How 'bout them apples!

Today was a big day. We all went to Brantley's soccer game and she played harder and better than she ever has. I think that a competitive spirit and the love of soccer have finally sunk in. It was neat to hear one dad tell her, "I thought there were 2 of you out there, Brantley!"
After the game we went apple picking at Masonic Homes, ate lunch out, and them went to the grocery for gameday food. The rest of the day will be spent watching football. Rolllll Tide!!!!! Beat the Bulldogs!!!!

My Girls

I am so glad that my girls have each other. I don't have a sister (2 great brothers) and have always thought it would be great to have that kind of bond with another. I do have a really great sister-in-law which I think is as close as you can get to the real thing, though. I just love to see my sweet things play together and Brooke just adores B. I like this picure because they look like they are having so much fun, Brantley looks like a true "big" sister, and Brooke is looking at B with such love and anticipation of fun things to come. Daddy and I love you tons, girls!! Another picture of the cute twosome!

Bye, Bye Summer...

...Hello Fall! It was 39 degrees when I went jogging at 5:45 am. Bhrrrr!

We miss our family!!!

This last week my kids have been talking about our extended family alot. My whole family is coming to visit in 3 weeks and the excitement is definitely building! Brooke is constantly asking to see "my baby Betsy" (her cousin) and when we get in the car she thinks that we are going to Nena's (my mom) and gets really excited. This is quickly followed by tears when I try to explain to a 2 year old that Alabama is not right down the street! So, to all my family, please come quickly and stay long...

Brantley is talking about Alabama alot lately and says that she wants to move back there. I think that she just misses seeing Mimi, Granddaddy, Nena, Granny, and Uncle Russell on a regular basis. She doesn't know this yet but there may be a chance for us to be Southerners again in the not too distant future. We'll see...God has us here now and we are content knowing that we are trusting Him for our family's future.

we are experiencing technical difficulties

The music was working and now it isn't. Any ideas?

I'm in stereo!

I figured out how to have a playlist of my favorite songs on my blog. I think it's so cool! Here are a few pointers on how to listen. If it's too loud just adjust the volume on your own computer using your volume controls. If you want to hear a different song just scroll down to the playlist on the right and click on a different one. If you don't like hearing the music just go to the playlist and click on the stop button-it's in the top left corner of the playlist. Enjoy the songs. I'll try and mix them up often!

First day of school

School has finally started and the kids are thrilled. (well until I wake them up at 6:45 am and then they cry) Wolfe is in the 3rd grade and Brantley is in the 2nd. I can't believe they are so big! The year is going great and they love their teachers and the kids in their classes. Brooke misses them during the day but is quite the welcoming committee when they return! They love to have her squeal in delight and yell, "My Wolfe! My B!"

Camping trip at the mouth of the Potomac River

I found this campground in Maryland that I thought would be a great place to spend the last weekend of summer. When we arrived the weather was mild, there was a stiff wind, and the kids were super excited to play in the water. Here is what our campsite looked like. Cool, huh?

Here is our view of the water from the campsite. Still cool...
Brooke loved the water and the waves were really a thrill.

Brantley and Wolfe also enjoyed jumping over the waves and swimming.

What there are not pictures or recordings of are the sweating parents, record temperatures the next day, rowdy Korean fisherman and latino families and Israeli young professionals that call this place party central - until 4 AM!!, the flat air mattress, Brantley's horrible case of poison ivy, Brooke's diarrhea, nasty bathrooms, need I say more??? We only lasted 28 hours and then drove away sandy and cranky.

I don't regret going because we did have some fun times, but I was sure glad to take a shower and get in my cool, clean, plump bed!

Trip to D.C.

The kids and I went to D.C. to see my friend Sandy and her clan the week before their 2nd baby was due. (Joe was born the next week and is quite the looker I've heard!) They had just moved into a new house and she needed a friend to add some hominess to the chaos. So I arrived to give her a little sanity. Brooke and Pete loved getting reaquainted and Brantley and Wolfe loved doting on him. I know he looks older than Brooke but he's really 8 months younger. He's such a doll!!
This is the National Building Museum. Why would I bring 3 kids to this place? To show them the original plans for our nation's capital, of course. And... for the little know secret room called the "Building Zone" shown below. The kids loved it and it was a nice break from the heat.