The Pumpkin Patch

After we finished carving pumpkins, we loaded up and headed to Old Baker's Farm in Harpersville.  I love experiencing new places with the babies, and this one didn't disappoint!  It had a little bit of everything-wild west shoot-out, corn maze, hay maze, petting zoo, horse rides, cotton picking, a train ride, a hay mountain and the pumpkin patch were the highlights.  We were all exhausted at the end of the day, but we had lots and lots of fun!

Pop and his girls

Maddie was full speed in the hay maze!  Little Bit had lots of fun, but stayed close to her mom most of the day!!

This angel was his usual precious self!!  He just goes with the flow!!

Children of the Corn............

Fun petting the animals!  Mr. Donkey was enjoying Maddie's headrub!

The hay mountain was by far Maddie's favorite!  I told Pop we were going to have to stack up some hay bales for her.  She climbed, slid and jumped for quite some time!  Lillian enjoyed it for a little while, then opted for a train ride with her mom while Maddie continued to play in the hay!

The wild west shoot-out was going on in the background, and was just a little too loud for Little Bit!

Choo-choo!!

Lots of fun on the horses!!

Picking cotton, or cotton candy as Maddie called it!

We headed to the pumpkin patch in a covered wagon driven by mules.  The pumpkin patch was huge.  On a very distant hill, there were several beautiful white pumpkins.  I am sad to say that Pop decided he didn't love me quite enough to venture over to that field!!!  It seems that 3 kids, 6 pumpkins, and temperatures in the mid 80's made that journey a bit much!!  I am now on a mission to find some white pumpkins!

Another fun outing is in the books!!

Carving Time

Pop and I got up bright and early recently and headed east.  We love these quick trips with our sweeties!
Lindsey and Pop had a little pumpkin carving contest with lots of  great help!!  Maddie and Pop were on one team, and Lillian and Lindsey made up team two.  Josh, Reed and I were in the cheering section!!

The back of the pickup proved to be a perfect carving station!

Love these little angels!!!!

Ready for the fun to begin!

Lots and lots of fun!

Maddie wasn't to sure about the slimy insides, but Lillian dove right in!!

And the finished products!!!!  Maddie declared Pop the winner and drew a special picture for him!!

Pop managed to get in lots of snuggles with this sweet thing!!

This little one gets lots of love from his big sisters!!

Next up-the Pumpkin Patch!!!!

Sunshine and Smiles

Our summer vacation was postponed somewhat due to the addition of a new precious bundle of joy!

Reed and I were only able to stay a few hours, but we packed lots of fun in that time!  Taylor and Caleb joined in on the fun for a couple of days, and Lindsey and Josh were able to enjoy several days of fun in the sun!!

Reed and I weren't there for the annual family photos..........But, Caleb and Lindsey carried on without us!!

I will say it again-January 31 can't get here fast enough!  I already consider Taylor one of us-

Lots of fun in the sand-

Lots of snuggles for sweet Reed! Sophia Loren joined us for a visit!!!

And even fun in the water!!  We also swam in the indoor and outdoor pools and enjoyed time in the hot tub.  I think I need one of those!!

Josh built a mammoth hole-the pictures don't do it justice!!

How gorgeous is this??

This one is a doll!!  Having two big sisters is the best!

How neat is this?! 

Lots and Lots of Fun!!

 We had never stayed at this condo before, but we think it is now going to be our go to place.  The panoramic views were gorgeous!!!  I love sweet times with this bunch!!  Next up, more beach fun after Nana and Pop left.

Grace and Courage

The biggest fan of this blog is now walking on streets of gold. Di commented on every post and picture, and let me know when I was getting slack on my blogging job. She has left each of us with a legacy of love, and an example of what grace, courage and faithfulness truly look like. Her quiet strength was evident in everything she did and in every life she touched. I think I  am most grateful for the impact she had on my children's lives.  I know they are better people due to her influence. She loved them unconditionally, and was a vital part in every stage of their lives. She excelled in every role- wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. During one of our last conversations, I told her that David was going to be so excited to see her. She gently squeezed my hand and said, "I know and I can't wait to see him and Mom." So, now we rely on our memories of her gentle, but persuasive influences. I know I am a better person for having known her. It seemed like everything I saw today was yellow (her very favorite color), and I couldn't help but smile.

Lots of memories and lots of love in every picture!

I have said many times that everyone should have a Di in their lives,

 and I am so thankful we had her!