Blessings

I wanted to share these recent photos of Carter and Moira. Some may end up on our Christmas card (if I get to it), so forgive me if you seem them again. But they are just too precious not to share here. These two darlings are my dearest blessings - as well as my refiner's fire.
We are also blessed by one of our dearest friends here in Virginia. She is also a brilliant photographer! She has known Carter since he was 2 and a half and Moira since she was hours old so she knows them very well and they feel so relaxed around her. She is patient and gentle and seems to capture them as they really are... I could go on for hours.
The kids are so used to Desi taking their picture that they now refuse to pose for Jon and me. They now only sit for "professionals". How very modelesque of them! Very frustrating. Maybe that is why my Dad is considering commissioning Desi as the "Family Photographer" just so he can see pictures of his grand kids. I will let her work speak for itself. The photos of Carter and Moira are below. If you click on the picture, it will enlarge it. Here is the link to my friend's site: Desiree Angelle Photography

 My favorite!!!

Carter's First Field Trip

This Tuesday, Carter attended his first elementary school field trip to Cows-N-Corn. We were both very excited for me to go with him. I treasured his enthusiasm because I know the day is coming (faster than I would like) when he will not be so thrilled that I accompany him. Anywhere. (Not MY sweet bot, surely!?!)
After loading 30 Kindergartners onto the bus, I waited with bated breath for the ruckus to begin. But it never did. His class was SO good! And when the teacher gave them instructions, she ended with the question: "Understand?" and ALL the children responded, " YES MA'AM!". I was shocked! It was so old-school and I LOVED it! The students were very respectful and excellent listeners. It gave me so much peace about sending Carter out into the "great unknown".
After the bus ride, we got to the "stinky" farm and learned about dairy farming. I thought it was pretty interesting and these suburban kids LOVED running around in the great outdoors and climbing on hay bales. We even got to try fresh-made ice cream. Who wouldn't love that?!?
I could only snap a few pictures of Carter on my phone. He is getting so big!
Riding the tractor around learning about the farm

 Learning all about Jersey Cows...he is very interested!

 The bus ride home - they were worn out!

 How precious! It only lasted about 15 minutes - but still!

Trick-Or-Treat

Well, Halloween came and went here, and to be honest, I am glad we have a whole year before we do that again. My sweet angelic children have been BURSTING with excitement for C A N D Y!!!! And if any of you know me at all, candy is not something we regularly have around here. Graham Crackers are cookies to the Stevenson children. Fortunately, Carter was in school all day so I only had to suffer 2 hours of non-stop, "Is it time yet? Is it time yet?". However, Sweet Moira was home asking every few minutes if it was time to go Trick-Or-Treating.
Finally, the moment arrived. You never saw two children get dressed so fast! I swear! If only they would have that much gusto when putting on their jammies. We decided to attend our church's annual Trunk or Treat celebration. It is quite a to-do. There are bouncy castles, a petting zoo, crafts, a wagon ride, and (Jon's personal favorite) free Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, not to mention dozens or decorated cars passing out candy. The kids love it!
Speaking of my sweet angels, I was hard pressed to get any pictures. Moira was singularly focused on getting to the business of filling her bucket with candy and had no interest in even pretending to pose for us. Sigh. Carter wanted to be a Ninja and Moira went as Lulu, the Ladybug Girl, from her favorite book (Ladybug Girl). Please pay close attention to that sassy homemade tutu. ;-)
Here is the best we got. Sorry.

 At the 11th hour, Moira decided she wanted to be a pirate. Go figure!