loved his great-granddaughter so dearly. We will miss him so much, but, Praise God!, we will see him again!

Thanksgiving

We spent most of our Thanksgiving with Josh's side of the family. Kristine fixed a fantastic feast for lunch with the Halls, and Julie stuffed us with smoked turkey for dinner with the Koehrings. Unfortunately, our nuerons weren't firing very quickly after eating so much so the only pictures we remembered to take were at lunch. Sorry Koehrings :)


Even though Pat's beard used to frighten her terribly, Edy gives out kisses quite freely now.


Though this is a sweet shot of Edy with her Grammy Kristine and Uncle Jesse, I mainly included it to document Edy's love of pointing. She just can't seem to help herself.


The family - Two giants in back: Luke and Jesse, Santa Claus look-alike: Pat, Attractive blonde: Kristine, Beautiful (but cold-looking) girl in black: Liberty, Two young boys without coats in winter: Alex and Trevor, Handsome fellow in front: Josh, Happy mommy: Me, Adorable girl in large coat: Edy Jane.

Edy the Ballerini

I never thought I would be a mom who would dress her child in such a stereotypical and un-original Halloween costume. However, after my friend Sarah randomly made Edy a tu-tu, and I correspondingly felt overwhelmed and unable to think of a costume on my own, and Edy looked incredibly adorable in and obviously enjoyed wearing the tu-tu, I gave in.





I think it was a good idea. Don't you?

Happy Birthday, My Darling.

I love you incomparably.

Fall + Halls = Happiness

Silver Dollar City

We had the supreme pleasure of making a trip up to Silver Dollar City last week while Jake, Mindy and Jagger were in town. It was chilly but an otherwise perfect day for visiting.


Jagger maintained a very neutral disposition most of the trip. He was trying to look cool for Edy. I think he secretly had a good time though.


And I have decided that Heaven will surely be a lot like Silver Dollar City. There will be family, tasty food, roller coasters, and Christmas lights year-round. What could be better?!?

The Day Of.

She wore her birthday hat with pride. Briefly.


And I attempted to make pancake initials like my mom always used to make for us. Notice the lower-case "e." It's terrible, I know. But I have years to perfect it.


So just you wait, EJ. It will get better.

The Day Before

We went to the park over lunch on the day before her birthday. It was perfect Fall weather for celebrating.

A Few Days Before

Edy spent time with Ju Ju, Grammy and Papa K (as well as all the other grandparents, of course, but the camera was not present. We still love you all terribly though.)

Birthday Week

In true Hall-fashion it took an entire week to fully celebrate Edy's first birthday.

It all began with a party on Saturday.







Despite receiving beautiful hand-cut blocks that her daddy made and enjoying the amazingly delicious birthday cake that her mother slaved over for hours and celebrating her birthday with her buddies Owen and Gibson, Edy spent most of her birthday party chasing after a mylar balloon. Figures...

Happy One Year, Edy.

It's been beautiful.


"I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me." Psalm 13:6

Thanks Courtney!

I feel much better now.

Dear Sweet Cousin Courtney,

Please, please, please forgive my mommy and daddy. They feel terrible for not visiting you while they were in Pasadena. Sometimes they are very forgetful and silly, and they promise to make it up to you.


So won't you forgive them? Pretty please??

Love,
E.J.
xoxoxoxo

Camping in the Sierras

You wouldn't know it from the photos, but we did do more than just pose for pictures while we vacationed. Noah, Audrey and Beast took us to the most amazingly beautiful and secluded spot in the Sierra National Forest. We froze at night, baked during the day, camped in the middle of nowhere, hiked the mountainside, and just took in the view. The trees were huge, the night sky was spectacular, and the whole experience was just delightful. Thanks guys! It was the best.

Around Pasadena

Since Noah had to work during the first half of our visit, Audrey kindly showed us around town. We picnicked, ate Pastrami and In-n-Out Burger (on separate occasions), found amazing deals at Goodwill (where all the rich folk dump their designer jeans!), chased the birds at Santa Monica Pier and stuffed ourselves silly on Audrey's incredibly delicious chocolate chip cookies.