This Fall - Birthday, Preschool, Halloween

Ok so my resolution for 2014 is to keep up with this blog! Some of these pictures date back to August and it is nearly December now.  It takes time to document, but looking through these pictures makes me so happy that I get to spend my days with these two precious people and I don't want to forget a minute of it. 

Both children are enrolled in preschool this year and it is such a blessing for all of us.  They love their teachers, friends, and activities there. The first day of school just happened to be August 27th - somebody's 4th birthday.  

First day being 4 years old and first day in the 4's class. 

Gotta love first day of school pictures! 

Lucy Mills taking McClain's picture on her Barbie phone ;) 

Along with fall comes football season.  Suggie has graciously given up many a Saturdays to spend with her grands so that mommy and daddy could enjoy a watching a ball game.  These two sure do treasure her company and her time invested in them. 

Lucy Mills interest to learn has really taken off this fall.  She loves to work on her letters, trying to spell words, and doing "school work" with Mommy.  

She had a minor surgery to caurterize veins in her nose recently.  A few minutes after coming out of anesthesia I was rocking her in the recovery room when she looked up at me and said Mommy, can we just go home and do school work now? Yes sweet, studious child we can. 

In October the 4's class at preschool hosted Western Day for the parents.  Our little cowgirl dressed up (and then took her pink cowboy hat off) and paraded in the sanctuary on their stick horses.  

The children did a great job singing songs and performing for us.  These are Lucy Mills' two best preschool friends - Eva Claire and Evie.  Sweet girls. 

So thankful for her friendship with Evie. 

Lucy Mills loved having Pop Pop come and see her at Western Day.  

There was even a real horse for our cowgirl to meet. 

This was the first time we have joined in on Halloween.  For Lucy Mills' first Halloween we went to Alabama, the following year I was on bed rest with McClain, last year someone was sick, so October 31,  2013 was a day we were all looking forward to. I knew exactly what I wanted to dress the children in.  As soon as I found some red sparkly shoes, Dorothy and the Lion from The Wizard of Oz seemed to be a perfect fit for my cuties.  

The night before Halloween I took Dorothy and Lion to the Fall Festival at their preschool.  We rode our first roller coaster together, jumped in the bounce house, and went Trunk-or-Treating. 

They also celebrated with a fall party at school.  

Here is Lucy Mills with her her teachers Mrs. Whittle and Mrs. Lambercht. 

And with her best gal pals Eva Claire and Evie. 

I also celebrated with McClain's class and the 2 year olds got to pick pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. Here he is with his best bud Jack Gentry. 

On Halloween night we invited Lucy Mills' preschool friend Evie, and her family over for our neighborhood block party and trick-or-treating. 

-Brock, Evie, Lucy Mills, McClain- 

They children loved Halloween (minus the one scary house we visited). The costumes, the candy, going door to door - it was a great memory. 

And I'll end this post with this image - what joy this brings their English major mama to see her babies' noses buried in books.  This could occur on any given day - us in our pj's sitting around reading together.  Love it. 

Rocky Mountain High

Back in September my young at heart husband celebrated his 20 year college reunion.  We jumped on a plane and headed west to Colorado - just the two of us - to take a trip down memory lane at the Air Force Academy. 

Grandmother and Grandaddy graciously kept the littles for us while we were away.  Trav and I had the best time being together and I absolutely loved retracing the steps of his college years.  I wish so badly I had known him then - but then of course when he was in college I was in elementary school and that's just weird.  ;)
Shortly after our plane landed in Denver we met up with Trav's old roommate Mark Nassir.  Mark has to be the nicest guy on the planet.  As soon as Travis laid eyes on Mark he shouted Nascar!!!! (Nassir) and just like that the good times started to roll as we made our way to Colorado Springs.

It's been years since these guys laid eyes on one another, yet they all picked up right where they left off.  There were events scheduled throughout the weekend.  The first night there was a welcome reception - below is Travis, Mark and Rich Benda.

And the wives - Rich's wife Suzanne, our wonderful hostess Kim Borchert and me.

