San Antonio: Day 1

The beginning of the holiday season kicked off for us with a trip to San Antonio with my mom and dad. We've had this trip on the books since April, and I was so looking forward to some time away with Matt, Luke, Papa and Gigi. I feel like it's an added bonus to get to go with my my mom and dad ... they lived there as newlyweds while my dad was stationed at L*ckland Air Force Base and my sister was born there. They have so many great memories and fun stories that we love to hear every time we go!

We got up early on Sunday morning and drove straight from our house to Sea W*rld. Sunday was the only day that the park was going to be open while we were there, so we had to make the most of it! Luke loved all the shows, which is really what we were aiming to see. In between shows, Luke rode his first roller coaster, The Shamu Express ... twice! I was a little surprised that he liked it so much (and actually wanted to ride it again later on in the day) since our only attempt at a semi-"ride" was the little train at the mall that goes in a circle ... and that was a disaster. But, I'm counting The Shamu Express as a success!

Here's a little video that Matt took from the seat in front of us. It's a little shaky and you'll have to turn your head to the left, but, hey, we captured a memory! ;) Luke's facial expressions change about 40 times, but he really did like it, I promise!

He loved everything he got to see ... fish (bish), Shamu (Mooney), dolphins, sharks (arks), penguins, birds ... it was a great experience for all of us to get to watch his little eyes light up at every turn! Thanks to my mom and dad for such a fun day!

Lindsay + Adam = True Love

On October 24, we got to attend the wedding of a long-time, very dear family friend. I have known Lindsay since she was ... 5? 6? 7? ... we never can remember. Either way, it's been a long time so it was super special to be a part of their day to celebrate a beautiful couple that deeply love the Lord and deeply love each other. The Lord gave them the most amazing weather for their garden wedding ... what a loving Creator we have! Lindsay was a stunning bride ... you must click on the pic of her and Adam at the reception below. Isn't she just beautiful?

All things October

We did our best to soak up all the fun things going on in the vast world of all things October ... pumpkin patches, fall festivals, costume parties, and of course, the State Fair. It made for a busy month, but it was a fun one!

10/1: Luke's 3rd annual trip to the State Fair.

10/16: Owens Country Farm -- Big Orange Pumpkin Farm

10/23: Autumn at the Arboretum. Unfortunately, the pumpkin patch resembled a big swamp on the day that we visited with Kyle and Max. So, I don't have any good pics, but it was a beautiful day ... pretty windy and chilly when we arrived, but the sun came out and it was gorgeous!

10/25: Celina, Texas -- Big Orange Pumpkin Farm with the Rains.

10/31: Aubren's Costume Party
Woodcreek's Kids Karnival, and Trick-or-Treating with Reese and Beau.

Oh Boy!

"Luke, make a funny face!"


"Do you have another funny face?


"What about a smile?"

Suggestion Box

Anyone out there have any good recommendations for books to read/study with high school girls? I'm looking for something to go through with my team. Please leave a comment!

Fall Recipe

I made one of my favorite fall recipes tonight, Apple-Sausage Rigatoni. It's super quick and yummy and perfect if I haven't had a chance to set anything out. Plus, it's ingredients that I almost always have on-hand. I found the recipe in Better Homes & Gardens, but I don't really measure out anything anymore and it always turns out good. I also make a few substitutions depending what I have on-hand or what's on sale (half and half, instead of whipping cream, Feta instead of Gorgonzola, Gala apples instead of Golden Delicious) and it's still so good.

I hope you might enjoy this one as much as we do!

Good Report

Luke got a good progress report today from Miss Jackie, his teacher at MDO (that's Mother's Day Out for all of my non-mom readers out there). He didn't eat any of his lunch, but she said he was "very playful" and loved running around, jumping, hopping, skipping, etc. This little guy has lots of energy, people. Lots.

Here are a few pics from his first day at MDO (9/1) ... the best I could get. Currently, my rambunctious little man has issues when he sees me get out the camera and immediately gets grumpy. Hmmm. I think he equates it with standing still, so he's not a fan. Sooooo, how about some action shots? :)