War Eagle!

Kate and I drove to Auburn and met up with Grandpa and Linda for the Auburn-Ole Miss game. It's was Kate's first football game and she soaked up everything the game day atmosphere had to offer. It was fun being able to see it through her eyes. Aubie, the "Sparkle" girls (the majorettes in the band) and Tiger Walk were her favorites.

Kate & the "Sparkle" girls

Watch out - wild girl with a shaker! If you were within a 3 ft radius of Kate, you were bound to get hit in the face or back of the head at least once during the game!

Ghosts & Jack-O-Lanterns

Since Kate got the "Happy Letter" from school today, I told her we could carve the pumpkins tonight. (I had planned on it anyways :) ). She wanted to carve an Owl again like I did last year, but I told her I didn't have the stencil to do it again, so she settled on some ghosts and a silly face. Carving pumpkins actually is Kate pulling out one pumpkin seed at a time while I do all of the carving, cleaning, etc. Although, Sam actually got in on the action this year and pulled out a handful or two of "gooey middle" as Kate calls it.

Happy Letter!

Kate came home with a "Happy Letter" from school. Her teachers were so excited for her and she couldn't stop talking about it. I don't know if they just starting doing these to a child each day or if it just took her 3 1/2 years to finally get one, but whatever the case, we were excited for the Happy Letter! I think she got to decorate it as well with all the stickers!

More Hometown Fair!

Some more from the Hometown Fair...

Kate wanted to go on the "Twist & Shout" and so we went! You can't see her, but she was screaming, putting her hands in the air, having a ball! Then...she got quiet, really quiet. I guess all of the intense spinning got to her... and me!

Checking to make sure she's still having "fun" after the ride's over. It took her a little while to get her equilibrium back!

Never fear - back for more fun & a Sno Cone!

Train Bouncing Tunnel

The Pirate Ship

Look Mom! No hands!

Hometown Fair

On Sunday, we had the annual Hometown Fair in our neighborhood. It was so much fun and so surprised at everything Kate wanted to do. She literally wanted to do everything! Sam had to talk her out of a few rides even because she just wasn't big enough for them (and Daddy didn't want to go on them!).

Loves Bouncing Castles!

Making the big climb - meanwhile Sam and I are figuring out who's going to go up there in case she doesn't want to slide down (we've had previous experiences with the big slides).

We've Been "BOO'd"

When we pulled into the driveway after Kate's dance class, we had a special surprise at our doorstep...We had been "Boo'd." Kate was so excited to find all of the Halloween surprises! She has told me since, "Mommy, I want to be Boo'd again!" I bet she does!

Showing off her "medal" from her dance class.

Stealing A Nap

Kate must have been asleep while Mattie was napping on her sleeping bag. Poor Mattie has a hard time on the weekends finding a quiet place to nap. She didn't even stir when I took her picture and the flash went off.

Pumpkin Patch

We set out for The Great Pumpkin Patch on Saturday and it never disappoints. We did all the usuals: hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkins, jumping in the inflatables and slides, pony rides, chowing down on hot dogs & corn dogs (at least Sam & Kate did). She had a blast as always and we had to drag her out of there completely exhausted. She managed to stay awake on the ride home and took a 3 1/2 hour nap!

We had to drag her out of the inflatable area.

And More Beach...

We had another beautiful day at the beach collecting seashells, building sand castles and more jumping in waves. After dinner, Kate and I took Sam back to the beach house and we went for ice cream! I finally have someone to go to Scoops with me! Yay!

Ice Cream!!

Jumping Waves

The wind was finally calm so we got to enjoy the beautiful beach weather on Sunday. So nice! Kate's favorite thing to do is jump the waves. I can do it, but nothing compares to jumping with her daddy. I can't throw her over my head like Sam does! :)

Fall Beach Trip

We headed down for a quick fall beach trip and it was so nice to get away! Our friends, Jeff & Lauren, came down for two days with their little girls Anna Kate and baby Sarah Grace, then we stayed for another 2 days. I forgot how nice the weather in October is! Outside of a scary fall down the stairs and a trip to the emergency room for baby Sarah (poor thing!), we had a great time. The beach was pretty windy the first two days and was blowing sand, so Kate & Anna Kate played on the little beach at the bay. They had a blast catching things in the bay. Sam even joined in on the action!

Sam catching dinner!

This big crab wasn't very happy with us!

Silly Gooses!

After Laura Ann's party, we were trying to get a picture of the three cousins for Gran's Christmas Card. Here's one of the outtakes.

Happy 5th Birthday Laura Ann!

Laura Ann had the cutest Strawberry Shortcake Tea Party. Seriously, I need my sister in law to help me plan future parties! She does an amazing job! The girls made "strawberry" handprints & bead necklaces, colored Strawberry Shortcake, played tea party games, then topped it off with a fancy Strawberry Shortcake Tea Party. Lots of fun! We hope you had a great birthday Laura Ann.

Is this not adorable??