Our group.

The view of the Rocky Mountains from our car.

The day we arrived in Colorado Springs, Mark asked if we wouldn't mind dropping by the home of a family that sponsored (mentored) him during his years as a cadet.  General and Mrs. Wakin graciously welcomed us for a visit in their home so that Mark and Travis could update them on their lives since being at the Academy.  As I sat there and listened to their conversation, I learned that the Wakin's have seven grown children and throughout the years they often had cadets in their home - sometimes to mentor and guide them, sometimes just to watch a football game and enjoy a home cooked meal.  Twenty years ago, this family opened up their homes and their hearts to Mark and to Travis - and look how far they have come since.  Mark wanted to come back and thank them for investing in his life.  Mrs. Wakin was such an encouragement to me to pursue relationships with people.  In the end that is all that truly matters.

Colorado is one of those places that is dear to mine and Travis' heart.  Of course for him spending his college years there - meeting some of his best friends, succeeding at the Academy, and growing in his relationship with the Lord.  As his wife I am thankful for those formative years.  After my freshman year of college I lived in Colorado for a summer, living and working with the Stevens family as they led the Campus Crusade Athletic camp.  When Travis and I began dating we both had special memories associated with the Rocky Mountain state.

Friday we spent the day touring the beautiful Academy grounds.
-Travis, Mark, Rob, Rich, and Jason-

After a full day of touring the campus, we enjoyed a reception that same evening.

Such a fun time with great people.

Rob and Kim Borchert were amazing hosts during our Colorado stay.  They invited the Lorenzens and the Heinmets over for breakfast on the last day.  Both of these couples have left such an impact on Travis and his friends. They mentored, guided, and encouraged these young men during their college years.  I have always heard their names and gazed at their Christmas cards year after year, but now I was finally able to meet them in person.  I am forever grateful for our time to fellowship together and for the impact they had on Travis.

After breakfast we headed back to campus for the Air Force football game!

At halftime Mark, Travis and I left the game and Colorado Springs to head to Denver.  As our trip came to a close I was overwhelmed with thankfulness that I caught a glimpse into Travis' college experience.  I've heard the stories, briefly met the friends, and seen the pictures, but actually being there with him made me love him even more.  I have a new appreciation for my Air Force Academy grad. ;)  Yes, now Colorado has an even more special place in both of our hearts. 

This Guy

It does not get any cuter than McClain Mason.  At least in this biased mama's opinion.  

The limitless amounts of joy and laughter he has brought into our family, alongside my almost daily thought that boys are so different, have made me ever thankful for this guy.  

A few months ago McClain was just shy of two and a half when he jumped aboard the potty train. He has been doing great ever since.  Having a sister not much older seemed to help in this department.  However; big sis also taught master climber how to scamper out of his crib way sooner than Mama was ready to make the switch.  We put safety first and took the crib down in exchange for twin big boy beds (that once belonged to my mom and aunt - so special).  We are now a diaper free and crib free household.  

Since starting preschool this fall, McClain and his best buddy Jack like to talk on their walking talkys and run off to their rescue missions!! 

Daddy asked McClain recently what he wants to be when he grows up.  His response, a back yard guy that digs up the dirt and dumps it on people's heads.  Um...ok.  Well I guess there are worse things he could aspire to? 

He can be whatever he wants to be as long as he keeps that heart pure and tender.  What did I do before having a sweet son tell me Mama, you look so pretty! and I love my sweet mama ?

And here Mama, I picked dis for you. 

McClain never seems to meet a stranger.  When he walks into his class he tells each friend hello and calls them by name.  He does this at school, CBS, and church.  Perhaps he is laying the groundwork for running for office run day?  Or maybe he just has a heart that loves to love.

He has started to climb to the top of any piece of furniture and shout Blastoff! as he jumps off.  

He is happiest playing with Sis, being with friends, and he is always quick to tell me I love my family. 

He wants to be just like daddy and I think he already is. 

McClain, you are our superhero.   No doubt about it.