Luke is 1

Yesterday we celebrated Luke's 1st birthday. Here are a few photos I took of him before the family party. I can't believe he's getting so big.

Luke was standing on his own for about 15 seconds before he realized he was doing it, got scared, and sat down. But at least I got a shot of him standing on his own.
Luke's best friend...his thumb.

Dance Instruction: by Mia

Mia loves to come home from dance class and teach me all that she learned. Here's a taste of our weekly routine. Isn't she sweet?

High School Musical &other stuff

Mia and I went to see High School Musical 3 with a few friends on Saturday. What a blast! It's always fun to have a girls day out. We both loved it. I buzzed Luke's hair last week. It was getting shaggy so I just pulled out the clippers and shaved it off. He wasn't too happy with me, but I think his new do is adorable. So it was worth it.

Cole had a preschool fieldtrip to a local nature preserve last Wednesday. It was cold but fun. His favorite part was the cookies and hot apple cider served at the end.

A couple of Quick Visits

Two of my wonderful cousins stopped into town last week for a quick visit. Julie and her husband Grant came for a short vacation, so we met them for dinner. It was great to catch up, even though Luke was a bit of a stinker. And it was the first time I had met Grant. He's a wonderful man...really fun to talk to.

And two short days later, Julie's brother Cameron stopped by with his family, on their way to their new home in Wyoming. I hadn't seen Cameron in YEARS, so it was a great, and long over due visit.

The kids loved Sophia and Ava.

I had a great time visiting with Cam's wife Julia. Talking to her made me wish we lived right by eachother. What a great family.

Homecoming

On Friday we had our own little homecoming with some of our best friends. It started with a day of lessons on baking homemade bread and crafting hair bows. Followed by a wonderful barbaque and the local homecoming football game. What a great day. It's one of those days that make you feel happy and blessed. We are so blessed to have such great friends.


Mia, Aubrey, and Katelyn - enjoyed watching the cheerleaders more than the game.
It was really windy.

Brock and his cute chubby cheeks.

Melissa, Marquessa, Kristen, and Wynette
Brooke, Morgan, Aubrey, Katelyn, and Mia

Girls Night Out

A few of my friends and I decided to take a dance class once a week. It's been so much fun! And quite a workout too. I'm finally getting used to it, but the first few weeks were painful.
Last week the kids decided to wait up for me. They didn't quite make it.

Only 35 Miles, But A World Away

"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity." --John Muir, 1898

Can you believe this picturesque gift from God is only 35 miles from our house? I can't even begin to explain the euphoria I felt when the kids and I hiked around this gorgeous mountain this afternoon. Drew worked all night so I decided to get the kids out of the house so he could get some sleep. This is where we ended up. The fall colors were amazing! I'm sure we'll go back there often. There are a lot more trails to explore.

Mia took this picture of me and Luke. A photographer in the making.

Autumn???

Today was the first semi-cool day of the season. I'm so excited. And Mia can finally wear her new school clothes that have been in her closet, gathering dust for the past month.

Pumpkin Pick

Well, it's officially October, and time to go to the local pumpkin patch to pick our halloween pumpkins. So our church playgroup organized the event, and it was really fun, aside from the 98 degree temperatures. It was swarming with people by the time we left. I wish Mia could have come. She was in school. We may have to go back. Cole chose carefully. It had to be the best pumpkin.
Luke wasn't too enthusiastic about the activity. He was a little HOT! I had dressed them in pants to at least make it look like autumn in the pictures. Not my best idea.