Fall Latelies

It's been a bit of a whirlwind around these parts.  Lots of goings-ons.  Taking the fall one day at a time, and really trying to enjoy all its delicacies.  I do not like winter.  I can handle up through Christmas day...the rest is pure torture.  The last few falls have even been pretty blah.  Either been in the Zofran-popping, death-throes of pregnancy or the foggy-headed zombie-land of new baby-having.
Aside:  Of all the sizes that I've been the past 4 falls, none of my pants fit me.  How is that even possible?  I'm somewhere in the middle of my weight range.
Anyway, all that rambling to say, I have purposed to enjoy fall, and fallish things this year.  We've collected acorns and leaves.  Made banana bread.  Burned my new orange peel candle.  Gone on hay rides.  Drank pumpkin spice latte.  Made santa fe soup.  And potato soup.  Crunched leaves. Worn wellies in the rain.

Watched the sun set over the Gulf.


Bundled up and enjoyed a little fall beach time.






Played golf with Daddy.  Check out her stance.






Made the most of these last few warm days with "backyard fun".

*This brick was "pirate treasure" that they buried and dug up and fought over.

Rode on the Gator.  Or mostly just climbed all over it.


Celebrated Indians.  And Pilgrims.  And feasting.

Ever seen a grumpy Indian?  A little frightening, no?

Here's one to redeem her.

And one more of little sister.

Here's to the coming week of Thanksgiving and grace to make thanks-giving the way of a lifetime.

Patch of Pumpkins

A friend and I made a last-minute dash to the pumpkin patch with the kiddos yesterday.



 I've wanted to go the last couple of years, but just never got my act together in time.  I'm pretty sure most of our other friends had already made the trip this year...the patch was a little picked over, but we managed to find a couple of good ones in spite.



 My littlest really loved all the animals...especially the calf (which she insisted was a "puppy").





 My proudest moment was making it off the hayride in one piece holding my 20 lb "baby", a pumpkin, and my big girl's hand.  Let the carving begin : )

Babies in a Washtub

I had been meaning to take these pictures for a while.  Like when it was 97 degrees outside.  Last week I sorta panicked.  My denial about summer's end is coming to a forced close.  I filled the little tub with water and bubbles and stuck a hand in to confirm what I already knew.  It was SO cold.  The girls were already suited up and begging to get in.  I was profusely apologizing and telling them we would just take a quick picture and get out and towel off before the neighbors saw their blue lips and made phone calls.  I gingerly put each one in, bracing myself for the "I'm freezing" shrieks.  {See pictures below for their reaction}.  There were shrieks, but of pure, giddy joy.  Several dozen pictures and lots of "I'm not cold" squeals later, I made them get out.  Do children just not have functioning nerve endings?





Hmmm, black & white or color?  Here's both.

My Little Goat

She will turn one on Tuesday.  I think this is gonna be worse than me turning 30.  Bracing myself.

Muse

Easter

Precious

This was little sister's 1st time to swing at the park.  She liked it.  She pretty much likes anything big sister is doing.  She is such a sweet baby (feet baby, as big sis calls her) and brings me so much joy.  There was a time when I wasn't sure children of our own were in our future.  A time of praying and praying for a miracle.  In 23 months time we were blessed with two.  Sometimes it blows my mind.  It is humbling and terrifying to be entrusted with something so precious.  I know they are not mine, really though.  They are His.  His to redeem and love and delight in.  As much as they may or may not physically resemble me, they bear their Father's image.  And that makes them precious.









A couple of big sister just cause...

Augusta National

We made a pilgrimage to Augusta this past week to watch a little golf, walk on the prettiest grass around, and eat little sandwiches.  It was a short getaway, but fun nonetheless.  Sister and brother-in-law made the trek with us.  We started the fun with dinner at Twist in the ATL.  Then off to spend the night at the super swank Holiday Inn Express.  I'm not even kidding when I say it was nice.  Real nice Clark.  Getting up at 4:30 (our time) to be in Augusta at rope drop was almost compensated for by the free hotel breakfast.  We are talking biscuits and gravy, bakery style cinnamon rolls, big muffins, and a plethora of other goodies.  Who knew?  It's the small things, right?

We had a great time.  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves (starting with the most important thing)...