Nichols-Boyd Pumpkin Patch

We have been trying to make it up to Bull Bottom Farms (HERE), where my friends Nic and Katie Robinson host families for lots of fun with hay rides, a corn maze, playground, pumpkin patch, and all the rest.... but haven't been able to find a good weekend.  A few people at my work told me about a neat pumpkin patch (Nichols-Boyd) at the Reservoir, so we and the Sturdivants ventured out this afternoon to check it out.  What a pleasant surprise!  How did we not know this place existed?!  We plan to go back for their hay ride and corn maze one day soon.

Look at this cutie-patootie!!

 These two had a ball playing with each other!!

Where's Eleanor????   (poor thing is a good sport as Avery just can't keep from squeezing and/or tackling her.)

We love the llamas!!

This is actually Avery telling Eleanor "no, move your hand" (as she heard about 50 times in a row from her Momma)... the big turkey's fence didn't keep him from strutting quite demonstratively and deceptively close to our pretty girls...

Aren't they just the cutest things!!

More twins:

But my little Buddy!!

Now begins our best try for a family picture....

That's about right.  Oh well.

I bet you could have guessed which one was too busy to sit with everyone else...

Eleanor is getting so big!!  She can now hang right in there with the crazy duo!

Love these pics!!

 Christmas Card!!!

Avery loves her GG!!!

There's nothing better than being tackled by these two!!

Running Barefoot Through the Grass...

While flipping through pics from the last few months, how could I have forgotten about these from an afternoon in Grenada with Mimi and Papaw?  After a few little rides on the popscooter, the kids spotted the sprinkler.  Mimi was thinking quickly and took off their clothes as fast as she could while running along side them toward the super soaker fun maker. These two made no qualms about it and barreled toward the water without abandon.  

Enjoy.  

Avery was the first to figure out this super soaker could be 'driven' in a certain direction.

All that running and screaming calls for a water break.

No caption needed.

These next few were the 'before'.... 

And a few more pictures barefoot in the grass.  I must admit, I took off my shoes and ran too.  ;)

(looking for (and taunting) Millie)

Sunday Morning Impromptu

Since "C'mon Silas and Avery, let's get in the car and go" is interpreted as "let's see who can run in the most circles around Mommy's car before she catches us", these little munchkins are easily distracted for a quick picture pose.

Oh yes, she has a wind--up for her monster hugs....


It'll make your heart melt.  Every time.

Meet Fred.

The Elf. ( On The Shelf. )  His name is Fred.  He watches Silas and Avery all day to make sure they are being good little boys and girls and tells Santa all about them.

You better watch out, you better not cry... you better not pout (or fight with your brother or sister), I'm telling you why.....

Papaw's Birthday and Weekend in Grenada

Last Thursday, October 4th was my Daddy's birthday ... we were so glad he could be in Jackson that night to celebrate!  After a delicious meal at Local 463, we surprised him with a cake that Grace's friend made - it was hilarious.  

Mr. Potato Head with a rifle and a dead deer. I'm not exactly sure how we came to this design... but I think Mr. Potato Head made his debut in the year of Dad's birth... 1952.  Too funny.  And the cake was absolutely delicious!

Mimi and Papaw had Silas and Avery for the afternoon (she had been staying with me since Bruce was out of town for a conference) and they went looking at new 'popscooters' for fun.  I think Silas found one he liked!   

Grenada

Bruce and I have been trying to get away to stay in Grenada for awhile and decided last weekend was a great time to do that.  We took off after work on Friday and enjoyed a relaxing, super fun weekend (except for the Rebel loss against Texas A&M, of course).  It's Wish Book time at Mimi's house!!  This girl knew what to do... 

Meanwhile, Silas found the live version of his wish list...  

as long as it wasn't turned on.... the loud diesel engine was a little spooky for the little man... 

Avery wanted a turn!!

And in true Mississippi fashion, we thoroughly enjoyed a ride in the back of Papaw's pick-up truck!  

Sunday morning, we enjoyed sleeping in a little bit longer than usual (call time is typically 7:45am at FBCJ:-) and loved worshipping at my home church, FBC Grenada.  They have recently completed construction on the new sanctuary - which is absolutely beautiful!  With all the 'happenings' of the last year, we haven't been able to visit until now.  It was a wonderful worship service and it always does my heart good to see dear friends and mentors that I grew up with!!

Back Home

It's been raining often here in Jackson... which means our 'outside' play has been more the likes of the garage with sidewalk chalk, power wheels speeding in tight circles, basketball goals ... and baseball.  This cute little guy loves a ball.  He is begging the rain to stop.  (And yes, his boots are on the wrong feet.  We are entering the "I WILL do things myself" phase and their Mom is trying to choose battles wisely.) 

Meanwhile, this little gal is a hoot.  When I say she never stops moving... I'm not kidding.  She NEVER. STOPS. MOVING. Or TALKING.  This world could actually stand to learn a lesson or two from this happy happy happy girl... who lives out this great quote from the time she wakes up to the time she goes to bed (which is somedays longer than others...): 

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."  (E.E. Cummings)

I pray every day that she never learns to stop laughing.  Oh, the means by which she goes to make sure everyone is laughing.... are hilarious:

We saw our pediatrician for their two year check-ups last week (and got the last shots they will need until they're 5!).  Silas is a big boy at the 85th percentile for height and weight... and Avery isn't too far behind in the 75th percentile for her height and weight.  They both got glowing reviews from their check-ups and were good sports for the shots.  This Momma just can't believe her babies are growing up so quickly...

More pictures to come.