Fall Kick Off

We kicked off Fall this weekend with one of my most favorite traditions...our annual visit to Southern Belle Farm.  This sweet little farm tucked away down South {of all places!} never disappoints.  This is our third October visit and I find it only gets better each time.

I anticipate this yearly tradition nearly as much as the kids do.  Last year, Lucy took her first steps at the pig races {won't that be a classy story to share} and this year, she was running all over the place hot on her big's tails.  With maps in hand, we didn't miss a thing.  And I was loving that Lucy was right in the mix.

The weather never seems to surprise us on our visit.   Last year we practically melted, it was near miserable.  And this year, we had a hit a record low the night before.  I came prepared with every outer garment I could stuff in the car, all the while dreading that the girl's pumpkin dresses may never see the light of day.  But, as the day wore on, we were slowly able to shed our layers.  I could have taken about another 10 degrees {maybe 15}, but all in all the weather was deal able.

As much fun as we did have, I must admit we missed Daddy.  He was off enjoying a much deserved guy's weekend.  Thankfully, Grandma joined us and made the day just that...GRAND.

As soon as we arrived, I was bombed with ..."can we do this and are we going to do that?".  Yes, yes, and yes!  And we did.  So unlike me, but I made the executive decision to farm it up right through nap time.   We departed just in time to eat an early dinner and then I took those filthy farmigans home, bathed them silly, and had them in bed by 6:30.

It was one of our most perfect days...and it all took place out on a farm...

Like I mentioned, we didn't miss a thing.  Our first stop was the corn hut.  This is a must and of course the best way to get good and farm dirty...

We then made our way over to the new and improved Petting Barn.

Lucy was most definitely hesitant of this attraction.  She would only "feed" the animals from the comfort of "am-ma"'s arms.

Next up was the Hay Ride.  We saw just about every kind of produce that can grow in these parts.  Maggie was most amazed by the strawberry fields.

Then the Giant Slide...{which only Jack was brave enough to take part in}.  And about 18 times.

The Duck Races were a huge hit with Lucy.  Of course, it was located under a giant shade tree.  I nearly froze as she raced her purple and pink ducks over and over and over again.  So much so, that Jack headed back to the slide for his 19th ride down and Grandma took Maggie all the way up to the big barn for a potty break.

For a while there it was just me and Lu...and her pretty little ducks.

But, nothing, and I mean NOTHING, was more anticipated than the Corn Maze.  Jack happily so, and me, secretly dreading it.  Last year was a debacle.  First of all, it was sweltering hot in those corn stalks.  Second, we totally did not have the right kind of stroller.  Ours only caused us more pain and anguish.  And lastly, we NEVER got out.  We finally barreled right through the corn and called it a lesson learned.

Well, since then, Jack has been ready to get it right.  Knowing there was absolutely no way of getting around this, I did all I could to prepare.  I borrowed my neighbor's most fabulous double off roading stroller, took a compass, and most importantly, had my Mom with us {one of the best navigators I know}.

And wouldn't you know...we made it out of Maze 2 in a little under 40 minutes.

A serious victory!  Totally worthy of a thumbs up!

We are so not ready for Maze 3 {and I can guarantee we won't be by next year}, but I have a feeling that is exactly what Jack is thinking right now.

Post mission Maze 2, we headed over for some seated fun.  The Pedal Carts.  Obviously, Jack wanted to race me.  And obviously, he won.

But, I could not get enough of this cute thing pedaling around the track...her first time going solo too.  Mmm...what a doll!

Ever since "am-ma" saved Lucy at the Petting Farm, Lucy would not leave her side.  Naturally she wanted to ride with "am-ma" and no one else.  Aren't they a cute pair?  I can proudly admit, I at least beat them.

We made our way to the Jump Pillows next.  Another fan favorite.

And to think she couldn't even walk last year.  Simply irresistible.

We followed that with an ice cream, slushie, and kettle corn break and then we were off to the Cow Train...

Our last stops included the Flower Garden, pumpkin painting, and my most anticipated....the Pumpkin Patch!

By this point, the kids were slap worn out and farmtasictally filthy.  But there was absolutely no way they were getting out of pumpkin patch pictures.  And to my surprise they were willing and ready.

Oh my...how sweet is this little one?

Oh...and this one too?

And I could never be more proud of my strongest and biggest pumpkin of all.

Sweet things!

A successful welcome to Fall!  The rest of our month looks just as note worthy.  We have a calendar full of fabulous October fun.  I'm looking forward to celebrating one of the busiest months of the year with my sweet Pumpkins!

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Orange Belt Graduation

As of Saturday, I officially reside with an orange belt karate kid.  After several months of hard work on Jack's part and several months of dragging little sisters to karate lessons twice a week he reached his goal.

I couldn't be more proud of him.  And that little humble grin on his face during graduation proved that he was mighty proud as well.  I couldn't help but tearing up on Saturday {seems to be a problem of mine the last two weekends-and I'm hardly a crier}.  But the joy of seeing Jack doing something he feels good about and doing it well is enough to make me want to burst.

