12.28.2011

the Dress

{For all those who requested a picture of the dress....}


You'll just have to forgive me for writing a story 
around an object that I had no picture of.
I am blonde !!
and despite my little story...
it's not really ALL about the dress.

12.26.2011

Who Would Have Thought

Who would have thought that in December of 2011, Steve, the native from San Diego, would look like this?


Who would have thought that our family who has lived for 22 years in the same house, only three blocks from where Steve was born, would be living in Montana?


Who would have thought that our lives could be filled with such happiness?





Who would have thought 22 years ago that our Kacey girl would be married to this wonderful man?


Who would have thought that sweet Ashley and Rachel would still bring amazing blessings to their parents?


Who would have thought that Rachel would cut off her lovely locks?


Who would have thought that Christmas in Montana would be fairly warm with no snow!  (This picture has nothing to do with the above statement but I liked it!)


Who would have thought that a grandchild could bring about such tenderness to one's heart?


Who would have thought that Christmas day would bring memories to last a lifetime?



Who would have thought that a San Diego girl could smile this big living in Montana?


Who would have thought. . . . 


12.22.2011

Christmas Cheer

{the TABLE}



{the FOOD}



{the GUESTS}



12.21.2011

O Christmas Tree (cont.)


O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree


How lovely are your branches


How often you give us delight


In brightly shining Christmas light


O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree


How lovely are your branches




   *The first tree is ours, and the last two pictures are Kacey, Jay, and Ellie's tree!

12.19.2011

The trip to San Diego for Thanksgiving

We left Montana not as bright and early as we had hoped.

We spent the evening in Salt Lake City.

We left Salt Lake City not as bright and early as we had hoped.


Ellie thought the car ride was divine as you can gather from her expression in this photo!

Once arriving in San Diego, things went really fast.  There were doctor appointments, dentist appointments, friends to meet, malls to shop, and restaurants just calling our names.  Oh, and a turkey and ham to prepare!

But first a visit with Great Grandma Blackner!




And, of course, a trip to the beach was in order.











I believe Ellie enjoyed the sand and beach as much as her mamma and the photographer!



It was a wonderful trip.

Then it was time to pack up the vehicles.

We left San Diego not as bright and early as we had hoped.

We spent the evening in Salt Lake City.

We left Salt Lake City not as bright and early as we had hoped!

All in all it was a happy trip with much to be thankful for.

12.13.2011

O Christmas Tree {junior style}

we young Rickels also set out on the search for the perfect Christmas tree...
only, we had to wait until Daddy had a day off work...
so, on Saturday we bundled up and headed out

this was Ellie's first time in her snowsuit!


look how tall my little missie is getting...


why, hello there, Ellie girl!  {grin}


we had to try a couple of spots before we found it...
the perfect tree

Daddy and his little helper
{who, by the way, absolutely and utterly enjoyed every bit of this excursion, and squealed with excitement every time we set her down to walk around and explore}



all loaded up and ready to take home and decorate!


oh, the fun we have!!!  {smile}