We Have Festivaled

I am not a fan of Halloween, especially because of its origins in history, but I am a sucker for a good Fall Festival! We went to three Fall Festivals this year and had a blast at all of them!

First, was The Springs' Fall Festival for the kids Sunday morning during church. Jeremy and I had baby duty in the nursery, so we got to witness all the festivities, although I didn't get many photos due to the crabby babies I was bouncing in both arms. O had a great time and it was good preparation for the festivals yet to come.

Sunday night, at Arapaho Road Baptist Church, instead of Awanas, we had another Fall Festival. The whole Fam got to enjoy the fun!

The highlight for Owen, by far, was the pony ride. He was a little timid at first, but after carefully selecting a mild brown pony and settling in, he really started to have fun. About half way through the ride, he looked at me, completely sober, and said, "This is really fun, Mommy." As soon as he hopped off the horse, he was already anticipating his next turn.

Daddy got to take Owie on the ride this time, atop a little bit spunkier black pony. The ride just was not quite long enough for O. I think he could have ridden ponies all night!

The night of the 31st, we attended a Fall Festival with Jeremy's parents at First Baptist Church of Garland. What was the first thing we saw when we walked up? Thankfully, it was the pony rides since O had been wishing for a pony ride all day!

This pony's name was Star, and what a sweet pony she was. Again, O had the time of his life riding in a circle on his pony!

We did a lot of other stuff at these Fall Festivals, too, of course. There were games and prizes galore, stuff to look at and stuff to eat.

So, Halloween or not, I will continue to frequent Fall Festivals. What fun family memories we made!

I Am a Fine Musician

You know it's going to be a long day when both kids are up from their afternoon naps by 12:30. We experienced one such day last week, but never fear! The weather was gorgeous and Mommy was full of distracting ideas to keep the crabbiness away. We three headed to the new and improved Children's Museum at The Museum of Nature and Science. Because we arrived during most kids' nap time, we had the whole place to ourselves! It was great! Owen's favorite part was the new music center. He banged out many a song on this life-sized xylophone while Noah and I danced and clapped along.

We also explored a fire truck that included authentic firepeople outfits.

Beep, beep, beep. Back that truck up, Owie!

Sliding down to save the day!

We discovered that Scooter can climb steps...quickly and all by himself, especially while my back is turned!

O was fascinated by these balls going around and around. How mesmerizing!

Owen hard at work "building a house."

After playing inside for quite awhile, we headed outdoors to explore. We discovered turtles, pecans, squirrels, a "whisper dish." We had so much fun just hanging out, enjoying God's beautiful creation.

Splish, Splash!

While at The Children's Museum, No-nos discovered the...

dum, dum, dum...

water table.

It is hard to tell in the pictures, but Noah was drenched head to toe and was having the time of his life!

Look Out World!

Noah is on the move! After only five minutes with his push toy, Scooter has it mastered! It brings a grin to my face watching him enjoy his new trick.

Waving at Mommy as he races past

He is so proud of himself, laughing as he toddles along.

One Fine Day

We have been enjoying picture perfect Fall weather. It has put us all in such good moods with lots of energy to play outside. Here is a day in the life of O this week.

Discovering the joys of eating apples whole

"We don't eat the 'cord,' Mommy!"

My Little Chef

We have moved on from "I can't see well," to, "I don't hear well, Mommy!" Crazy kiddo!

Cheering for Noah as he rolls the ball

SO BIG! Walking on the wall outside of our house

Singing into the neighbor's sprinkler "microphone"

Deciding it's much easier just to roll the tricycle along than to try to ride it!

Doesn't he look so grown up?! Where has my Baby gone?

Ten Month Pics...Finally!

No-nos, you are the craziest, most fun, hilarious, energetic, opinionated bouncing ball of endless energy I have ever encountered. You already have such a mind of your own and share your feelings loudly and with enthusiasm. You adore your Brother and stalk him around the house, to the point where Owie gets a little scared of your zealous attempts at showing affection. My little daredevil, you have no fear, climbing over large obstacles, scaling pieces of furniture, diving off of beds.

My prayer for you, Noah, is that you will always remain as passionate as you are right now, but that the Lord would be the object of your passion; that He would harness all your energy, delight, and enthusiasm to be used for His kingdom purposes; that He would mold your strong will to be a man after His own heart, strong and solid in your faith; that the He would graciously bestow on us His wisdom in how to parent you with love in such a way that we do not break your will or crush your energy but focus it on being a man on fire for God. What an amazing little guy you are, Nosy, and I would not change one thing about you. May I parent you and love you well. You are a joy!

A Sign of the Times

Noah has been able to communicate with us rather effectively for a long time now. Contagious laughter, pursed lips, shy smiles, shrill screams...But now, he has another form of getting his point across. He can sign "milk"! He does this often and with enthusiasm, especially while nursing or drinking his bottle. Smart Baby!

Off My Game

Noah turned ten months old. The day has come and gone. I have no post-worthy pictures. I do have pics, but they do not depict his huge personality adequately. I will keep trying and will post something soon.

Hook 'Em!

Bright and early on this beautiful Saturday morning, six fast friends (Halpins and Sosbees minus our tiny Boys) loaded up and headed for Waco. Our intent was to cheer our Horns to victory against the Baylor Bears. It was to be Owen's first live football game, and he was so excited he could hardly sleep the night before. (Seriously...we are all sleep deprived from the giddiness of O). In preparation, Jeremy had been schooling O in the UT fight song and the famous hook 'em horns hand gesture.

Hayden and Owen having a pre-game chat in the back seat

Jeremy and O are ready for the game to start! O still doesn't quite have the hook 'em horns down yet.

Jeremy and I in a sea of burnt orange. It was so much fun just being outside and able to chat mostly uninterrupted with Colleen. Honestly, I don't really know much about what happened in the game.

O is still trying to make his fingers hook 'em.

Colleen and Hayden

Best Friends of oldThe next generation

Still trying...

O finally abandoned the hook 'em for a general fist wave. "Texas fight!"

The Cutest Pumpkins in the Patch

Jeremy was feeling extremely benevolent today. He was blessed with this whole beautiful day off and no concrete plans. What a great morning we had! Breakfast out (love those chicken biscuits!), a quick trip to Target, and a leisurely walk to the nearby pumpkin patch. My sweet husband was endlessly patient with me while I tried to snap some cute shots of the Boys.