Family Joys

Our family loves corny and thrives on traditions....

We celebrate themed parties every few months.

Our longest running party is the Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party.
We have been celebrating this one for 10 straight years.

While our little kids do some pumpkin painting or carving....

It's really for us big kids. I admit it.

For months beforehand...my dad starts trash talking.
~~He and Mom will have the best pumpkin of the group~~
and believe me~ they are always amazing.

Our pumpkins have required power tools....dimmer switches...
spray paint....motors....

and nobody tells their idea until it reveals its form at the carving party.

So....

When I thought up my idea this year, I thought that it probably had never been done in the history of pumpkin carving

{ok....not likely but I really did think it}

I start getting mine ready.....
Shauna starts getting hers ready.

hmmmm.

Our preparations are looking eerily similar.

Can you believe it?!?

I told you we were twins.

Shauna's is the whopper and mine the whopper jr.

The little kids found fun in hugging the dog....

and playing some football

while we slaved over our carvings.....

then it was time for a little trick or treating

this is me with my sisters
kelly~me~kristy~shauna

{shauna and I dressed in our twin hats}

While it is sometimes difficult to watch life keep trudging on in the midst of grief and tears...
it was wonderful to stay true to our traditions
and drink in the joy
that comes from being with family.

Thank you for your continued good thoughts, encouraging words, and cherished prayers.

Chasity