Lark Ranch

It was our first visit. We didn't know what to expect. But it was beyond what I could have imagined. It was so much fun! There was so much to do...

As we waited to go in Koen & the girls played with pumpkins and tractors. I honestly think they could have stayed in that spot for a long time and been satisfied customers. But we swept them up for dinner instead.

After dinner we hit the barrel cars & petting zoo. Then more tractors... more pumpkins. The weather was perfect and just got chilly before the hay ride.

Our family on the hay ride. Sun just set and when we stopped in the pumpkin patch it was too dark to pick (for us that is). They just left a load of people in the patch to fin for themselves! It was dark! Not us.

So glad we had friends to go with. It was SO much fun!

PS We were warned we would spend alot of money... but I think we spent 24 dollars total for all our activities and food for family of 4!

Playday with friends

We had a playday with some friends it was awesome for a couple reasons...

Their mommy is busy at school teaching wee ones so we don't get to see them often. Ayla enjoyed feeding Miss Kate a bottle. She did this without prompting. I thought it was so sweet and shows how great of a sister she is! One night she asked if we could pray for a baby brother. Oh man. Not sure that we are ready to go down that road, but we prayed for it anyway.

We also played outside for a little bit. It has been such great weather. We scribbled with chaulk and swang a little.

Did I mention Leah turned 18 months on Friday? Here she is swinging without shoes.... I'll be posting on her big milestones soon.

It was a great playday. With great friends...

Mini, Mile 7, & Finish Line

Jeff has been training for a mini marathon.

At times it seemed like it woud never get here.

But it did...

10.10.10

We were all there.

Ayla

Leah

Who were both on their best behavior since we woke up before the crack of dawn.

We stopped at Mile Marker 7

Thankfully, Papaw came to join the fun.

Check out that finishing time.

My hubs is a stud.

He placed 127th place out of over 2600 people!!!

Daddy and his girls post race.
Waiting for Mimi to finish....

It was a beautiful day.

We hung out & waited for Mimi to finish, ate apples, and came home for a long nap. I was so proud of my mom & Jeff.

Season of Change

I have been in a bit of a funk lately, a rut possibly. Whatever it is or was- left me a bit discontent and more negative than Id like to live my life. Its kinda tough. On all of us.

A lot has helped. The change of season. Staying busy. Laughing at my kids. My small group.

Lately, my kids have said or did the funniest things. An example? Ayla watched me get dressed and looked a bit concerned. I asked her what was wrong. She asked me why I had "scratches" on my belly. Serious? Ugh. I explained the joys of stretch marks and she still looked concerned.... she was sad that she scratched me when she was inside my belly. Oh man.

Dance season has officially begun with my first competition (my fave one of the year) less than a month away. We are no where near ready, but I am sure by the time it gets here we will be. Crossing my fingers!! Dance is like my job and may become moreso soon. Speaking of jobs, I offcially resigned from the hospital today. I rarely worked and it had me in a tizzy. I held a PRN status (meaning as-needed) since I was pregnant with Leah. Eventually I dropped off radar and to them didn't fulfill my contract (since I never got called). I am a little sad bc I feel like its setting aside nursing once again in my life. I love being a nurse. But, being a Mommy has always came first. I know I will go back- but it seems very far off in the distance.

I have also been staying busy by consigning for the first time. It was a really neat experience and I won't hesitate to do it again. Maybe even next spring. I cleaned, sorted, added inventory, and tagged my clothes. Not very many items. My main objective was to be able to go to the pre-sale before the public. In my opinion the presale is the only way to go. Lots of great items up for grabs but after THAT many women go shopping crazy over toys, books, clothes, coats, costumes, furniture, and what-have-you... there can't be much left for the public sale.

I spent $98 and got 1 book, 1 puzzle, 2 dvds, for Leah a dress, sweater, and pr shoes, for Ayla 3 tees, 2 skirts, a bike helmet, 2 dress, 4 pr pants and maybe more. Obviously, I did ok! ha I just found out that I made 60 (after com and fees) so add that with what I made from yard sale a few weeks ago and I cover all that I bought. Yay.

