Birthday Party

We went to the McAfee's house last night for Daniel's 30th birthday party. Gabriel thinks that the McAfee's house is like Disneyland. They have so many cool toys that Gabriel loves to play with. I think he'd like to move in.Gabriel and Sam enjoy some chips. What's a party without chips?
These two cuties posed for a picture on the back of one of Sam's riding toys.
It looks like Grace is thinking, "Whatever, Dad."
The adult boys were playing Rock Band. Gabriel enjoyed watching the show.
Then came trouble . . . Gabriel and Sam decided to sing too. Obviously, Sam didn't want Gabriel to be the lead singer.Gabriel gave the mike over to Sam.When it was Gabriel's turn to sing with the microphone, he was so cute. He danced and grinned. I don't think he actually sang anything though.Sam decided that even if he did get the mike, he would certainly be the star of the photographs. You go, Sam! Rock on!

First Birthday Portraits

Grace was not really in the mood to smile for the camera and clearly the hairbow had to go!

"You want me to do what?""Seriously, Mom?"

The cake that she has on her was more smeared on her by the photographer than by her digging in. She was really not entertained by the cake. She worked harder at getting away from the cake than enjoying it. Oh well!

Thing 1 and Thing 2

These are the pictures that are taken when your mother is an elementary school reading teacher . . . poor kids.

A Happy Anniversary

Yesterday was our 9th wedding anniversary. I have to brag on my husband . . . . First, he had these beautiful roses sent to school for me!

When I got home with the kids, Dan had cleaned up the house, bathed the dogs, groomed Hershey, fixed the kids' dinner, and done laundry. Holy Cow! I received the gift of time! How awesome is that?!?! I don't know how he did it without taking a day off work, but he did. I am so grateful.

Next, Grandma came over and spent a few hours with the kids so we could go out and eat a kid-free dinner at a restaurant. Thanks, Mom! We had a wonderful (and messy) meal at Joe's Crab Shack.

It was such a nice anniversary. I have a wonderful husband, and I know that I don't tell him that often enough. So, Honey, here I am telling the world how wonderful you are and how lucky I am. Love you!

Grace Taking a Bath

I haven't taken nearly enough bath pictures of Grace. It is usually a really sweet time . . . until it's time to get out of the bath tub, that is.

The Faux-Hawk

Playing Outside

We believe that Grace CAN walk, if she would just have the confidence to let go and try. See for yourself . . . . We LOVE the "Ape Walk."

More proof that if Grace really wanted to walk, she could.

Harvest Homecoming II

We went to the Harvest Homecoming again this afternoon with Grandma and Papa. Grace slept more than half way through. She looked like such a precious angel sleeping on her Daddy's back!

Curious George

Grandma brought Gabriel a new Curious George coloring book this week. It had tatoos as well. While I took a picture of Gabriel's tatoo, Grace tried to sneak a peek too.
Gabriel took a chance to color in his new book this morning. Not much coloring was done because he was so busy admiring his tatoo.

Harvest Homecoming

We went to the Harvest Homecoming tonight and had dinner there. This is always one of my favorite events of the Fall. I get an apple dumpling once a year, and this is it! YUM! Gabriel had an ear of corn, a corn dog, and a donut for his dinner.
Gracie LOVED riding on Daddy's back in the backpack carrier.
We stopped and listened to a band playing blues and classic rock while Mommy, Gabriel, and Grace shared the apple dumpling. The lead guitarist of the band was the father of a Bridgepoint student.
Before we went home, we took a carriage ride. It was fun riding in a horse drawn carriage around the perimeter of the Harvest Homecoming! Gabriel kept saying, "This is a great day. . . great day."

Pumpkin Patch

After dinner we went to the pumpkin patch for some pictures. Ellnor Family
Hoyland Family
This was a pumpkin that Gabriel chose all by himself.
Here's my little pumpkin with some huge pumpkins.

Huber's With Friends

We went to Huber's today with the Hutt and Hoyland families. It was SUCH a good time with great friends. Here are the kids: Nick, Gabriel, Tori, and Abby. Gabriel and Tori with so cute together all afternoon.Missy helped Gabriel feed the goat.Gabriel got to ride a tractor . . . of course.

Next, Tori, Gabriel, and Nick had pony rides.
Gabriel REALLY enjoyed riding the pony.See . . . I told that they were cute together!
Mommy and Grace pose for a pic next to some painted pumpkins. Unfortunately Grace was WAY more into looking at the bells hanging on the Halloween decorations.
Abby and Grace pose with some pumpkins.
Aaahhh . . . my cute boy posed for a picture in the mums! Riding a tractor again . . . .
I just LOVE this picture of Abby in the mums. She is such a cutie!

Thanks, Missy, Billy, and Abby for inviting us to go with you! We had a great afternoon!

Harvest Homecoming Parade

Gabriel had a chance to be in the Harvest Homecoming Parade this afternoon! We waited for the parade to start with Grandma, Papa, and Pawpaw.
Here's Gabe with Daddy, Karney, and Dodie in Karney's Shriner car.
Hi, Buddy! You are the cutest thing in the parade!

Oh, The Things Kids Say!

We went to the grocery store last night. We rounded a corner from one aisle to another. A woman was standing at the end of the aisle with her cart somewhat blocking our passage down the aisle. Gabriel says to her, "Watch out, Lady!"

Mommy walked ahead and pretended not to know this very rude child. Daddy tried to explain what he meant, but no explanation could make his comment sound less rude. I did apologize to the woman for our child's lack of socially acceptable behavior.

Light Reading?

Gabriel decided to do some light reading Monday when I picked him up from Staci's. He grabbed a book from one of my bags in the car . . . it was the user's manual for my breast pump. Ha!