Pumpkin Patch

We (the kids, Grannylou, Aunt Kristi, Kadyn, Dylan, Eric and me) spent this past Saturday morning at a pumpkin patch north of town. Clay wasn't able to join us due to Upward and Pop had to work, but we plan to go back for the Christmas tree park they do during December. It's a great place for photo ops, running and fun for all ages. I think everyone had a great time - and LOTS of pictures were taken. The boy went through his first maze and the kids had their first hay ride. The boy was speechless as he saw all the Backyardigans from TV and enjoyed running through the fields of pumpkins. The gal tired out about halfway through, but she really seemed to enjoy the festivities. We had a hard time getting a good picture of all 4 kids, but I think I got a few cute ones. Enjoy all the pictures...many look similar, but I wanted to show all the fun we had! I think this will become a tradition...(and yes, we are in shorts/capris and short-sleeves in mid-October - it hit 91 that day!!!)

PS- Make sure to keep reading - there are two new posts below this one!

Family time

I love that Clay has every other Friday off. We get long weekends without burning vacation time. This past Friday we took the kids to the park for a change of scenery. It was fun to see the boys play so hard together...don't get me wrong, the girls had fun too! Look at the second picture - I love that I captured the boy's love for his dad...melts my heart!

Look what I can do!

I've been working on getting the girl to use a cup since she refuses the bottle (a mama needs a break every now and again!). Another mom shared her girls went straight to a straw totally skipping the sippy cup phase. Well, looks like our little gal is doing the same. This is her first time to truly get it; but if you notice the dark spot on her pants, she still needs work on swallowing all she takes in! What I love is that her brother can't use a straw, but she's almost got it down! (This is one of the cups I bought for him to learn to use.) Anyway, she's quite adorable holding that cup and quite funny when she simply bends over because she's apparently too tired to hold it!
A friend came to play last week while her brother was at the doctor. Hard to believe they're only 5 weeks apart...I think our sweet friend will tower over our girl! We mamas hope they are good friends - right now, they just want what the other has. Don't you just love that big toothy grin?

Sweet aroma

As I sit here in the corner of my sofa (my spot for getting with God), I breathe in a sweet aroma. The aroma takes my mind back a few years when I knew I had been around a sweet friend and the presence of our Lord. Carolyn has been here. I would recognize that fragrance anywhere. A smile crosses my face, and my heart is warmed. How precious are friends in God - ones that are true and deep and lasting. I was honored today when she shared so openly about her life. I was challenged by her honesty about her struggles and the transparency of her heart. So often I hide behind a mask not wanting others to know my hurts, weaknesses or failures. God reminded me today He is best glorified when our weakness is made known. I saw the power of Him working in her as we spoke. Now her sweetness and His presence linger where she has been. How I wish for my life to be just that...a lingering sweet aroma wherever I go.

"Playgroup" at the park

Before I get to the point of this post...the girl has had two firsts - her first tooth arrived last Thursday (the second is on its way) and she got her first bruise (on her cheek) this morning as she attempted to get a toy. She continues to work hard on her crawling, but she has figured out how to get where she wants to go in her own way.

Playgroup at the park today consisted of me and my two kids, but we had a great time anyway! I took lots of pictures and wanted to share them with you. The girl loves to swing almost as much as her brother, and the boy is doing great swinging on a "big boy" swing. The boy also enjoyed running through the field behind the playground. Enjoy the pictures...I only wish I could have captured the laughter!

I LOVE THIS PICTURE! These two already love each other so much. They enjoy laughing together and they definitely feed off each other. I think we have our hands full in the coming years. My prayer is that while the normal sibling fights will happen, they will always love each other more.