Fall in North Carolina

This past weekend we went to Samantha's one year birthday. We had a great time, some good grub and great family time.

The evening then progressed to this.....a bunch of people who are probably a little too old to be attempting forward and backward rolls.

Chris was quick to show off the forward roll.

Then Aunt Bernie joined in

Even Layla was wondering what in the world they were doing. She had to check out Bernie to make sure she was OK.

After being shown up by the younger cousins Johnathan and Angela, Chris decided it was time to take on the backward roll.

His first few tries were unsuccessful.

Then Johnathan gave some lessons.

Finally, Chris made it over

check out the face.....

Fall

Well, fall is finally upon us. I think we are past the random 90 degree weather that usually pops up here in NC. It is officially hoodie weather, and I couldn't be happier!!

Here are some pics of our recent fall outings:

Pickin' Pumpkins at the NC State Farmers Market

The NC State Fair:

Checking out the big pig

Feeding the goats

Smile. This is the apple she 'bought' with the money she made from harvesting her crop at the Farm Bureau 'farm'.

She thought the chickens were so cool.

And for a bit of ag nerdiness...here is a picture of the Grand Champion Barrow.

Jesus Messiah

After hearing Daddy play "Jesus Messiah" 524,235 times, Madeline has mastered the song.


Here are the lyrics she is singing:

Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all

Tales from the beach

Last weekend we took a long weekend and headed to Myrtle Beach, SC. We usually hit MB every year once the vacation crowds have gone for a weekend of shopping, pool time and a little bit of beach time.

Last year Madeline wasn't too big on the beach. She liked looking at the ocean from a distance, but she wanted no part of the water or sand. This year started off a little shaky, but she did venture out to make some sand castles- as long as the water didn't touch her.


MB is great for shopping. Lots of outlets- and someday I'm sure that Madeline will actually enjoy shopping. Luckily many of the outlets have lakes with fish to feed, toys to ride on and goofy cut outs to pose with.

Out trip ended with a trip to Ripley's Aquarium. Now this Madeline LOVED. She is still talking about the sharks, Nemo and the sea horses. (Note: bad mommy- camera betteries went dead...).



Only one bad thing to report. Our first meal in MB was at the new Mellow Mushroom. YUM-O we thought- something good and familiar. The service was HORRIBLE, the pizza did not meet the usual Mellow Mushroom standard....and Madeline refused to eat the pizza...in fact she was scared of it. Chris would put a piece next to her and she would squeal and say NO. Sorry to disappoint, Sellers!!

Happy Birthday, Uncle John

Kids...they do know everything.

This weekend was the race in California. My brother and our friend Chris went to the race to do what else but drink beer. Madeline knows that Uncle John likes beer. And she knew Uncle John and Mr. Chris were going to the race. Here is proof of how smart a 2 year old can be. They can put 2 & 2 together to make connections between things they know (and proof that they do listen to what you tell them).

Madeline: “Daddy, look at the airplane.”
Daddy: “Where do you think it is going? Tennessee?” (her boyfriend just moved to TN)
M: “No.”
D: “California?”
M: “Yes.”
D: “Who lives in California?”
M: “Meme and PaPaw, Buster, Peanut, Snickers.”
D: “Who else?”
M: “Uncle John and Aunt Sarah.”
D: “And Mr. Chris?”
M: “Yes, he is at the race with Uncle John.”
D: “What do they do at the race?”
M: “Drink beer.”
D: “What else do they drink?”
M: “Tea.”
D: “They drink tea.”
M: “Yes.”

That’s end. End of conversation. Well at least she is optimistic to think that they drink something other than beer (but I’m sure any tea that was consumed had the words “Long Island” in front of it!)