August - December 2014

Camping with the Kubats

Spring Mill State Park

We went camping with the Kubats - Mike, Natalie, Nick, and Seeger. The weather was warm and then we had a down pour the first night. Unfortunately the boys were in a tent and got flooded out!!! We also had a run in with some raccoons that stole our lunch meat. We learned some lessons that weekend, but still managed to have a good time. 

Love this face! The kids were giving mini gourds to spin like tops

Seeger and Emma spinning their gourds

                                                    We took "pioneer" photo - a family photo of us without smiles. Apparently Ryan thought that meant he had to look especially tough. 

Random Emma Video - 2013

I found this video of Emma saying the Pledge of Allegiance that her preschool class learned in 2013. I love watching it to hear her little girl voice and pronouncement of the bigger words. Too cute! 

August 25th - Ryan's 11th Birthday

Emma's First Pulled Tooth! 

10 Year Wedding Anniversary Trip

Gatlinburg, TN and Bryson City, NC

View from our cabin at the top of a ridge close to downtown Gatlinburg.  

Matt and I went white water rafting for the first time at a place called Nantahala in Bryson City (highly recommend checking it out). We had a blast! 4 years later and we're still talking about going down there to do it again, this time with the kids. 

We rafted with four older ladies, one of them was in her 80's. Matt and I hoped we were still up for a rafting trip when we turn 80 years old! We had a lot of fun rafting them. 

Our guide, was an Indiana native and a grad from School of HPER. It was great to meet him and hear some of his crazy rafting stories.

First Day of School - Kindergarten and 5th Grade

Emma's First Field Trip

Peden's Farm

Goofy Girls! 

Fall Outing - McConnell Farm

Spending time with Grandma Katie

Grandma Katie sharing words of wisdom with Ryan

How to Train Your Dragon - Live

Chicago, IL with Memaw and Papaw Bill

Brown County - Halloween Weekend

Sh*tters Full!!

Emma's 6th Birthday Party - Frozen

Yes, Virginia! 

Ryan's 5th grad play - he had a solo singing part. 

Christmas at the Younger's

Purcell Christmas

Last Saturday (Dec 1), we had our annual Purcell Christmas gathering. We had a great turnout this year, it was wonderful vising with everyone. I now I can relate to my aunts and uncles who always commented on how much we've grown b/c when I only see my cousins once/twice a year, I realize how crazy it is that time goes by so quickly. It's just hard to believe that my cousin, Nicole, turned 21 this year! Unfortunately she was unable to attend (only via Facetime on Brandon's iPhone). 

The kids were really looking forward to going to Aunt Loretta and Uncle John's house. Mom and I made sure to talk up Santa to Emma, in hopes that she wouldn't start screaming as soon as he walked through the door. 

I'm glad she had mom to help give her courage. Ryan on the other hand was really happy to see Santa! 

When it was time for Emma to sit on Santa's lap, she started crying, but she found the courage to walk up by herself and sit on his lap.....

She even manged a Thank you for the gift he gave her. Maybe next year will be even better. 

Ryan asked Santa for a Super Mario Cart DS game, we'll see what Santa brings =)

Matthew, Leighla, and Evan were there as well, for Evan's first Christmas with the Purcells.

Grandma and Grandpa with Santa. We're so very blessed to still have them in our lives. My grandpa is 92 and my grandma is 91. 

We had lots of great laughs and I really enjoyed catching up with everyone. For one of the first times, I'm feeling comfortable enough with my self to join conversations and visit. Seems like in previous years I've always stayed next to Matt or mom b/c I wasn't sure how to start/join conversations with family. So weird to think that around family I'd be too shy and awkward. Perhaps it's something most people struggle with. 

I know it's so very cliche`, but it's hard to believe yet another year has come and gone. I always feel like next year is a long way off, but in reality it'll feel like yesterday I just wrote this post for 2012.