Grandma and Grandpa's visit!

We were the lucky recipients of a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Reichner just prior to Christmas. They were gracious enough to stop through on their way down South, and besides making my day, made two little people very happy. We enjoyed a breakfast together, and shared some hugs. I wish we could have captured a bit more of your time, you two, but know that your visit meant the world. Best gift ever!! Thank you...

Sol and Soph also opened their first-ever gifts! Imagine that, Sol and Soph- you actually get to RIP the paper!!!

We love you two!!

...And more apples!

The warm Fall and Winter has certainly been good for one thing- we are still picking HEAPS of apples in December! We had the immense privilege of gleaning the apples from Deterings Orchard, of which was an easy task. The trees were so full, it took us just a short time in the sweet winter sun to fill up the entire back of our van.

Days later, Ray had only a few requests for his 28th birthday: to be with family and to juice the apples. We made a day of it, waking early to feed Papa a full breakfast and inviting friends over to spend the day with us, making energy bars in the house and juicing the apples just outside. 35+ gallons to show for these winter beauties!!

Derek made his outstanding- and incredibly addicting- monkey bread...

Later that night, I surprised Ray by inviting some of his dearest friends over for a big dinner, then heading out to our favorite pub for some live bluegrass and conversation. What a day, Ray! You make it easy to celebrate YOU. I love you with all my heart!!