We have had such a beautiful fall and have enjoyed every minute of it! We have gone to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch, we went hiking and have had picnics and bonfires. It has been so fun and refreshing. We are Savoring every last minute of warmth! Here are a few pictures from our excursions....

Katrina & Caroline

I have been up since 4:45 with Jacob. He is finally asleep (5:30) and I thought I would add some early morning thoughts and post some pictures of Katrina and Caroline.

My dear Katrina is 8 years old! She is growing up so fast and I am trying to hold onto every moment I can with her during these years because I know they are flying by. Katrina is my responsible, helpful, first born. A little shy at times, but kind and compassionate. She is such a help to me and great with Caroline and Jacob. She is the protective big sister. Third grade has been going very well for her. She has a terrific teacher, is learning so much and has good friends. It is fun to see her grow and mature and to see her personality develop. This year on Wednesday nights I am helping out with her class - Adventure Club. It is fun for us to do this together and encouraging to me as I see her love for the Lord and her desire to learn more.

Sweet Caroline....2 1/2 and making the most of it! She is so sweet, funny, personality plus. She loves to read books, loves her sisters and brother (although she can be a little rough at times....she is either protecting Jacob or pushing him). She loves to snuggle, color, play kitchen. She is constantly in her own little world; talking to herself and playing with whomever or whatever she is imagining at that moment. Yesterday, she was carrying around a (pretend) turtle and at times giving it to me to hold. She talked to it and chased it and fed it. It keeps her entertained!

Today we are going to work on potty training. I have done this twice.....but tell me, what am I suppose to do? It is an adventure! I am hoping a lot of juice and a treat for success will motivate her. We will see.....

My prayer for you my sweet girls:

"That according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be
strengthened with power through His Spirit in you inner being, so that Christ
may dwell in you heart through faith - that you being rooted and grounded in
love, may comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and
height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that
you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19

One of these times, Alan will have to write. He is a much better writer and more articulate....I will try and persuade him.

Jake and Grandma

Jacob and Caroline spent Saturday with Grandma and Grandpa due to Mama working, Daddy at a conference, and the girls in Rochester with friends. They had a great time! Here is a video Grandpa took of Jacob and Grandma reading a book. It is so sweet to hear Jacob's little voice.

Jacob and Grandpa

I love these pictures of Jacob and Grandpa. A

beautiful picture of the old guiding and nurturing the young (although you are not really old Grandpa :)

Camping

We had a great time camping last weekend at Goosberry falls. It is so beautiful up there. The kids had so much fun playing in the trees, looking for agates, wading in the water. We celebrated Chloe's 6th birthday on Saturday - a camping birthday. She had a lot of fun and I think it will be a memorable birthday.

It is hard for me to believe that my little girl is 6. It seems like only yesterday that she was in my arms as a little newborn. She is such a blessing to us, makes our family complete. She has a tender heart, is so loving, and likes to be the funny one. Sometimes I feel she can get lost in the shuffle, being the middle girl, but we try and help her feel valued and special. My prayer for you my sweet Chloe is may "The eyes of you heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe." (Ephesians 1:18-19a)

Little Buddy

Here's the little guy. Fourteen months now and so sweet. He is all boy, very active but also loves to snuggle. He got his first haircut this week....cried the whole time:) I took these pictures today because he looked so sweet with his new haircut and in his overalls - little farmer Jacob.

We went camping with some friends this weekend. Rained the whole time so needless to say, everything was covered in mud. We still had a great time and are planning to go camping at Gooseberry Falls next weekend with family. Hopefully we will have nice weather as we would like to see some of the sights and go agate hunting.

Well, for my second blog not so bad? I will get pictures of the rest of the crew soon!

Introducing the West Family Blog!

Wow! Here it is, our first attempt at blogging. It will be short and sweet as we are still trying to figure this all out, but stay tuned!