Halloween

Halloween was so fun this year! Ross has wanted to go as a "zombie chainsaw killer" for 2 years now. He finally got to do it and I loved it! He helped make his costume, which we basically just cut up, wet, and planted in the dirt for a few days. 

He was quite happy with the make-up job I did too. 

This goose said she was going to be Master Yoda. Then she added Elena when she saw this costume and said she was going as Master Elena. I loved it too! So fun that she is her own person. 

She wore her costume for book character day too, carrying her princess book. Added detail of sunglasses for a pop of fun! 

We did 2 things for Halloween, along with neighborhood trick-or-treating. We went to Mam's Fall Festival. Yay - horse rides were there! 

It was hot so Boss wasn't in character. 

We also went to our church's trunk-or-treat. 

Pretty fun when your bestie is dressed as the same princess. 

Bella was the donut girl! So fun! 

These times will go by much too fast, so we are soaking it in and enjoying every second. 

Horse Riding

One of our family friends got the cutest tiny pony a while back, and the kids were able to go riding. Poppy took Avery solo too. She loves horses.

Ross liked riding the small pony too! 

C was quite the fan too! I wondered how she would do and she hopped right on without too much worry about it - once she saw Avery and Ross ride. 

He was very serious when he got dressed that morning on looking "country".

Please note the camo under the sweatshirt.

Love my sweet boy! 

Group pic! 

First Day of School

Summer flew by and before we knew it the first day of school was here. Ross got Mrs. Somers and we were all so excited!!!!

Pose by Ross - courtesy of 1980s prom. 

The breakfast he requested. 

Avery started the next day. She got Mrs. Mashburn as a teacher and it has been the perfect fit. 

I finally got a pic with the kiddos too. 

Dad and his girl.

Class of 2027!

I wonder if he'll still beg for silly faces come 2027?

We love our school!

Big A 1944-2016

Well here I am slowly doing things again. I've said it before, but I use the blog as our family book. We can look back on our years. Sometimes looking back is sad, and this post is just that. I'm so sad to write it, but this is life.

The day we got back from our cruise, the first thing I did was to call Mom and check on Big A. He was set to have an appt with his oncologist that week, and I really wanted to see how that went. I'm still shocked at that phone call - she told me Big A died the day before.

We'd spent a few days at their house before our cruise b/c of our power being out, and I'm so thankful for that. I was frustrated at the time b/c of having to pack in the heat and no power, but my gracious I'm so very thankful for the time we were given.

We sure loved our Big A/ Pop, fiercely.

This was the last picture I got of him. It is fuzzy, but I don't ever want to lose it. Avery would sit in his lap forever, and just tell him all sorts of great things. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again... He was ornery and was far from perfect, but he was ours and would literally give his shirt off his back to us or a stranger. He did well. He did well, good and faithful servant. 

Disney Cruise Part 3 - Character Pics

Straight out of the gate Avery decided she was going to get her picture taken with Mickey. This was HUGE because up until the point of the cruise she was scared to death of any big Mickey. So much so we had to leave an event once b/c she panicked.

Possibly my favorite picture of the entire cruise. So enjoy seeing him still as the small little boy that he's quickly evolving from.

Shockingly the 2 girls that love to try to act like they don't like each other all the time wanted all their princess pics taken together. First up was our Frozen friends.

Then, of course, Princess Minnie.

Cinderella.

Belle.

Rapunzel or as Avery calls her "Tangled".

"Snow Whipe"

Ross's #1 pic he wanted was with Donald! So glad he found him.

Captain Mickey!

Our family pic of the cruise. So much fun and we'd go back tomorrow if we could.

Disney Cruise Part 2

Yes, I know, it is taking me way too long to get the blog caught up. Goodness... I'm splitting the pics up with one set family fun and the other set character fun. 

Our very first pic of the cruise! M was obviously overcome with excitement.

Daddy-Daughter

Awe - look at us - BFF.

Friends for life! Whether they like it or not. :D

Pirates Night! Many people made fun of my wig, but I wore it with pride.

They did love the night. Also ended with some mega awesome fireworks that we watched from our balcony. 

Note the pirate earring.

Fun memories!