Autumn

This afternoon we were playing in the backyard and the sunlight was absolutely gorgeous. It was coming in through the trees giving the perfect back light and I immedatly ran inside to grab my camera. I don't think I could love these shots more. This is where we are every single afternoon, soaking up every last bit of this gorgeous Autumn season.

Surprise trip home

Several weeks ago I was feeling very very homesick. I got Lauren's shower invite in the mail the same day Bryan had to go to Fort Worth for work. I was so sad that he was seeing my family and our friends and that I was going to miss celebrating with Lauren. She is having twins for crying out loud, it is a huge monumental occasion! So that week I looked up flights and found good deals and just booked the trip for me to go home the weekend of the shower. I had major guilt not taking Kade with me because I knew he would be sad that he didn't go. So we just kept where I was going a secret.

This weekend it self was pretty much perfect! I surprised Lauren Friday night at her parents house and we all had the best time catching up and just hanging out. The shower was so perfect the next day too! I am so happy I got to see that precious baby belly one more time! I also got to hang out with Brad, Kristen, and all the girls! I hugged those girls so right when I saw them! 

It was such a great weekend and honestly I was so refreshed getting a weekend break that I might have to get away again next spring, ha! 

I love, love, love the flight out of Reagan! 

Next time we are home the sweet little babies will be here!!!!!

And what did Bryan and the kids so while I was gone? The painted my kitchen cabinets! I can barely get through a load of laundry during the day with the kids and in 48 hours Bryan had done yard work, painted my kitchen cabinets, and had the house spotless. Go figure :) 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Painting pumpkins!

Last week we painted our pumpkins from our first visit to the pumpkin patch. It was a great morning activity and the kids had a lot of fun! They are super proud of their finished product! 

E was in the middle of saying, "oh wow! My pinpess (princess) punkin!" 

Ella chose purple because it is Sophia the first's dress color. 

Kade picked green because that is his favorite color! 

 
 
 
 
 

Future Red Raider

Kade, if you ever grow up to be a Red Raider this picture will be blown up huge at your graduation party. :)

 And let the record show, while yor dad and I would love for you to go to Tech you can pick wherever your little heart desires :) 

Spooking up the place!

Last weekend we decided to add a few more Halloween decorations to our fall decor that was already out. The kids loved helping me and I think we are ready for Halloween! 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Grandparents Day

Kade's school had grandparents day on Wednesday and since we don't have family nearby I went as his "special friend." It was really cute, I met some great people, and I got to take the kids to the school book fair! 

 
 

Little Ballerina

Is there anything cuter than 2 year old ballet? 

I'm thinking no. However, Kade is playing t-ball in the spring so I am thinking 4 year old baseball will be right up there with 2 year old ballet :) 
 
 

National Zoo

Last week we decided to check out the National Zoo! We wanted to visit before it got too cold and the government shut down finally ended so we decided no time like the present! 

We decided to take the metro in because there is a stop about two blocks from the zoo! The kids were as excited about the train ride as they were about the zoo! 

The day we were there was the first day they opened back up after the shut down so there was a lot of excitement! News crews were everywhere, people dressed in panda costumes, food/souvenir discounts, free carousel rides, etc! It was a good day! When we got there the kids were having some a ROUGH moments but after lunch everyone was happy and we had a great time. Next time we want Bryan to tag along as well! 

We had a front row seat when they were feeding the panda! 

Once we were ready to go I looked up walking directions to get back to the metro station. I decided to take the route that left out of the closest exit and and avoid fighting back through the crowds. It was a 1.4 mile walk to the station and I knew that would be pushing it with Kade walking but just decided to go with it. When we started walking I realized it was basically 1.4 miles up a huge steep hill. Once we almost made it we saw a ice cream shop so I let the kids get some ice cream for being such troopers! 

 

We had a great time, I love adventures with my babies! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Here comes Nanny floatin' down the Delaware!

Chewin' on her underwear,

Couldn't afford another pair.

Ten days later, bitten by a polar bear.

Poor ole' Nannnnnnnnnny! *

When my mom and I were driving back from the airport she randomly asked how far Delaware was from us. I had no clue but thought it bordered Maryland. We checked google and found out to was a short drive from us. Nanny said for whatever reason she had always wanted to visit Delaware. So just decided to go! We didn't know where in Delaware we would go but with the state motto being "The First State" it was bound to have some neat places right? So that night we researched and narrowed it down to New Castle, Delaware. 

After lunch in Annapolis we piled in the car and headed out to Delaware! 

Here we are! And I have to say our first impressions were not good. The roads were bad, the towns we went through were dirty and it was then that Nanny said she was going to write a bad review of the whole state on google. Basically saying "Delawarians, you lied. This state is terrible!" We were all laughing so hard and even though our first impressions were bad we were having a blast in the car! Once we reached our destination were soooooo pleasantly surprised!!!! New castle is one of the oldest and most well preserved colonial towns. It claims to be the non-commercialized Williamsburg. It was SO charming! We walked around and just took in the quant town and crisp fall air! It was heavenly.

*Bryan had never heard of this jingle. What?! Doesn't everyone know that jingle? I can still clearly remember sitting in the front seat of my Aunt Kelli's beretta learning it and thinking it was SO fun to sing it about my Mimi. :) 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Nanny visits!!

A few weeks ago my mom came to visit us for a long weekend!!! We had some really really terrible weather but we didn't let that stop us! We talked, ate, talked, had wine, talked, and did a whole bunch of exploring! I can't wait for Thanksgiving when she comes back for an entire week! We have a bunch of adventures planned! 

The kids were sooooooooo excited to see Nanny! They acted like nuts and never left her side! 

Her first full day we braved the rain and explored Mount Vernon. 

The next day we decided to head to Annapolis since it is my favorite city on the planet. The sailboat show was going on which I'm sure is cool but it made everything crowded and blocked the gorgeous bay views. We are already planning on going back during Thanksgiving! 

After lunch and some shopping we loaded up and headed to Delaware but that deserves a post of it's own!