Autumn Makes me Smile!

It was such a glorious fall day today. We don't have really great trees at our house, so I decided to take the kids to the church, so they could bask in the wonder of jumping in leaf piles. We spent a good hour or more just making piles and playing in them. The kids had so much fun, they could have stayed much longer, but it got dark. 

I brought my camera because the lighting was just perfect and the colors were so vibrant and wonderful. This is the first time I have had my camera in Fall, so I am just super excited to capture the colors. I am grateful for children who are willing to be my photography subjects so often. They are pretty darn cute too, if I do say so myself. I love each one of them so much! I love to capture them just having fun and being happy. 

While we were there, a very brief strong wind blew through. It was so random, but not random for us. We knew daddy was saying, "Hello." We were having so much fun, and we felt so happy, there was no way he would miss out on a moment like that. Plus, it is Sunday, and I really do think it is still a day of rest, even in the Spirit World -- don't quote me on that -- but it makes sense to me. Charles always loved spending Sunday afternoons as a family. It was his favorite. We felt super close to him today. 

After some good wholesome fun, we went for a little drive to look at Halloween decorations, while listening to Christmas music. What could be better than that? I am sure I don't know! 

We had a great time together as a family. We are not a broken family. I sure hope no one thinks of us that way. We are still whole! We are as happy as we have ever been, and though we miss having daddy physically around, he is with us always... and the Spirit of God is with us, and allows happiness in times of trial. Our family is built on the foundation of the gospel, and the promises Charles and I made in the temple, so we are a forever family. I am so grateful for that. I am so grateful that death is not the end for us. Eternity with Charles, and my family? Yes, please! Oh what a glorious thing! Thanks be to my loving Heavenly Father for such a marvelous plan! 

I love my family! My family is my treasure. God has been very good to me. I intend to teach, and lead, and bring everyone in my family safely back to Him... even if I have to carry them on my back to get them there. There will be no one left behind. Heaven will not be Heaven if someone is missing.  

Speaking of Heaven... I sure hope there is Autumn in Heaven! There just has to be! It is so beautiful! 

Have you jumped in a leaf pile yet? 

If not, go make it happen!  

Here are some pictures of Autumn JOY!!