Happy Birthday Dad!

(These are the pictures we had framed for his birthday present)

Happy 50th Birthday! We are so thankful to have you as our Dad and Poppy.

My Mom's 5th Baby (Not my Dad)

My mom lost her 5th baby yesterday, our dog Sandy. She's been a part of our family for the past 13 years. Sandy was an addition to a 6 person household that is what most would describe as CHAOTIC. I am sure Sandy figured this out very quickly and knew exactly her place on the totem pole.

Being that our house has always been the hangout in the neighborhood, she has been loved on by so many children over the years. I believe people must be drawn to chaos. Whether it was capture the flag, a football game, or an attempt at camping out in the back yard, Sandy was right there for it all. My sister Grey, being the youngest sibling and at the house most often, has always had a special connection to Sandy. Grey was definitely the most willing to try and walk Sandy, feed her when Mom could not, or wonder where her cedar chips were for her dog house in the winter.

As all of us children moved out of the house, or left for vacations with our friends, our Mom was Sandy's constant. She was the one that would think, Sandy hasn't had enough attention, or been 'loved on' enough today, I better go spend some time with her. Mom was the one that went out and scratched Sandy down and got all her itches when she started to get older and sickly. Even though my mom had four children that kept her going every which way, she always took care of her Sandy. It's funny because it's always the children that beg for the dog in the beginning and it's usually the mom of the house that puts in all the time, ending up closest to the dog.

Sandy loved you very much, Mom!

11 months old!

I can't believe my baby girl is 11 months old. Her 3rd tooth popped through and I see the 4th one is close. She has been a bit clingy and whiny while she has been teething. Thank goodness we have tylenol to relieve some of that pain. She had her first real haircut a couple weeks ago. I got her 1st birthday invitations out last week. The party day will be here in 3 weeks. We are still looking for the right outfit for this occasion. :) She is taking a step here and there but not officially walking yet.

Mommy is in heaven with her two babies and trying to soak up every moment.

Pumpkin Patch

We visited Briley's Farm for the first time. I knew I loved their produce stand but had never gotten to go to their farm. Poppy & Jiji came along and Uncle Justin was even able to meet us there. Weston rode on a pony and they both got to see some animals. This will be Miss Elliott's first Halloween.

Poppy loving on his Ellie Grey.

Being a sweet brother.

Yay! Uncle Justin is here.

Teaching Weston how to sign 'poop'.

Final selection?

Go Elliott!

We got a little video of Ellie pushing her pushy thing. :) She is just about ready to walk. Weston is in the business of stealing toys. It's been hard on sissy but she is getting used to it.

Brunch for the Bride-To-Be

I spent Saturday baking cookies and a cheesecake for Ashlegh's shower in Raleigh Sunday. I decided to try and make the cookies for the party favor. They were a learning experience and took a lot of time, but I was happy I did it. Maybe next time around it will go a little faster. Morgan and I had a great time visiting with Ashlegh after the shower. It was really good to hang out like old times. We appreciated our husbands holding down the fort(even if Elliott wore a shirt as a dress to church).

The Party Favors

My Labor of Love

Gina had everything looking beautiful!

Blueberry Cheesecake and Pumpkin Cupcakes

Morgan

The Host with the Bride-To-Be

Hugs and High Fives

Lanier(20 months) and Weston(21 months) giving hugs and high fives. So glad they learned how to do this because it sure is CUTE. Lanier is doing everything right and Weston just grabs his hand to make sure he gets it. :) :)