"Cheese!"

Something adorable and hilarious occurs whenever you ask Lily Kate to "say cheese!"  Her sweet face goes from normal and sweet to squished up and silly in about 2 seconds.  It is her new thing.  When she is standing up she will even scrunch up her shoulders for an even better look!  It is silly and fun and it is all Lily!  We can't stop smiling every time we see her "cheese face."  What an amazing personality our girl has!!!

Warm Fuzzies

There is nothing I love more than a random 75 degree day in November...except maybe a text that says, "Hey!  Anybody want to play at the park this afternoon?"  You don't have to ask us twice!  Friday could not have been more amazing.  I don't know what it was....the kids were in excellent moods, the weather was awesome and we had the park almost all to ourselves.  One thing my friend, Kellie, and I often talk about is how our kids are so happy with the basics.  A day at the park, time with parents, etc.  How they really don't need all of the "extra" things we think they do.  Well, this day was the definition of that!  The kids LOVED the leaves....throwing them, sitting in them, rolling in them (especially Noel who did not stop laughing the whole time there were leaves around).  We didn't plan to stay very long because of dinner, baths, etc but we all ended up being there until dark.  The afternoon was so much fun that no one wanted the day to end. It was a soul stirring day - one I hope I take with me for a very long time.  Isn't it funny how something to simple and so routine can turn in to one of the best afternoons we have had in a very long time?!

Happy Halloween!!!

Ugh!  There is nothing more cute than a bunch of kids dressed up in silly costumes full of excitement over a holiday!  I can't get enough!!!  This was our second year to trick or treat with a group of close friends in their neighborhood.  Our area is full of older kids (the kind that don't really dress up and show up with a Walmart sack to get candy...you know what I mean) and our homes are very far apart so walking is tough when you are 2 and 4.  We joined up with the Burrow family for dinner (don't they look awesome in their Star Wars gear?) and then met up with the rest of our group for trick or treating.  I love these kids....and their parents.  I love that they love my kids and that they are safe and comfortable with them.  I love that Rhonald and I had just as much fun being with our friends as the kids did being with theirs.  And I love making memories and living life with these people.  What a difference a year makes!  Last year this group fought over who was going to ring the doorbell at each house and who got to pick which house to go to.  This year they took turns (on their own) and just followed the leader, whoever that happened to be.  The "babies" are now toddlers and rode in wagons trying to figure out what the heck was going on.  Even they got in to it by the end and carried their buckets up to the doors with their brothers and sisters.  It was heart warming to see .... such fun and innocence and love for one another.  Just talking about it makes me excited for next Halloween!

Pumpkin Carving

One of my favorite fall traditions is pumpkin carving.  I remember doing it as a family when I was growing up and loved it even then.  Now I am married to the "pumpkin master" - at least that is what I call him.  Rhonald loves to watch Halloween Wars on TV and gets ideas online about what to do with his pumpkin.  They are always amazing and challanging.  I, on the other hand, stick with the traditional "shape face" and am happy with whatever comes out of that.  This year Cole really wanted to carve his own pumpkin but then so did Lily Kate so we made a decision that only grown ups could use the tools.  Cole told me the shapes he wanted to use for everything and I drew it out with him.  He was happy ... and so was Lily who fell in love with pumpkin goo and making Halloween messes!  Another thing our kids developed a love for....roasted pumpkin seeds....Yum-O!  I love this time of year and everything it brings about.  Not just the fun pumpkins and yummy food but also the desire to simply be still.  To stay home on cool nights and curl up under the covers to watch movies.  To make hot apple cider and read stories to my kiddos in a homemade fort.  To run around like crazy in the backyard playing and feeling rejuvinated in the crisp, fall air.  I love fall...and I am thankful for seasons that bring about the best in life!

Art In Our Hearts

One thing I believe both of our children inherited from Rhonald is their love for art and creating things.  They both love to color, draw, build and sculpt.  Not a day goes by that Cole doesn't ask to do some sort of craft project.  I love it - it was not something I grew up doing but I love learning with them and enjoying being creative.  So....when Keisha invited us to a "Mommy and Me" art class the other day I knew we had to go.  As it turned out we were the only ones there so we got to basically take over the place!  The kids made "Boo Bags" to carry all of their Halloween goodies in.  Cole and Jackson were all about it and loved every second of their time there.  Ethan and Lily were not as excited but by the end really had a good time too! It was so much fun and we can't wait to go back again!!!