Pumpkins in the Pumpkin Patch

One of my favorite things about fall (which is not one of my favorite seasons) is our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. I love taking my three little pumpkins on a hayride and taking their pictures (even if the picture taking is not their favorite part)! What a great day!

With Memaw and Papa

Camel Fun

Archie and Grace chose to use some of their own money on this camel ride last time we were at the zoo. They had a blast!

Summer Portraits: 2013

A Visit to the Land of CHOCOLATE!

Fun and chocolate? Chocolate and fun?

That's what we had at Hershey Park last month. They had tons of kid friendly rides. Archie was disappointed that neither of his parents would take him on an adult roller coaster (even though he was tall enough to ride one of the smaller ones).

It wasn't a particularly hot day, but a quick trip down the log ride was still fun!

Tower of Terror miniature style? Archie loved it!

Nothing like shaking hands with a Hershey Kiss (unless it's eating one). Grace was hilarious when she ran over to this guy and kissed him.

My favorite part was the Hershey Museum. They had an "It's a Small World" style ride that taught all about the production of chocolate. Archie, my non-fiction guy, and Grace both loved it, too.

Afterward, they gave a free sample then funneled you into the store to buy more. Looking down and seeing the hoards of people crowding to buy the same things you can get for cheaper at Walmart reminded me of China.

Looking Back: Last Sunday in Blacksburg

Hard to believe the kids and I have been staying with the Grandparents nearly a month now! Hunt came up for his first visit last week, and it was so good to see him. He also brought with him my camera which, due to poor planning, I left with him in Blacksburg. I found these precious pics of my princess taken in our church garden the last Sunday we were in Blacksburg. I wish I'd made more pics because you will seldom find a church with a lovelier garden.

Our last Sunday the kids also sang two songs in the Chinese church. They sang "Jesus Loves Me" in English and a song called "I Lift My Eyes Up" in Chinese. How sweet! We will miss being a part of Blacksburg Chinese Church!

Summer Sibling Pics

Fun in the Smokeys! (Christmas Prelude)

T'was four days before Christmas and the DeJs had FUN! Yes, that's right! Fun was had by all. Kids enjoyed their parents' 8th anniversary in the best way possible - two nights at the Grandparents (no parents to say no, don't, etc.) Parents enjoyed two nights in the Smokies (no kids to beg for more TV, not to eat anything but cookies, no sleep, etc.) It was our first real getaway without kids, and we are deeply grateful to my parents. Unfortunately, since we had no kids to photograph, the primary subjects were ourselves (which I'm sure makes for a considerably less cute blog post). At least the scenery at the Great Smokey Mountains National Park is breathtaking!

Cataract Falls:

Park Entrance:


On the strip in Gatlinburg. Since I'm a genuine Tennessean, I've been to Gatlinburg many times, but that didn't make this time any less special. We went to Ober on the cable car, enjoyed the quaintness of the Village, enjoyed the indoor/outdoor pool in our hotel (yes, we braved into the outdoor pool for a few minutes), and enjoyed a few shows. Country Tonite was my favorite by far. It was just the right mix of regular country (first half) and Christmas show (second half). I must confess parts of it moved me to tears. While they were playing "Christmas in Camoflauge" and showing slideshows of Soldiers away from their families and later being reunited, I was weeping. Hunter was joking with me after the show that he had the exact opposite reaction and felt it was shameful to use such precious pictures for commerical purposes. Who doesn't get love a live Nativity and powerful rendition of "O Holy Night"? (I'm so glad Tennesseans still remember the most important Reason for Christmas!)

Here are a few more nature photos. Remember, we didn't have any subjects other than ourselves!

I love you, Hunter, and can't wait for Anniversary #9!!!

Springtime Grace

Color Coordinated Fun!

My parents bought the kids these precious little coordinated outfits. I've been wanting to make some pics in them forever, but getting shots of two kids who'd rather be playing is pretty tough stuff.

Here's my favorite of the day:

My favorite solo Grace shot:

Another fun sibling pic:
See, told you they'd rather be playing. Football anyone?

Archie is such a Daddy's boy!