Thanksgiving pictures!

This Thanksgiving, the family came to us. I didn't get any pictures of the meal, but it was the best yet! The turkey was smoked in Barak's new grill, and the brine was exceptional. All of the sides were made a few hours before by everyone that came, and no one was the least bit unsatisfied with the end result.

Here are some pictures of the rest of the week with the Cutrer side.




Mom and her girls, all in one place. We couldn't be happier.


Mom got Laney a baby doll so she would have something to open during Samuel's birthday party. Very thoughtful, mom.


Our tradition of raking leaves after Thanksgiving meal was not thrown away, even if Dad was the only one that got out there. However, I think he did pass it down to a future generation. A little tarp ride to entice them in, then hand 'em a rake!


Mom called it "loving," I think Samuel called it "messin with." Whatever it was, Laney thought it was hilarious. Samuel - NSM.

Another full family shot. It was so great to get everyone in one! I think this is the first time we've actually remembered to do it.


Samuel ended up in a chair, off the floor, but we still had to separate them. I seem to recall some pictures of Cassie and me eating off of each other's trays when we were little?

Miriam was so sweet - even if Laney and Samuel thought she was a bit boring :)

Upside-down is way more fun.

Everyone loves reading time.

Thanksgiving Videos!

Dad reading to Laney and Samuel



Dad pulling the kids on a tarp



Corrie reading to the kiddos.



Laney and Samuel playing "nice"



Samuel throwing the ball - impressive!

creative playing

A family member gave us a carseat that we have in the living room now, mainly because we don't have anywhere else to put it, but also because I remember Samuel liking his at the Kiel house. Laney plays in her as much as he did, I think. She usually brings a book with her and looks out the window when she sits in it, but this day she found some window markers and wanted to "read" the words on the bottom of the chair. At the beginning, she is doing this thing that she does very often. It's like she's asking, "what's going on?" with her hand turned up and something that sounds like "asuh suh asuh" coming out of her mouth. She's just very Laney in this video, so although uneventful, I want to remember it.

in about a month...

This month, we've had a lot of changes in the West house. Barak turned 30 yesterday, a day that we will remember for a long time. We celebrated by getting him a brand new grill. It's a charcoal Weber that can fit at least 3 whole chickens (we've tried it out), and then spent an evening in Charlotte. Uncle Jesse and Aunt "Licia" watched Laney for us while we went to an incredible restaurant to enjoy super fresh Alaskan King Crab legs, and some type Nantucket scallops creation. Dressing up is always fun, and a night to ourselves is priceless.

Also, I just want the three people that read this to know that I really do love Barak more than anything. He's challenged me to become a stronger, happier woman, and is the most thoughtful husband I could have picked. On top of that, his love, and expression of that love, for Laney (and Caroline, already) is humbling and brings me to tears most days. He has a rare fear of God that gives me no choice but to follow him with joy. He's just a great guy in so many ways, and I want other people to know and appreciate what I see in him :)


Also this month, we're finally finishing up our kitchen. If you'll remember, we started this summer when we found a leak under the sink. one thing led to another and our insurance paid for the entire cost of new cabinets and counter tops. As I type, we have a great "tile guy" who's putting in flooring and backsplash. We'll have a finished kitchen when everyone comes for Thanksgiving, enshallah!

Lots of changes will hopefully be happening in December, also. We'll get to meet Caroline, and Laney will be turning 18 months (a year and a half for normal-people counting). Here are some pictures of Laney's cuteness:

Laney saying "no"

it's just so cute, she uses her whole body.