10 Years of Fall Leaves

A decade ago, what started as a quick adventure in the beautiful Northwest mountains, (we came for a visit when we lived in the South), has turned into one of our favorite (and much anticipated) excursions each fall!  T was a wee little guy when it all began!  Unknowingly, this weekend, more than any other through the year, has served to mark the growth and changes of our family from year to year.  

~ 2005 ~ T at 4 months old

T on the Same Bridge, 10 years later

The 2006 trip was one of my favorites and sadly I can not find the pictures of this year.  T was just learning to walk and seared in my mind is him was running (more like toddling) barefoot through the farm fields.  We had somehow forgotten to bring shoes for him that day!  We had just moved back to the Northwest and had recently found out that baby #2 would be joining our family in May of 2007, (I also won't forget that the effects of morning sickness were in full swing on this trip!).  I have included a picture of T around 14 months taken that fall as a place holder until I find the 2006 pictures to include. 

2007 was fun, however, a little more complicated of a trip as we adjusted to being gone from home for  a LONG all-day adventure with a very active toddler and newborn -- naps, nursing and adjusting to life with 2 kids!  (T was almost 2 1/2 and P was 5 months.)

 2008 proved to be one of the trickiest as far as taking pictures and running after the boys at almost 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 years old.  I'm smiling now as I remember wrangling them (like calfs!) both to get them in one place at the same time!  Fun was had but memories of this particular trip is literally a blur!  :) 

2009 was the first year both boys really loved the farm.  It was neat when a professional photographer stopped and asked to take pictures of our boys at our favorite farm!  (P was 2 1/2 and T was 4 1/2 yrs old.)

2010 was our last trip as a family of 4 and a memory-maker with the greatly anticipated baby # 3 due any day!  We opted to take a chance being so far from my doctor and it proved to be well-worth the risk!  Most of the pictures of the boys this year were very blurry -- I believe their constant movement truly indicates their spunk and zest for all things active!  :)  (P was 3 1/2 and T was 5 1/2 yrs old.)

 2011 was the first time with 3 kids, also a fun one at the farm!  It was indeed our coldest and wettest trip by far!  The colors were AMAZING though!  (S was almost 1, P was 4 1/2 and T was 6 1/2)

2012 was the year that was VERY cold -- we got sun, rain and a bit of snow!  (S was 2, P 5 1/2, T 7 1/2)

2013 brought great weather and incredible vibrance!  (S was 3, P 6 1/2. T 8 1/2 yrs old)

2014 was another great day of weather both warm and dry as well as great, bold colors!  Nap-free, diaper-free, stroller-free and melt-down-free!!  We finally arrived!!  :)  (S was 3, P 7 1/2, T 9 1/2 yrs. old)

2015 was extra sweet as my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and their 3 boys were able to come along for the fall leaf adventure! (S was almost 5, P was 8 1/2 and T was 10 1/2 yrs old)

~ After a decade of this annual trip, we are so thankful for each and every year and all the incredible memories made -- each year serves as lovely reminders of God's beauty, glorious creation and gifts He has graciously shared with us! ~