My Sweet Twinners

Storybook Land

Every year in Albany there is a display called Storybook land that is setup during Christmas.  There are hundreds of wooden artwork displays depicting different stories from Little Red Riding Hood to Cinderella to Cars.  This was our first time going and it was so much fun.  We were able to go to a craft bizarre first and then over to the Storybook Land.  The twins had a fun time looking at all the different display's and at the end seeing Santa (from a distance).

 A huge train setup behind Dylan.  It was an amazing setup that we stood at for several minutes staring at all the different trains.

We saw this and Lindsey said "We need to take a picture for Scottie, We would love it!"  So Uncle Scottie, this is for you!

Bittersweet Visit

I was able to go to Utah for my Grandfather's funeral.  I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to go to be apart of the services and to be able to be with my family.  We had a nice time visiting and being together.  I was able to meet my new niece Bethany. 

 Scottie and Bethany

 Sweet Nephew Wyatt

 The Smith Kids: Olivia, Madi, Wyatt

 The Three Sisters: Anna, me, and Michele

Adorable Bethany

Thanksgiving

 Standing next to our Grateful poster.  We decided to write all the things we were grateful for.  It was a desperate idea for something to keep us busy one afternoon but may be our new family tradition.

 Daddy and Lindsey making Devil Eggs

 Mommy and Lindsey making pie.

Consider the Lilies

A few days ago when I had the opportunity to sit quietly by myself, I randomly flipped to 3 Nephi 13:25-34 in the Book of Mormon.  In these verses it talks about Jesus coming to the America's and speaking to the people.  He speaks to the people regarding faith.  Starting in verse 28 He says  "Consider the lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not neither do they spin." Verse 30: Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven even so will he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith. 33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" 34: Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof." (See Luke 12:22-24) It's not a coincidence for me that I happened to turn to these verses.  In fact the words have been floating through my mind from the song Consider the Lilies.  This song was sung a few weeks ago at my Grandpa Calvin Pehrson's funeral.  I know that it was one of his favorites.  One year for my birthday he gave me a cd with that song and told me that I had to listen to it because it was magnificent.  The pure meaning of the song and the scripture is that simply by faith we will have what we need.  If we seek His Kingdom, then our Heavenly Father will guide us, provide for us and strengthen us.  I have come to love this song, mostly because of my Grandpa.  His life was an example of this song.  Living by faith, being obedient to the commandments of God and living in a way where he was worthy of the those blessings promised.  I am so grateful for the knowledge that I can live with him again.  I am grateful for the relationship I was able to have with my Grandpa.  I am grateful that he was a part of my life and that I can strive to live a life like he did.  Thank you Grandpa for your love and example!  You are missed!

Seattle

Every year in Seattle there is the Pacific Marine Expo that Devin has been going to for the last several years.  This year the National Fisherman's Association recognized Devin and his colleagues for their work to improve safety in the fishing industry.   We headed to Seattle for Devin to be there to receive it.  It was a huge accomplishment to be able to be recognized by the industry.  We are so proud of him and all the work that he does.

 While Devin was at the Expo, the Twins and I went to visit my Aunt Linda.  We had a nice time visiting her and catching up.  We went out to dinner and enjoyed each other's company!  Thank you Linda for letting us come and visit with you!  We spent the night in a hotel and the next morning went to the Space Needle in Seattle.  It was a beautiful day to be up so high.  When we got off the elevator at the top, Lindsey said "Mommy that was so much fun!"  We were able to see the mountains and the magical city of Seattle.

Montana

I have been wanting to visit my cousin Becky ever since we moved to Oregon.  She and I have not lived so close for several years.  I figured if I did not visit now I would not have the opportunity to visit before we moved back to Alaska.  The twins and I took the 13 hour trip to visit her in Columbia Falls, Montana.  Her kids Ryan (4) and Katelyn (2) and the twins enjoyed getting to know each other.  Becky and I grew up together.  Being only a few months apart we grew close and have been able to keep our relationship throughout the years and miles away.  I think of her as a sister and am so grateful for the opportunity I had to go and visit her.  Thank you Becky for letting us come and visit!

Spokane Temple

In November the kids and I took a last minute trip to Montana to visit my cousin Becky.  It took us two days to get there.  We spent the night at a hotel in Spokane.  The twins loved the adventure of swimming and going out to eat.  I think it was one of their highlights!  In the morning before we headed onward we went to see the Spokane Temple.  It was a beautiful morning to walk around the grounds. 

Halloween

This year for Halloween we had a Tinker Bell and Buzz Lightyear.  

 We went trick or treating this year with our friends the Elliott's.

Pumpkin Patch

We went to a fun Pumpkin patch in Corvallis that had a corn maze, a hayride to pick your pumpkin and fun hay sculptures to play on!

Visit to the Beach

The fun part about having visitors, you get to take them to all your favorite spots.  We made our way to Newport to show Michele and Wayne around.  We lucked out with good weather and were able to go to the beach, the Marine Science Center and a light house.  Not to mention the 4 trips we made over the big bridge :)

 Michele looks so happy here!!!!

 Michele and Madi

 This picture turned out perfectly.  We won't mention that they are hiding Wyatt behind them  ;)

Dylan, Olivia, Lindsey

Smith Family Visit

My sister Michele and her awesome, sweet family came to visit us in the middle of October for three days.  It was wonderful to have her here!  Thank you for coming all this way with three small children just to visit us!

 Lindsey and Olivia

 Dylan and Madi

 Smith Family picture with Lindsey sneaking in at the last second

Wayne and Wyatt