Family Portrait

Family pictures taken during Thanksgiving visit - Ryan may kill me for putting in his picture, but he's such a stud! (these are prior to cropping)

Belle Island

The James River runs through downtown Richmond and there is a small island in the middle called Belle Island that was made into a park. A bridge hung under one of the freeways takes you out and there are many huge, flat rocks near the shore where people hang out, sunbathe, play with their pets, kayak in the river, etc. The island used to house many steel mills and an old confederate imprisonment camp. A very cool place to hang out!

View of downtown Richmond from the bridge

J & Ryan near the rapids

James River

The fam hanging out on the rocks

A "Real Fall" Thanksgiving

We are most grateful for our family, friends and God's constant provision. But above all, we are thankful for His grace - it is the anchor of our lives and brings us great joy. But back to family, we had a great time stuffing ourselves, watching football and playing games. Oh, and laughing at my mom trying to play football! Way to put yourself out there mom!

Ryan & Mom playing football

Steph & Jason at the "feast"

View from our backyard - trees look like they're on fire

Colonial Williamsburg

My parents and brother came out for Thanksgiving and we ventured out to Williamsburg to visit the historic town - it was one of the original English settlements and has been kept in tact. The trees were so amazingly beautiful and had the boldest colored leaves falling everywhere. We sat in the pews at the local church where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson worshipped, drank "ginger beer", toured through the original Capitol of Virginia, and listened to a reenactment of the Declaration of Independence to the "townfolk." I am quite grateful for 21st century inventions...and any amount of butter I want!

Dad & Ryan in the stocks!

View of the "main drag"

Lunch at the colonial restaurant

The militia are coming!

J & Steph outside the Capitol

One of the oldest churches in America

We're Boring

It's been a few weeks since we've included anything on our blog, but there is honestly nothing spectacular to inform you about. When I asked Jason what we should say since we are boring, he replied "tell them we're boring!" So, I'm following his advice. However, the holiday season will soon be in high gear and we have several plans over the next couple months, so there will be some more updates soon.

Spiritually, we have been studying on finances and biblical giving. This has stemmed from our church's capital campaign for building expansion. What a yucky subject! We have definitely been convicted regarding covetousness, greed, our attitudes toward possessions, and how to glorify God through giving. These next two months will really give us opportunity to work out our convictions!

I'm adding some pictures of the fall in Virginia. These were taken at a lake off the small country road that I take to work everyday. At least there's good scenery during my 45 min. commute!