His graduation included a full on display of his most recent accomplishments.  I am truly amazed at how strong he has become, both in his will and physically. His confidence has soared since taking on the extracurricular activity and I'm pretty confident he could defend himself well if ever needed.

Not to mention, his instructors are amazing.  They were born to work with kids.  I couldn't be more pleased with the way they handle a class full of boys.  That in itself takes talent if you ask me.

Jack has already set his sights on a black belt.  Obviously a few years down the road.  However, we did both agree a break from the karate grind schedule would do us both well.

I know we will return, Jack just can't ever stay away for too long.  But for now, he decided to put his efforts into his most recent extracurricular activity choices...chess club and flag football.  I can't lie, I was slightly surprised by the latter choice.  Oh, but believe me, I didn't hesitate signing him up for a moment.  I am all about a well rounded kiddo.

And so far so good.  He is loving the football thing and comes home completely worn out.  Score!

Congrats on that fancy orange belt Jack!  Well deserved!

She's Getting Married

I had the honor of celebrating a weekend with one of my besties, Liz.  I met Liz in my twenties {oh, to think that is the past tense...yikes!}.  We hit it off immediately.  She has been my student teacher, my co-worker, one of my brides maids, my favorite Stella and Dot rep, and the absolutely most amazing friend.

If you ever want to feel good about yourself, just hang out with this gal.  She has a way of building up everyone she meets.  A dear friend in the truest sense.

A few of her girlfriends from the past and present gathered for a weekend of toasting the bride to be.  Her wait has been well worth it.  From what I can gather, the groom is quite a catch.  I couldn't be happier for her.

Now mind you, this is one of the very few times I have left my kids {and most definitely my husband} in over two years.  I knew I needed it and I knew it would be great for everyone.  But...I sobbed like a baby all the way to the airport.  I could hardly stand the thought of missing out on one single minute with my little ones.  Am I crazy?!?!

When I arrived for my first girl's night my heart had healed and just being in the presence of Liz brought me peace and joy.  She is that fabulous.  We spent hours catching up, telling stories, laughing, wedding planning, eating, spilling wine, and staying up way past my bedtime.  It was wonderful.

As hard as it was to rise and shine on Saturday morning it was well worth it.  We had the most luxurious spa day in store, and I mean DAY!  We spent hours being pampered and catching up with more friends.  Fabulousness.

By early evening we headed back to the hotel, cleaned up, met more gals, and went out for a celebratory dinner night.  I adored meeting more of Liz's friends {they were a sweet group} and hanging with some of the old ones.

Sometimes you don't know just how much you need your girl time until you actually get it {at least I didn't}.  However, I can't deny that I ran through that door on Sunday and snatched my kids up in the biggest and best hugs and smothered them in kisses.  All three of them were just as delicious as I remembered {and they survived just fine without me}.

Congratulations to the bride to be!  Liz is getting married!  xoxo dear friend

Build A Bear

My girls have been on Fall Break all week.  Seeing as how Jack is in another school and county our schedules never seem to align.  Therefore there were no travels for us.  As much as this could have been a total bummer, I kind of enjoyed not feeling the pressure of having to go somewhere {i.e. pack up four suitcases, a basket of snacks, and every other "just in case" item} .

So the girls and I laid low, managed to have a playdate everyday, and made our first visit to Build A Bear.  And although everyday of the week was in someway picture worthy, I only managed to drag my camera out for the latter.

We joined the Micca crew {who were all enjoying a Fall Break} at the local mall.  My kids were in complete awe of a mall.  I can name maybe twice that they've actually been.  It seems I've been depriving them because their eyes were bulging around every corner we turned.

I had no idea what to expect in the building a bear process except that I was sure it would be an expensive playdate.  But the girls had a grand time and we figured it out as we went.

The first step was picking out our animals.

Oh the decisions...

Maggie was pretty quick to pick out Belle's Palace Pet {an adorable doggie}. Once Maggie had decided Lucy was right behind her with her choice of Sleeping Beauty's Palace pet {a pink cat}.

After the animals were stuffed with love and a heart to boot, it was bath time.

This was very possibly Lucy's favorite part.  She even opted out of dressing her pet so she could continue to bathe her.  One less tutu dress to purchase.

We obtained a birth certificate for both animals after Maggie had dressed her little pup in the finest and fluffiest tutu she could find.  I offered one last time for Lu to dress her kitty, but she was having none of it.

I was pleasantly surprised when the group snuggled in together with their new friends for a picture.

We followed that with the mall indoor playground.  Who knew such a thing existed.

And then lunch and, of course, the carousel ride.  Twice.

Since our exciting day, that dog and cat have gone everywhere with us {and trust me they are not small}.  Maggie's Teacup {as she calls her} even dines with us and has her own place setting.

Fall break success!