What a Difference a Year Makes

 These first few pictures are of Maddie last year at Boo at the Zoo.  Wow-hasn't she changed?  She was almost 7 months old then.
                       
                                                                               2009

Now flash forward one year later. Here she is at almost 19 months! Time flies-doesn't it?

It makes me want to grab on and hold her tight.  I know that these baby days are almost over.....However, I know each new stage will be just as wonderful!

These Little Piggies Are Going to Market

Awhile back I told you about our little pig problem....Below are a few more examples from the game camera.

According to the game camera, we have pigs of all sizes.  Big pigs, little pigs, mama pigs, daddy pigs, and baby pigs.  If they would be cooperative and stay out of important places and not dig up everything in their path, they could stay.  However this is not the case.  It is amazing how destructive they are.  So, Reed and Caleb are building a pen to catch them.  It's one of those things where you come in, but you can't get out.  The good news is that he has found someone who wants all the pigs he can catch. 

 This is the chosen spot for the pen.....

                                                               Making Memories

 I think he said, "Are you really just going to sit there and take pictures?"  Yep!

                                                          I really did help a little bit!!!

Unloading the supplies-and yes, this is a rather expensive little project.

Concentrating.......

 Talking over the game plan......

 They took turns with the dreaded post driver......

 Setting the gate that Reed made.  The pigs go in, but hopefully don't come out...

Isn't he precious??

Lining up the gate just right........

                                                                            Finished!!

I left when it started raining, but Reed took a picture of the completed project.  The way I understand it, the doors will be open, corn will be placed inside, the pigs go in, the door closes, and the problem is solved.  Sounds simple doesn't it?  I'll keep you posted.

Sipping and Stroking

What a fun night!  Lauri, Phyllis and I were chauffered to Tuscaloosa by Callie where we met Di at the Mellow Mushroom.  After a delicious pizza, we ventured over to Sips and Strokes. (For the record, just strokes, no sips!)  I had wanted to do this for quite some time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!!  I was amazed that in a room of probably 40 budding artists, no two pictures looked the same.  I will also say that the picture that we painted was a little harder than I would have preferred for my first time.  Still, I can't wait to go back in November and paint a Christmas picture......


Phyllis and Di

Lauri and Callie

Prior to starting, you are told to get 2 pumps of each color of paint.  Now just for fun, look at the next two pictures....Which one is mine and which one is Aunt Di's?

I'm not telling........

 
Patiently waiting to get started.

Here we were taking a little break and Lauri was checking out the other paintings.

Di's work in progress....

Working hard.....

Callie was the pro in the group.  She has been several times.

Wow!  We are really coming along!  Notice the difference in colors.  Di was sitting next to me, and I tried my best to make mine look like hers......It just wasn't meant to be.  I got a little to happy with the red, and you can tell yellow is her favorite color.

Three hours later we are all finished!  I love Lauri's water.

Mom and daugher.

Phyllis did a great job

 So did Di!

 Our Masterpieces!!

Remember this?  I took another picture this weekend.  Do you think our pictures sorta, kinda, maybe resemble this?  No-I didn't think so!!

I can't wait to go back!!  Thanks ladies-I had a ball!

Grand Ole Time.....

We met Josh, Lindsey and Maddie in Clanton and enjoyed lots of adventures at the Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch.  Maddie is so very adventurous.  She loves to climb high and go fast.  We enjoyed tractor rides, the pumpkin patch, petting zoo, inflatables and simply being together!! 




 Aren't these gorgeous!!  I have requested a field of my own next year!

 Maddie likes them too!!

We rode a very neat covered wagon pulled by a tractor to the pumpkin patch.  I didn't get a picture of that, but Maddie loved the tractor ride. 

 Searching for the perfect pumpkin!

 The hay maze was by the pumpkin patch.  Lots of fun!!

 She's making sure she picked out the perfect pumpkin before we load back up on the tractor.

 Pop is lots of help!!

We loaded back up and headed off for more adventures!

As you all know by now, we love this child more than life itself, but she was having a really bad hair day.  Someone was trying to get it to lay down all day long....She will only wear a bow about 30 seconds at a time.  Anyway, we think she's beautiful even on bad hair days!

I hope you can get an idea of just how high these inflatables are.  Nana felt they were entirely too high for her 18 month old princess and 49 year old hubby.  Nana was wrong.  They had a ball........

 Up they go!!!

Man it's high up here!!

 

And they're off!

 Wipe Out!!!

She loved the petting zoo.  We're thinking a pot bellied pig, pygmy goat, or miniature horse would be a great Christmas present.  What do you think??

 This was a great quick trip.  It was a great way to spend a morning.  Maddie had a ball and so did we!!!!