Bennett's Baptism 10/25

Another sweet weekend and this time, it was because little Bennett was baptized. 

It was so special watching Mary Claire & Grant commit before The Lord to raise Bennett in the love & truth found through Christ alone. 

Looking at his Mama while his Mimi buttons up the baptismal gown that she handmade--he's now the 3rd one to wear it--after his big sister and cousin. 

How could you not smile when you have both Mimi and unicorn?!

Always love to snap a polaroid with my best little buddy 

What a fun morning getting to share this special time with Grant's family, too! We always love getting together with them. 

"Aunt Ellen, why do you keep taking pictures of me?"--her face says it all

Bennett, your Uncle Jason and I love you so very much and our prayer for you is that there is never a day in your life that you don't know the deep love that Jesus has for you. 

8th Annual BYOP 10/17

Another year, another BYOP! And boy, oh boy, this was the most action packed one yet. 

We had two new attendee's this year with Ivy Lynne and Bennett on the scene. 

They aren't too in to the festivities quite yet (as you can see below)--ha!

But man, oh man, they sure are precious!

This year, we had the usual pumpkin chili (recipe found here) with all the necessary fixin's, pumpkin oatmeal cream pies, and per Russell's insight, you can't have a party without cupcakes so we rounded out the night with chocolate cupcakes--good call, Russell!

These two were THE LIFE OF THE PARTY and we wouldn't have it any other way. They kept us laughing and it was so fun experiencing this tradition through their eyes & with their excitement. 

I'm pretty sure the chili was the best it's ever been. I know what you're thinking...pumpkin chili...disgusting. But trust me, it's divine. 

This big, sweet boy was melting our hearts by giving his Uncle Jason all of his smiles!

Each year before I make this post, I take the time to go back and look at each of the previous years and it's always so sweet and has served as such a concrete reminder of the importance of friendship and fellowship and the joys that come with putting in the work of keeping those things a priority throughout our lives. 

Like we've said before, for each person, this time holds different attached memories but, I love the common thread that we will each have when we think back on our years of BYOP. What a sweet, fun tradition that has evolved and changed as much as we have over the past 8 years.