Applesauce Making - in a blizzard?

Here are a couple pictures from our October applesauce making adventure. My sister Stephanie (with her foster-daughter), and my sister-in-law Angie (with her two boys) came over early to start the process which did not end for me until after mid-night. Yikes! I think the seven kids may have had something to do with our productivity.

Anyway, it ended up being a lot of fun. Working with other women is always more fun than going solo! The snow was unbelievable...it truly looked like a blizzard outside most of the day. Personally I was glad to see it all melt away in the next couple of days.

Bryan's-Bow-Shot-Buck

A family update wouldn't be complete without a picture of Bryan's buck. The Fall is Bryan's favorite time of the year. His excitement for bow hunting is quickly being passed on to the next generation of Deeren boys!

Wilson and Caleb love to be with their Daddy...if he is grooming a trail...or moving a tree stand...or practicing his shot in the yard...they are always close by. It is a real treat when they get to help track a deer. They helped track this buck down the night before.

October Family Day

Have I ever mentioned how difficult it can be to get

all 6 of us looking in the same direction?

Cute as a Bug

Clara was our cute little lady bug this year!

Fall Fun

I think the pictures say it all...everyone was having so much fun! My dad and Bryan spent all Sunday afternoon raking the leaves up for the kids. Dominic and Christopher (cousins) joined in the fun later that afternoon, too.

Happy 5th Birthday Caleb!

Caleb had a great time celebrating his 5th birthday!

We went beyond the usual cake and ice cream party with family. He invited two friends from church to go with our family to Chuck E. Cheese. It was a kid-friendly-pizza-paradise!

What about me?

Later, after the Chuck E. Cheese outing, we met up with the rest of our extended family back home for cake and gifts. I thought this picture was funny because you can clearly see that Clara is not happy - she is not the center of attention!