My friend, Jessie, was able to come with me. We had an awesome girl night. We shopped a little and got there 10 mins before doors open and were probably 200th in line... no exaggeration! haha We both got awesome deals. She more than I, in my opinion. It was a late night. But worth it. Thanks Jess.

Another busy week ahead of us... Dance practices, Jeff's mini marathon this weekend, a conference in Indy, etc. Hope you all had a great week!

It's her party...

Ayla got alot of her looks from her Daddy. But she got alot of her personality from her Mama.
Ayla is our anxious, sweet, and tender-hearted child. I love that about her.
These were taken at dance last week.
Id like to say that I will stop bringing my camera with me every week. But, I just can't make that commitment right now.
Im "that Mom".

Figured I should get Leah in the shot bc when we get to see what Ayla did at class she storms the floor. She likes to "participate" and I am fairly confident she could prob do the class if appropriate. ha Miss Ay got the best listener crown this week at dance. She was So proud (as was I). Miss Brittany gives the crown to a dancer to listened the best the week before.

Unfortunately, when Mommy asked her to stand on her 'x' for Miss Brittany she was bothered. She looked around and said "She's not on the 'x' Mom. I don't want to.... (insert tears)" It was cute and not-so-cute at the same time. Guess I need to ensure nap is taken on dance day. Regardless, she's a good girl.

Playgroup & Dance Class

I love our playgroup. We've been going for a couple years now and I couldn't imagine our weeks without them. Such a large, incredible group of Christian women chatting, eating, laughing and helping each other through parental craziness/awesomeness.

This past Wed Leah turned 17 mo old, got shots, and it was pg day. Thankfully, no yucky fevers as we've always had in the past. Just a great day with friends and a long nap. Phew.

Leah trying to get in a pic of the big girls. She thinks she is 3 too. ha

Ava & Ayla on the seasaw. They play well together

Our new tradition for Thursday is Ay's dance class. Oh man, does she love it! Its only the second week, but she asks at the beginning of each week if its Thurs yet. :) I hope she continues to love dance like her Mama does. But, if not, she is at least enjoying it now. This week was learning 2nd position and borre turns. So cute!

This is a pic of the girls running around. I am not quite sure if they are supposed to be running around. Most of the kids were doing it? I peeked in the window and this is what I caught.

Leah Hope:17 months

Leah turned 17 months old on wed.

Weird. 17 months. Sometimes it just seems like I just had her. This year has definitely gone by faster than any in my lifetime. I hope I am savouring each moment for what it is. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Time is flying and soon we'll be planning for another baby. It all just seems so fast! Next month will be my last monthly post on her development. I can't believe she is almost 1 1/2 yrs old.

Speaking of which, boy, is this girl sassy! I describe her personality to most people who don't know her as "big". She loves big, cries big, big attitude.... when she's mad- she's MAD and will shake and turn red. Its ugly. But usually is fleeting. I try to ignore it bc she gets past it quickly. She is quick to say "sorry" after a time out but tries to test us by watching our reaction after repeating the same offense that put her tush in time out in the first place. She will kiss & kiss & kiss. Such a lover. Mainly to her Mommy, which I eat up.

Leah is watching our every movement nowadays. Especially Ayla's. She wants to be just like her big sis. Thankfully, Ayla is a pretty good girl! Though Ayla probably feels tortured most of the time, I let Leah follow her around and pretend to be a "big girl" too. Isn't this what having an older sibling is about?

Leah is still wearing size 4 diapers, 18-24 month clothes- some 2T. Has fat feet and growing- wearing 6-7 size shoes.

Appetite is not has grand as past months. She doesn't seem to be picky, just eating less. I have been trying to cut back on snacks to try to remedy that. Her faves still remain most fruits esp grapes or blueberries. Drinking only soy milk, water, and sometimes diluted juice.

Has a fantastic vocabulary and words are becoming more clear.

Learning to do a somersault. Learning to jump with both feet.

Cheers "Go Hatchets, Go!" Using our pom-poms.

Plays well on own. Mostly like real stuff more than toys.

Sings "Twinkle, Twinkle" by repeating "Tinkle, Tinkle.... sky..." over and over. Also sings "Single Ladies"- Hil.ar.ious! (will try to upload vid) Trying to learn "Jesus loves Me" and points to herself on the chorus.