1st Easel Painting

I'm afraid that as a second child, Emma has missed out on a lot of the experiences in arts and crafts that I so eagerly introduced Claire to at an early age. It's not that I haven't wanted to do them with her, it's just that I don't find as much free time on my hands these days. However, this week I broke out the easel and paints for Emma. She had a lot of fun working on her own masterpiece, and was happily captivated by the activity for quite some time. Better yet, she only tried to paint her tongue once!

Planting Pansies

This past week was the annual planting of the pansies. I usually try to get my mom to visit around this time of year, so that she can do them (I mean help) for me. However, I think she caught on to my little trick, and I haven't seen her around these parts in October for a good couple of years now. :) This year, however, I had Claire as my handy helper. Please note Claire's most recent trend - wearing two different colored flip flops at the same time.

Fun Times at The Rock Ranch

Emma and Mommy on the cow train. . .

This past weekend we decided to take the girls to The Rock Ranch. The Rock Ranch is located not too far from where we live, and it is on land owned by the founder of Chick-fil-A. It is a great family place with tons of things for the kids to do: pony rides, bouncy houses, corn house, train rides, petting farm, and on and on. Although it was rather chilly, we had a great time, and Claire had the perfect excuse to indulge in hot chocolate (twice!).

Go Tigers, Go Tigers, Go Tigers Go!

I post this picture for a few reasons. One: because I just love this "War Eagle!" dress (and Claire!). Two: because Claire actually gave me a decent smile for the picture. And Three: because after last week's showing, I felt like our Auburn Tigers could use a good cheer. Hopefully, we can pull out a W this week!

It's a Hair Thing

As of October 25th, we have a new addition to the love of hair - Barbie. . .

I don't know how else to say it, but Emma loves hair! She loves to suck her thumb with one hand, and play with hair in her fingers with the other hand. It began when she was an infant and I would be rocking her in the rocking chair. As my hair fell into reach, she would gently grab it. Then, she discovered her own soft curls. Now, as you can see from the photos, all living creatures (including NeNe and Bo's puppy) are fair game! Needless to say, it is quite an interesting habit.

Rainy Day Field Trip

Jeremy's parents came in town this past weekend, and (on one of our many recent rainy days) we decided to make a little indoor field trip out of the Bass Pro Shop that is near our house. The girls love to watch the fish in the big fish tank, and they also love to "drive" the boats and ATVs. There is nothing like free entertainment!

Picking Pumpkins

Yesterday evening, we made a family trip to the pumpkin patch. I'm sorry to say that this picture of Emma wandering away from me was the best, and almost only, picture that I was able to take. No good reason, really. We (or was it me?) were in the zone to find the "perfect pumpkin". On top of that, it was almost 90 degrees and we were all sweating as if it were high noon in the middle of summer. I have to say, the heat certainly hinders that crisp fall feeling that some might long for at this time of year.
All in all, aside from those minor details, we had a fun time and we found some great pumpkins. Claire, in keeping with her own personal tradition, took a liking to the gourds, so we came home with a few of those as well.

Lost and Found

If you ever feel like you have lost Claire and Emma (not to say that we lose them often), I suggest you look in the closet. This is their new hiding spot, and Emma, in particular, loves to put herself there.

Case of the Missing Banana Pudding

This past week we had special visitors! My Uncle Frank, Aunt Cheryl, PaPa, and his friend, Loretta came for a nice little lunch date. At my dad's request, we took them to a local "meat & three" restaurant that specializes in southern cooking. They also have a pretty yummy banana pudding. I'm not sure how it happens, but that banana pudding almost seems to disappear faster than you can eat it. Hmmm. . .I'm thinking these pictures may finally have some answers to our mystery.

Bobby's Weekend Visit

Bobby the Butterfly had a wonderful weekend visit with Claire. On Friday, Claire was so excited to have her butterfly friend at home that she had to call Jeremy at work and tell him the good news. Over the weekend, Bobby got to travel to Atlanta with us, and he even made it to a farm birthday party on Sunday! Hopefully, Bobby will flutter back our way before the school year is over.

Celebrating Baby Bradley

Stacey practicing with 10 day old, Nora. . .

This past weekend we "showered" Stacey's baby boy with gifts at a cute little restaurant in Atlanta. The restaurant was a great venue for the occasion, and the fact that it was named Sun in My Belly made it even more perfect. It was a wonderful luncheon with friends and family, and Stacey and Chris seem to be pretty well set as they journey into the land of parenthood. We are all looking forward to meeting "Baby Bradley" in November!