Happy Halloween!

This evening we finally got around to carving our pumpkin just in time for the trick or treaters. Bennett made the rounds with the neighborhood kids and got his fair share of the candy. As you can see in the pictures, he had a sucker in each hand. I thought Halloween was exciting as a kid, but it much more fun watching Bennett. Happy Halloween!

The Boy Loves Hats

What can I say? My boy loves his hats. This morning I had to take Bennett to parent's morning out to go to a doctor's appt. It was a little chilly outside, so I put him in a sweater and gave him the matching hat. Trying to be proactive this "cold season", I thought I'd just send the hat along in case the kids went out to the playground. Oh no! Once Bennett caught a glimpse of it, he had to wear it. He wore it in the house this morning during breakfast, in the car on the way to church, and sported it as he walked in. He was still wearing it 4 hours later when I picked him up. They never made it out to the playground, but the nursery worker said he refused to let her take it. He crashed as soon as he got home, so I had to sneak a picture.

Mowing w/ Daddy

We got home this afternoon and the boys headed outside to mow the yard. I had to sneak a picture of Fletcher and his little helper.

Pumpkinfest in Franklin

Crashed out after a busy morning

Fletcher w/ Bennett and Aunt Katie w/ Trey

Checking out the giant pumpkin

Bob the Builder and Conductor Charlie

Cousins and best buddies

Saturday we took Cousin Trey, Baby Waller, and Bennett in their costumes to Pumpkinfest in Franklin. Downtown Franklin has an adorable square and the boys enjoyed seeing all other kids in their costumes and getting some fresh air. Bennett lasted about an hour....a little longer than he did last year. He crashed out in the stroller while we made the rounds. After a great nap, we all had a delicious dinner at CeCe and Pops and watched the Vols play.

Roasting Hot Dogs at CeCe & Pops

CeCe and the grandbabies

Bennett calling the ducks

Trey enjoying his cupcake

Cousins loading up on sugar

Bennett helping Pops light the fire

Looking for Sammy the Squirrel w/ Pops

This weekend we headed up to Nashville to visit CeCe, Pops, Aunt Stephanie, and the Woodcocks. We had a wonderful weekend relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather. Friday night we celebrated fall with a hot dog roast over the fire pit topped off with some smores. The boys played hard all over the backyard and filled their bellies with hot dogs, smores, pumpkin donuts from Krispy Kreme, and Aunt Steph's pumpkin cupcakes. Can't believe they didn't have a tummy ache after all of that.

Autumn Party

Today was the Autumn Party for Bennett's class and this was the party I had volunteered to help with. So fun getting to watch the kids in action. I couldn't believe how well they followed instructions. I arrived as the kids were coming in off the playground. They were partnered up and holding hands as they walked in. I wish I could've gotten a picture of that. Nice to know Bennett will hold hands when walking across the street. We struggle with that numerous times a day sometimes resulting in me pulling the "executive card" and dragging him. A pleasant site, I'm sure. They sat around their little table and had their snack. After snack time, the kids played so well. I snuck a few pictures of them playing.

Libby's Bday Party

Our good friend, Libby Holle, had her 2nd birthday party this afternoon and we couldn't wait to go. The kids got to dress up in their costumes, play for hours, and have as many cupcakes as they wanted....sounds like heaven. Bennett was a train conductor and his dear friend, Ali, was Dorothy carrying around Todo. The birthday girl was Minnie Mouse and my friend, Lorna's little girls were Spiderman. Nothing like a spiderman costume with a red bow on top. All of the kids were adorable!

Berry Patch Farms

Last Year at Berry Patch Farms

Getting Ready to Head Out

Getting Excited about the Hayride w/ Nina

Picking out a Pumpkin w/ Momma

Photo Opp
Check Out the Turkey

Enjoying the Hayride w/ Nina

Searching for the Perfect Pumpkin
Taking a RestFound One!

We've been so blessed to have Nina here this past week to help me set up the nursery and get organized while Fletcher was in school. We decided to take a trip out to the pumpkin patch before heading to the airport. Berry Patch Farms is a wonderful place for kids. Bennett took a hayride out to the pumpkin patch where he got to pick his very own pumpkin (almost as big as he is). There were lots of animals for the kids to look at including goats, turkeys, pigs, chickens, and sheep. The "Warning! We Bite" sign didn't seem to phase Bennett. And I'm so glad we're turning over a new leaf and sharing....even it is sharing popcorn with the goat. That counts, right? We ran into a few friends and neighbors. It was great opportunity to get out and enjoy this gorgeous fall weather. Although Bennett rarely slows down long enough for a photo opp, I did my best. I posted a picture from our trip last year, so you can see how much he's grown in a year.

Pa Comes to Visit

Pa had a long weekend off from work and had the chance to sneak out for a quick visit with us. We were thrilled he could get away and Bennett has played so hard the last few days showing off all of his latest tricks. Pa spoiled his with attention and they enjoyed a picnic at the park, a trip to Wal-Mart, and dinner on the square, of course, followed by ice cream. A visit wouldn't be complete without playtime on the choo choo train. Before dropping off Pa at the airport, we had to make a stop at Gabriel's....our favorite little sandwich shop. Thanks Pa for all of your help with moving furniture and we can't wait for you to come back and visit.

Big Boy Bed

With the baby well on his way, we've decided to move the crib into the nursery and get Bennett some "big boy" furniture. Conveniently, the furniture came in on the weekend Nina and Pa were coming to visit from Texas. Fletcher and Pa spent Saturday evening putting Bennett's room together and we're pleased to say he loved it. He slept from 9:00 pm to 7:30 am the first night.....if you know our sleeping habits, you'll know that was a huge delight! Sunday night, he slept from 8:30 pm to 8:05 am....let's just say WOO HOO! I haven't had undisturbed rest like that since.....well, I can't even remember. Here's a few pics of Bennett trying out his new bed.

Gulf Shores 2008

We just got in tonight from spending a week in Gulf Shores with the Tidwell's and Woodcock's. We had a blast....I don't know where to start. Bennett and Cousin Trey played until they couldn't go any longer. They'd nap and rise ready to go at it again. Baby Waller (our 11 week old niece) was a trooper. She'd nap in the midst of the chaos and I can tell she's going to be quite the beach babe. Aunt Katie and Uncle Chuck spoiled Bennett with Sprite, cookies, and laser guns. We had lots of beach time, visited the Aviation Museum, the Perdido Kids Park, and relaxed. Thanks CeCe and Pops for treating us to a week of fun in the sun, delicious meals, and wonderful family time.