Superhero at Heart

We have a few carnivals, a trunk-or-treat, and a wear-your-costume-to-school day coming up in October. So naturally my mind is starting to think about costumes for the kids. I like to create them out of things we already have at home if possible. That's the frugal side of me coming out. I had picked up a cape and mask a month ago and put it aside for one of Jon's Christmas gifts. I decided I'd give it to him early & use it as part of his costume this year. So today when I presented it to him he totally flipped out. As soon as I got it on him he ran off to the full-length mirror in my room to check himself out. Then he promptly began flying around the house with appropriate superhero flying noises to accompany him. It was very cute. He continued to wear it all afternoon & then wanted to go out and run in the wind to really let the cape fly. It was so cute I had to snap a photo. So here is Superhero Jonathan in his cape, mask,...and pajamas (and a sword he made from the cardboard packaging that came with the cape). ;-)

Retreat, Rest & Renew

Joel and I had the rare & awesome chance to get away for 2 nights earlier this week. And, to give him the praise he's due, it was all Joel's idea. He arranged the childcare & took care of the lodging arrangements all on his own. What a guy! We stayed in an inn in the Texas Hill Country. It was right by a lake & really pretty out there. Our cabin even had a fully stocked kitchen which allowed us to cook together one evening. Something we really enjoy doing, but rarely get the chance to. One of the days we took a guided tour at a local cavern. Joel had never done so & thought it was pretty amazing. In the evenings we walked to the lakeside & enjoyed the sunset. There were tons of turkey vultures living on the property. We unknowingly walked right under some trees they were all resting in one evening & they all took off in flight simultaneously. It was awesome to watch happen right above your head. Both mornings we had our coffee and breakfast out on the covered porch in rocking chairs and watched the birds, squirrels and butterflies around us. It was a wonderful time of quiet, peace, and rest. It was much needed and we are both grateful we got the chance to do so!

The cabin we stayed in. It was full of blue...my favorite color.

Inside the cavern.

Part of the dinner we got to prepare together. This was our appetizer: bruschetta and parmesan cheese with a bottle of Sangiovese wine I'd been saving from my trip to California this past summer.

Sunset in front of the lake. It was so pretty.

Our stupid face photo. Apparently Joel's favorite of the trip.

Last Swim

I got out our little backyard pool for the last time this evening. Gotta love Texas for a swim 6 days into fall! Here's a photo for ya.

Fun Day!

This past Saturday was a really fun day! We started out at our local Lowe's Build-and-Grow where the kids got to make a toy fire truck with working siren. Then we headed over to the fire station right down the street that was having an open house. It was great! They had free food, free giveaways, pictures with stuffed characters, a bounce house, lots of cool stuff to look at. They were letting everyone get inside the fire trucks, ambulances, and even their helicopter. There were really cool demonstrations too. As we were leaving we even got to see the helicopter take off to go out on a call.

Then, back at home, while Kat napped the older 2 & I cuddled on the bed & watched a movie together while Joel got some time alone to play a video game. In the evening we got to babysit my nephew, Benjamin, for the first time too. His mom & dad had a date night out at a women's roller derby - fun. Really great day!

Amon Carter

One of the perks of living right outside of Fort Worth is being so close to an amazing cultural district. Joel & I have become very fond of the Amon Carter Museum. They renovated a few years back & have added photography and other exhibits beyond just western art. I found out from a friend that they have a scavenger hunt the kids can do. Once completed they even get a small prize. We decided to go check it out today. The special exhibition was a collection of drawings and watercolors. I pointed out one especially nice pencil drawing of ships at sea & told the kids how amazing it was that someone could create something so great with just pencils. To this Jon said they must have had amazing pencils. ;-)

1 Rocker, 4 Generations

There's a little rocking chair I remember from my childhood. It's still at my parent's house today. It has been in our family for at least four generations. My grandma and siblings sat in it, my mom and cousin Edna sat in it, my sister and I sat in it & now all my kids have sat and rocked in it too. Here are some photos of the rocker with the last 3 generations.

My mom in the rocker at Christmastime.

Me in the rocker with Mom beside.

My sister, Kerry, and me with the rocker. This is one of my favorite photos of us as kids.

A recent photo of Katherine in the newly reupholstered rocker.

Two Tie Jon, a Picture With the Bride, and Utter Cuteness

Jon went through a little phase recently where he liked to wear not one, but 2 ties...at the same time. I just went with it. He really liked the way it looked. He told me he looked awesome like that. Here's a photo of him in one of his day excursions sporting his new style trend.
And, Miss Emily got to attend a wedding recently. She really loves weddings now. She knew her daddy was going to be photographing this one so she personally requested a photo with the bride. She likes to tell me what her wedding will be like sometimes...and so it begins. ;-)
And, finally, a photo of Katherine looking ridiculously cute. This was the first time I put her hair up like this & it made me want to squeeze her repetedly. Enjoy!