our bella...

Ringo and I don't usually make it into any of our photos, so when I noticed I had one of each of us with Bella, I thought I'd throw them in. We took these in Gatlinburg last week. You can probably tell Bella enjoys having her picture taken...sometimes we have to tell her take it easy on the smile! She's a fun little girl; she makes us laugh...alot! May the Lord help us to raise her so that she is as beautiful on the inside as she is the outside.

back to real life...

It has been SO nice being in vacation mode for the past several days. We had a great time in Gatlinburg on Thanksgiving day, and then we worked around the house on Friday and Saturday. The weather was great and the kids got to spend many hours playing outdoors. And can you believe I did not go shopping?! So now it's back to the real thing...at least for a few days. Ringo's mother and niece are coming for a visit later this week, so we have more excitement to look forward to. Here are a few pictures from our trip to Gatlinburg...for a larger view, just click on the photos.

Say cheese...


Credit goes to Ringo for this one...I love it!


This has to be the world's largest rocking chair...


It's great when we catch them being sweet!


We got some really awesome shots...more to come soon!
Have a wonderful week!

-ap

thanksgiving break...

Braden is now out of school for Thanksgiving break, and we are free for a few days. Since we won't be able to be with our families for the holiday, we plan to spend Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg. We are looking forward to having some fun together as a family! We took this picture a few weeks ago when Ringo and I had a rare evening out...



Here are some of our favorite pics of the kids...enjoy!







Have a wonderful Thanksgiving...and when we are being thankful
tomorrow, may we all remember Who it is that blesses us with so much!
(I Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 150:6)

-ap

P.S. I know this is the longest post ever...just one more thing. Many of you have mentioned that you are not able to leave a comment on our blog. We have now changed some settings so that you do not have to be a member to leave a comment. Hope to hear from you soon!

more celebrating...

Yesterday was Braden's birthday and he wanted to go to the mall to spend a Build-a-Bear gift card. When the kids have a birthday, we let them choose where they want to eat...he chose Taco Bell. How funny is that? At least we were in the food court, and we were able to choose something different!

We were so proud of Braden when he decided to spend some of his birthday money for Evan to stuff a bear. I think he enjoyed that as much as getting his own bear. Here are some pics from our excursion. Again, I wish I could post them all...but then I'd be here all night and you'd be here all day! Thanks for stopping in!

-ap

The moment when he saw his new bike











You know you've had too much fun when...

more birthday pics...

Here are a few more pictures from Braden's soccer party yesterday. I wish I could post them all...maybe I'll get a slideshow done when Stephen & Jocelyn get back from their CRUISE!!! ;-) Enjoy!

-ap

Click on the photos for a larger view...

birthday party...

Here are a few pictures from Braden's birthday party today. It turned out to be a beautiful day and the kids had a really great time. Check back again soon for more...

Love the soccer cake...thanks to Jaclyn Cloud! (I think I see some little
fingerprints in the icing...thanks to Evan Pepin!) ;o)


Braden and friends


Make a wish!!!!

rain, rain, go away...

Well, Braden's birthday party had to be postponed because of all the rain on Saturday! His birthday is not actually until Thursday, so we still have a lot to look forward to this week! Lord willing, we will now have the party on Tuesday and will post some pictures afterward.

Here are some cute pictures we got this evening...there are none of Braden because his crazy faces got a little too crazy!! Enjoy and have a good week!

faulk slideshow...

April, here's your slideshow. Enjoy!

To watch the slideshow, click on the "play" button below

the little pumpkins...

On our last trip to Dollywood, we had some great photo ops with all their fall decorations. This one is one of my favorites. Now it's time to go back and check out the Christmas lights and Winterfest...my how time flies!

-ap

it's been a while...

Sorry for the silence over the last several days...for those of you who care. We have a lot going on, but it's great! We are planning a soccer party this Saturday for Braden's eighth birthday. Please help us pray for NO RAIN!!!

I hate to leave a post with no pictures, so I'm including some taken at church recently. Thanks to Shan for the picture of Bella and Leah Hickman with Mrs. Sexton. One Sunday each year we have a special day to honor our pastor's wife, and this picture was taken as the children were greeting her this past Sunday evening. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

-ap

Braden in the primary choir


Bella in the preschool choir


Bella & Leah with Mrs. Sexton