Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The Pumpkin Patch

Fall is here and boy am I loving the cool temperatures. Gets me right in the Christmas Spirit ;) Yes, those who know me know my love of the Christmas season and the Fall just starts it off right! I may or may not have already begun listening to a little Christmas music. Lyla seems to really enjoy it and even tries to sing along. 

Over my birthday weekend, we decided to welcome Fall by taking our annual trip up to Burt's Pumpkin Patch. I love traditions and I love that with a child we are able to fill her memories full of wonderfully fun traditions. This year, Sarah, Allison, Dan, Adam, Lyla and I went. The weather was beautiful, the leaves were falling and Lyla seemed to enjoy the pumpkin patch more this year than last year for the most part.

This is Lyla last year. This is the only picture she was actually smiling in. Oh my goodness. I cannot believe this used to be my baby. Sadly it is getting harder to remember her as this yummy, squishy, straggly toothed, no hair baby!! Look at those cheeks!! I had forgotten what adorably squishy cheeks she had. I mean her cheeks are still wonderfully baby soft to kiss, but I mean man!! She is not this baby anymore!
Loving Burt's with Aunt Sarah 2011
Of course there are so many pictures and it was hard to choose just a few, so here they are!

Surrounded by pumpkins!
Love the piggy tails!

 So Lyla is quite the shopper, I think I have expressed that before. She was beside herself with the pumpkin selection that she went a little crazy picking out the ones she needed!!

"I need this one"
"And this one"
"Of course these three"
"And this white one"

"Here dad, we might need a wheelbarrow..."

"Why is no one getting me a wheelbarrow?"
"Here Sarah, this is the one I picked out for you"
"These are mine"


Aunt Allison and Lyla
"You mean they have baby pumpkins too?!"
"How about this one?"
"This one looks good"

Finally convinced us she needed a basket.


Yes these went in the basket too.
Another

Not happy about taking a picture.


Wearing momma's sunglasses.
Kisses for da-ee.
Dan and Allison's perfect pumpkin. She picks one out to make pumpkin pie!
"You mean all of these cannot go home with us??"



Love that little toddler chub!
Precious!! Holding Daddy's hand.
More kisses for Daddy! She loves her dad!
Girl picture! We told her if she took the picture she could have a lollipop. She was melting down and ready for lunch.
Lollipop!

Finally got her wheelbarrow and her pumpkins.
No, not all the pumpkins made it home with us. But we did get some and she loves looking at them. So glad we have this tradition and the season of Thanksgiving is upon us! I sure do have a lot to be thankful for!!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Aunt Sarah

Aunt Sarah was home for Fall Break this last weekend (Oct 4th - Oct 10th). It also happened to be my birthday weekend, so it was perfect to have her home! We always love to have her home, but I think I especially love it. I love spending time with her and watching how she is growing into this amazing woman. I love watching her with Lyla. I am so glad that Lyla can know her aunts so well. We are lucky to have Allison here. We certainly wish the other two could be close to us as well. Maybe Sarah will be coming back this way after she graduates in May??
The weather was perfect and Fallish and Sarah actually got to enjoy wearing her Fall clothes, since it is still quite warm in Texas. Lyla and I took Sarah to the Zoo on Friday and we had a fun day just enjoying walking around and enjoying the weather. Lyla loved showing Sarah around "her zoo".


Aunt Sarah and Lyla 
Could not get her to put her drink down for the picture.
My little Lion.
The animals were out and certainly enjoying the beautiful weather as well. I have never seen them more active or get closer to us than they did this day!!

This Gorilla was literally staring Lyla in the eyes! Then he stood up and knocked on the glass. It was amazing and kind of scary! Easy to forget that these are wild animals.
Watching the otters play.
The Orangutans 
I will probably get this look a lot over the years.
The Tigers

Lyla watching the Tiger.
Being silly at lunch with Aunt Sarah.

Such a goof-ball!


She doesn't know she is cute at all....
Funny face with Sarah
Cool Girl
Riding the Carousel with Sarah.

Waving to momma.
Blowing kisses to momma.
Love this one.
"choo-choo" ride
So sweet.
Lyla loves her Aunt Sarah. I am so thankful that Lyla has her to look up to. I am thankful that Sarah loves Lyla and wants to invest and be a part of Lyla's life. It is never enough time with Sarah when she comes home. We miss her and wish we could see her more often. But we are SO EXTREMELY proud of her and who God is making her. We love the Kingdom impact she is making and we love seeing how she is continually growing. We are blessed to know her and have her with us. Thank you Lord for allowing us the special time with Sarah. I could not imagine this part of my life, or my daughter's life, without her. Thank you for sparing her life! She is such a reflection of Your love and grace. We don't mind her discount at Gap either :) 
We cannot wait to see what God has in store for her this next year and see where she ends up. Hopefully close to us!! We have a room for you Sarah! We LOVE you! 
More of Sarah's weekend to come....The Pumpkin Patch!