A day at the pumpkin patch

The kid has talent!

Those who know me well know that I do not have even an ounce of musical talent (I have decided my musical talent is appreciating those who do have it). In college, my friends used to make me "sing scales" (I don't even know if that is the right terminology) because they thought it was so hilarious to hear me try to "hit" the high notes. So to those great, dear friends who used to delight in mocking my musical prowess it might come as a surprise that my daughter is actually showing some promise as a little musician. About a month ago Alyssa started piano lessons. I initially thought it would be a good idea to try an activity other than a sport in an effort to give her an opportunity to branch out a little bit. I think she is enjoying it and she seems to be catching on fairly easily. We'll continue to see how it goes but hopefully she will stick with it and make her momma proud (not that she doesn't already)!

Things I love about Fall

WARNING: Long post ahead!

Fall is finally here! (Well, not officially until next week but for all intensive purposes...) Now that the mouse that has been tormenting me has been caught and disposed of (sorry if you are an animal-lover, but it invaded my house so I am considering its demise an act of self-defense), I can actually sit back and enjoy my favorite time of year. Here are a the top 3 things that I am currently loving about Fall:

#1. Kids are in school. This means life is back on a schedule and I find myself happier and more productive when I know what's coming up next. Alyssa actually started Kindergarten back at the end of July, but Travis recently started a little preschool/playschool with a few of his friends from church. Its nothing big -- just a little opportunity to get together, play, and perhaps learn something once a week. We rotate from house to house each week. I got to teach on our first week of school and it seemed like the boys all had a great time. Here are some pics of the preschool boys:

Here they are on the big, first day!

Walking to the park with their much beloved lunchboxes (they were so cute -- they would not put those lunchboxes down the whole time they were at the playground)

Having a little picnic at the park

Who doesn't love a picnic?

#2. Being a Soccer Mom. I actually didn't think I would embrace entering the ranks of the "Soccer Moms" as much as I have. (Being a lacrosse player back in the day, SOCCER was always a bit of a dirty word) But Alyssa is having a blast and we were lucky enough to have a bunch of kids that we know on our team so we are all happy. Check out some of these actions shots:

#3. Being outside again! Now that the humid, sticky, yucky days of August in Virginia are over we are spending most of our time outside in all sorts of parks and playgrounds. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the past few weeks:

Happy Birthday Travis!

My favorite little man is now two years old! We didn't do anything too extravagant for his birthday. We just had a little family birthday party on the weekend before his birthday. My Mom, sister and niece were all going to be out of town on his actual birthday so we decided to celebrate a little early. True to form, Travis would not eat any of the food that was made especially for him. (It wouldn't be a day in the life of Travis without rejecting most of the food I give him) He liked looking at his cake, but would not try any of it. So, we all enjoyed it in his behalf. He did, however, enjoy opening up his presents and was happy to discover all the new cars toys he received.

On his true birthday, September 13th, I actually took him to another kid's birthday party (I know, I am a horrible Mom!) We all had fun but I realized that Travis is just not the type of kid that likes being around large groups so I felt a little less guilty about not planning a big birthday bash for him. Later on that night, in a very Travis-like way, we had a low-key family birthday party that he very much enjoyed. He is definitely his father's son!

My little beach beauty

My friend, Hannah, sent me these pictures of Alyssa from our beach trip and I just had to do the braggy-mom thing and post them. I love these pictures because they really capture what it means to be a kid on the beach -- pure joy. My sweet little Alyssa! She is such a beauty both on the inside and out.