Kelli Trontel

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! We stayed in town again this year and enjoyed a really low-key Thanksgiving Day with Reeds family. Everyone contributed to the meal….making it super simple for everyone to enjoy the entire day.

We got SNOW for Thanksgiving [like we did last year]….so Ezra was loving that!

I just love the JOY that Ezra brings to our family. I love the way our family gathers around and just watches him play and explore his surroundings. Thankfully my in-laws are in the “people business” so they enjoy watching Ezra play for hours as much as we do. It’s great!

Ezra was a bit more picky with his Thanksgiving dinner plate this year….his new thing is to play “parking lot” with his food. Something on his plate always ends up being a car/truck/excavator/taxi ect…..and he pretty much plows all the food off the plate on to the placemat. These “cars” just drive in circles around the plate. He’s gets REALLY in to it.

One thing that no one seemed to be picky about was the Huckleberry pie! My mother-in-law picks huckleberries every year…and then saves them for Thanksgiving and Christmas pies. Its the best. A sweet memory of summer, in the winter.

We have so much to be thankful for….and Ezra reminds us all that its in the little things. I don’t want to take these days..this season for granted. Even though society is pushing us towards Christmas at the smallest hint towards Fall…..I want to slow down and be in the moment…..and more importantly, notice the people and things around me.

My mother-in-law has the perfect home for small gatherings…..so I couldn’t help but snap a few images of the little details that make her house a home….the little treasure that catch my eye that I love most.

This is our Thanksgiving Day in photos…..

Easter consists of a full weekend with our Fresh Life family and friends. The festivities kick off with Skull Church Majestic then Fresh Life Easter….and ends with a family meal around the table.

Although our weekend was a busy one, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love that we get the opportunity to serve alongside some pretty amazing people in our city, witnessing people of all ages make decisions for Christ and I absolutely love that Ezra gets to be part of what all that we do! Last year he hung out in the baby carrier, but this year….he was all over the place. All over the place…in a good way. I love seeing him interact with people.

Here’s a snapshot of our second Easter as a family of three [plus our employee Tyler who joined us this year- love this guy!], our Easter table and Ezra’s first Easter basket!

XOXO!

// Skull Church Majestic w/ special guest artist PaperRoute

// Fresh Life Easter w/ special guest artist John Mark McMillan
To see the full LOOKBOOK from Skull Church Majestic & Fresh Life Easter…visit Pastor Levi’s blog.

// After Easter service shenanigans….Ezra and his little buddy, Fawkes.

// Our Easter party
This year included a few little goodies inside an Easter basket [including CAMO eggs- so Montana!], a family walk/bike ride around the neighborhood, our BunnyBread tradition & evening discussions around the campfire. Best weekend ever.

This past weekend was Winter Carnival here in Whitefish. Its a local tradition with a crazy backstory, but the afternoon parade is a highlight for us. Maybe when Ezra gets a little older, he’ll participate in the penguin plunge, but for now….we’re opting out of jumping in any lake in zero degree weather! It’s also a super busy day for our shop– as all the festivities take place right out front of our door!

Here are a few photos from the day…..and yes, Montana loves their trucks and horses!

This is one of my top favorite traditions we have made here in Montana. And it’s even more special to have Ezra along with us…as we hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, cut it down and haul it back home in the back of the truck!

This year….our annual Hunt and Cut was different than all the others. We ended up driving about 45 minutes outside of Whitefish and gathered together with friends, in the middle of the woods. This was so magical and special. I loved being out in the wide open spaces, warming up by a fire, sharing a meal and praying together….in the middle of Gods creation. So peaceful. I really don’t have the words to describe how much I loved this, this year. [we did miss a few friends who were unable to join us this year- and those who got lost on the way. Such a bummer.]

Our sweet friend Carrie does such a great job at thinking of simple, yet over-the-top details that make all of our gatherings just that much more fun! I love her pretzel trees and the handmade “hunt + cut” banner. My camera gets super happy whenever we are together and I get to photograph all of the details!

I’m not normally a “nature” photographer, but I was inspired by all the beauty around us as we drove around and walked the trails together as a family. So, there are a TON of photos…..in hopes you are reminded of how the Lord loves us truly and deeply. He cares about the details that surround us in our everyday…and has the same care and love for YOU and your family. Pretty overwhelming when you think about it….

Hope you all are enjoying this holiday season…..what kinds of traditions are you doing with your family?!? Please tell!