MORE BLESSINGS

For some more Thanksgiving photos, especially CUTE ones of Mel check out my sister's blog!

BLESSING

Our Thanksgiving brought many blessings!
We blessed Valorie Aren, got to see Dan now that he is home from his mission, and spent Thanksgiving with family and friends!

HIGH FIVE

Valorie is 3 months old today!She is cooing and smiling all the time and loves hanging out with her older sister. Oh, and here are the cute kitties our neighbor cat had - we love watching them play on our porch.

HALLOWEEN - OH SO LONG AGO

Halloween was wonderful this year. Our little girls are so adorable! First, we dressed up for our ward party. Melanie was in awe. She just stared at all the dressed up people. And when she got her first piece of candy (100 Grand) she refused to let go of it until she ate it at the end of the night.Last year, we decided to make Forest Grove (with Drennan, Heather, and Mikayla) a tradition for Halloween. It is Drennan's birthday and Forest Grove has fun family-friendly activities.

Here we are at the AWESOME pumpkin patch which includes a train ride and a boat ride! I love the family shot of Drennan, Heather and Mikayla!Forest Grove also does a downtown trick or treat early (when it's still light outside). The girls loved it of course. But what is better than candy in the fall? Playing in the leaves!Of course Oma came with us...And we decided later that Mel and Hampa were ninjas - Hampa is my dad's new name ever since he decided to be a Ham (Ham Radio).

FAMILY FUN TIME

So we had a crazy October. As many of you know Dianne was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It has been quite an emotional roller coaster ride. We did, however get the wonderful opportunity to see family that flew up to see mom. Valorie wasn't allowed at the hospital, so I was lucky enough to run the "daycare" with all the cuties! Melanie was in HEAVEN! She loves her cousins so much. I think she is quite lucky!Valorie also enjoyed her cousins and all the attention.We also celebrated Luke's eighth birthday and baptism! We are so proud of Luke! Melanie had a great time.