The Fair This Fall

Yep, it's the last week in November and I'm playing catch up October pictures.  Better late than never documented right? 

The state fair this year was almost a no go, but on the last day it was in town we made the decision not to miss out.  Our sweet Suggie treated our crew to an afternoon full of smiles, fun rides, and delicious corn dogs. It was a great day.  

I am so excited that the children are getting to the ages where we can do fun activities like this.  Lucy Mills was the exact height to ride, but she stuck with McClain for the most part and they had a ball "driving." 

Every time they passed by us while on the ride their hands would wave as fast as they could.  The sound of "heyyyy Mommy! Hey Geeee!"  coupled with shrieks of laughter put smiles on all of our faces. 

I think Daddy had a pretty fun time too.  He was such a sport to jump on board with the kids on their first ride. 

So much fun.

You can't beat the corn dogs at the fair...or a spot in the shade next to Shuggs. 

Seeing the farm animals was a treat, albeit a smelly one. :) 

Checking out the gamecock.  ;)

What a great memory the fair was this year! Mom, thank you for not only treating us but going with us and enjoying the day.  We loved every minute. 

Little House In the Big Woods

There is this little place where we like to escape.

To leave everything behind but the bare necessities.

And soak in the simple beauty that awaits for us in the country.

Where little girls are free to run to their hearts content.  

And boys can engage in a good 'ol game of catch.

Where we have the time to just sit awhile.  And just be.



Where loyal pups can breathe in the great outdoors.

 The serene sunsets seem to make time stand still.  In that simple moment all seems right in the world.

The sun rise beholds such splendor and my eyes don't ever want to miss another majestic moment.  

What a gentle reminder to appreciate the simple and the lovely.

It's ours for the taking. 

He's All B.O.Y.

Oh buddy there are no words to describe just how precious you are to this little family.

In mere months you have gone from being my precious baby on the beach, breathing in the bigness of this world...

to a little boy.

A boy who can't just walk down the stairs but jumps every single one.  A boy who is obsessed with fastening buckles on and off, who takes at least one shoe off everywhere we go, and who likes to make noise in any way possible.

You live and breathe anything Elmo, you follow your sister around everywhere she goes and you want to be just like her.  You wrestle with Daddy but still snuggle and kiss Mommy.  In fact when I lay you in your crib at night we say I love you back and forth several times as I walk out the door.  It seems as though neither one of us want to be the last one saying those sweet, three, life-giving words.

Since Lucy Mills started preschool this year you and I have had some special days together, just the two of us.  This is the first time I've really ever had regular, built in time with just you and I soak it up.  Whether we are running errands, attending story time at the library, or playing at the park our moments together are special and full of smiles.

My sweet son, how did God see me worthy of not only having you in my life, but having you be one of the loves of my life?

Pumpkin Patch 2012

The children and I made a precious memory this week.

We joined some sweet friends who also attend Lucy Mills' preschool and visited a nearby pumpkin patch.  The girls played so well together and Lucy Mills really looks up to the "big girls." {Who are 4 mind you.}

The girls all have little brothers who turn 2 in December along with McClain.  Yay for Super Buddy having other...well, buddies.

The kiddos enjoyed a hay ride, feeding the billy goats, picking out their very own pumpkins, eating homemade cookies, having story time, and running wild on the playground.  I couldn't have hand-picked a better fall activity for us.

This will surely be an annual tradition for our crew.

The cool, crisp air was refreshing for our souls.

The freedom for little boys to run wide open on a piece of southern soil to their hearts content was joy, pure joy.

Some days the constant hustle combined with the monotonous tasks that fall under the umbrella of being wife and mom cloud the happiness that my heart longs to take captive.

But not this day.

This day was for making memories.  This day was a perfect fall day with my two precious pumpkins.  

What Our 3 Year Old Has Been Up To

In addition to her Splish Splash birthday bash, Lucy Mills had a ball celebrating her special day with family.  Turning 3 was definitely a different experience than the past two birthdays.  She has been to several of her friends birthday parties recently so she was fully aware that it was her turn to be the birthday girl.  When I asked her what she would like for her birthday she replied a pink birfday cake and sing da song to me.  Oh precious girl, your wish is granted! What a simple request.

{But for kicks we'll throw in some fun dress up clothes, ballet apparel and even a new bike...courtesy of the grands. } 

Lucy Mills started preschool this year.  She.loves.it.  She goes two mornings a week and she walks with confidence into Mrs. Gena's class without a glance back at me.  The structure has been good for all of us and whenever I pick her up she has the biggest smile on her face.  Win.

We also enrolled our sweet girl into a weekly dance class.  It's a combination tap and ballet class.  In the beginning she and I were both pretty gung-ho about attending, but as the weeks rolled on we've lost some of that initial steam.

I'm not quite sure if it's her thing or not.

I think she likes wearing the outfits more so than the actual class itself.

 There have been some fun moments where she gets into the music and the steps, but there have been more times of her poking her sweet head out the door looking for mama.

We'll give it some time and see what happens.

We still have a thumb sucker on our hands.  I've tried everything to get her to quit.  Trips to the dentist, applying horrible tasting polish to her nails, bribing her, threatening her, you name it.  The thumb stays in her mouth.  It's a security thing for her and I get that, but I can't help but see major dental bills in our future because of this habit.  

So far her 3rd year is going great! 

{As I am writing this post, Daddy is looking over my shoulder saying I never thought I'd have a daughter...she is so beautiful. }

We love you Lucy Mills Mason! 

Splish Splash...

Her 3 Year Old Birthday Bash!
{Posted in October, sheesh! Hang in there with me - life gets busier the bigger they get!} 

Summer birthdays make for easy peasy birthday parties. 

Lucy Mills had a wonderful birthday party and we are so thankful for sweet friends and family who celebrated this milestone with her.  More birthday pictures to come! {Hopefully.}