Late September

Ella Turns One!!!

Today is Ella's first birthday, and after a whirlwind trip to Tennessee to celebrate with family- we are now back home. We all went to Carrabba's in Knoxville to party (consisting of lunch and cake) and were joined by my sister's family, my mom and grandmother and Tommy's mom and dad. Ella was surrounded by grandparents, siblings, her aunt, uncle and cousins- what more could a girl want?

We had pictures made the night before (will be posted soon) and it has officially hit, I have a one year old. A six teeth, cruising, clapping, waving, da-da/ma-ma/hi saying one year old. Happy birthday Ella- we love you and could not imagine our family without you!!!!!

First Day of Fall!

To help celebrate the first day of fall, Tyler's school has asked the kids to dress up like a scarecrow today. Other than adding a pair of brown sandals, this is how Tyler just left the house. I have a feeling my glue gun and I are going to become really close friends as theme days continue...

Carson's Sandbox

I am pretty sure the breaking point for Tommy was when Carson announced he was going outside to play in his sandbox and we said okay, only to remember that we did not have a sandbox. So we followed him outside to witnessed him trying to scrap a mound of sand together from this pile left over from where we had dumped out his sand and water table a few weeks before. Pitiful right? Then this weekend struck, as did a severe sinus infection for both of us. To add to the guilt- not only did C-Horse not have a sandbox, but he also did not get to hardly go outside and enjoy these gorgeous couple of days.

After days of rest and antibiotics, Tommy woke up without a pounding headache and grabbed Carson and took off for Lowes. A few cuts with the chainsaw and ten bags of sand later(and maybe one new dump truck) I present...Carson's sandbox!

Blue Ridge Parkway

Weekend With G-Ma

My mom drove over Thursday night and left a few hours ago- so basically, we had the best weekend imaginable. Friday morning Tyler's school invited a grandparent to come and eat lunch, so we all hauled it over to his cafeteria to join him for 30 minutes. Friday night we went to eat pizza, go out for ice cream and then hit a concert in the park and let the kids play on the playground. Saturday morning mom and I went on a short hike and got back just in time to watch it rain all day. The rain cleared up for a while and we went to some downtown shops and returned to watch some football (some is the operative word- power went out and we all turned in early). This morning we all went to Lake Junaluska for tons of walking and pictures and then out to lunch. Everyone was sad to see G-Ma go.

American Hero Day

Today was American Hero day at Tyler's school. The theme was to dress as an American hero and all the kids were going to have a parade around the school grounds this morning. Tyler went as a Captain in the Navy (check out the homemade patches).

My mom drove in last night and later this morning we are all meeting at the school to eat lunch with Tyler- today is also "bring a grandparent" day. Big day for Tyler!

More Lake Junaluska

Labor Day at Lake Junaluska

We went to Lake Junaluska this evening with friends and had a great time. This was our first time going, even thought it is only about 20 minutes from our house! The lake is breathtaking is is surrounded by a walking path and gorgeous homes. There is a walking bridge to cut over the lake, but if you walk the entire path around the water, it is about 2 1/4 miles. Which in reality is a very small lake (more of like a large pond). We decided we will be back- and often. You can rent boats, play tennis, play mini-golf and visit the pool.

We went with our friends Katie, Jeff and their daughter Lily (and their dog Mia). We walked, fed the ducks and took lots of pictures! After, they came over to our house with homemade Lasagna- it was incredible. A great evening with great friends!

Our Camera Is Officially Awesome.

Look at the hair on this spider's legs! Tommy just took this outside-after googled, we have just captured a photo of a Argiope aurantia. Otherwise commonly known as the Black and Yellow Garden Spider.

Saturday Morning Gang

Another first for Ella, I guess we should get use to these with her 1 year birthday quickly approaching. As a special treat this morning, we spread out a towel with muffins and turkey bacon to let the boys picnic in front of Curious George on tv. Tommy went to put Ella in her high chair and she pitched a fit and promptly crawled over to the boys and sat in between them. We wanted to see how it played out, so Tommy broke up a muffin and placed a plate in front of her. And there she stayed...and ate. In fact, the only time she stirred was to steal Tyler's turkey bacon off his plate and then devour the whole strip. I guess she is letting us know she is ready to join the pack.

Freaky

I just found this photo of my Grandma Sally (my dad's mother). I have never seen the resemblance before, but then I tried to find a photo of me making a similar expression. I got instant chill bumps up and down my arms. I never met Grandma Sally, she passed away when my father was 13 years old. I think it is kind of cool to see a few trails in common (widow's peak, lips, face shape). Am I crazy or does anyone else see it too?

I Couldn't Resist

Thanks to Aunt Becky, they had the matching shirt and the stage was set! I will probably never be able to do this again- but it was too cute. The funny part was when Tyler saw they were wearing the same shirt, he asked if he could change..met with a resounding no! Tyler just should have been grateful that his brown shorts were dirty. Hope my twins have a great day at school- I know Tyler will want to come straight home without making any stops.