Newest Addition

David and I spent Thanksgiving here in Lancaster. Here's a shot of us on Thanksgiving Day.

Two days later, on Saturday, November 29, 2008, we welcomed Avery Noelle into the family. 8 pounds and 1 ounce and a full week early. I'm glad she didn't decide to wait another week either. 8 pounds was enough for me, thank you very much. Here's a few photos:

giving thanks rocky mountain style

Just 4 short weeks until our little darling's due date meant we were home for Thanksgiving. However, "home" for these days was with some dear friends of ours who manage the Rocking R Ranch in Longmont, CO. We had a leisurely morning and brunch at home and then headed to the ranch where we feasted. On Friday we enjoyed the wonderful weather with some good old cowboy-ing and a wonderful Christmas parade on Friday evening in the mountains. During the parade it started to snow and after a deep sleep in our own beds we woke to a white-blanketed world which called three little Hostetlers to come and play. Saturday evening we joined some friends for a brew party (Dwayne brews his own beer in his garage) and it inspired Mark to make his first holiday "mulled beer". Sunday we enjoyed our launch into the advent season at church and a quiet afternoon of football and snowfall.

So much to give thanks for...




PS - As I write this I am enjoying the near end of Aunt Sheila's chocolate chip cake...no wait...I've finished it. Time for another piece.