As the leaves change...

Can I just say how excited I am about it being October?!  It is the start of my favorite time of year!!  October through December = AMAZING!!  What's so great about it?  Let me tell you...it's the changing of the seasons, the colors the leaves turn, sweatshirts and sweaters, hot chai tea, decorating for the holidays, snuggling with the wee one (although, I don't need cooler weather for that), baking, cooking, spending time with family, the crisp smell the air takes on as the weather cools, the color of the sky right before it starts to snow, my son was born in the heart of fall, the list of all things to celebrate goes on and on!!  I know some people feel that it's such a dreary time and nature starts to die...etc.  It is...it does...but look at all of the fun stuff this time of year has to offer!!  I'm going to relish in my delight until January 2, 2012!  To me, that's when it gets dreary!!

Everything has been going well since the last time I wrote.  School started back for Doug (I think I mentioned that before), I got a "promotion" at work (I think I mentioned that, too), I'm planning for my child's 2nd birthday...2nd!!  HE'S GOING TO BE 2?!?!  I swear!!  Where does the time go?!  I feel like he should still be that little 7.5lb baby that I brought home from the hospital, not a toddler running around telling me he wants "dot dogs" for dinner instead of lasagna and "nacks" (aka fruit snacks) from breakfast instead of something more nourishing.  However, now he's able to run to me when I come home from work and wrap his arms around my legs and squeal "mommaaa!", he can tell me he loves me, he gives me kisses when he wakes up, and he asks me if "I o-tay?" while I'm coughing and he's patting my back (I'm currently fighting a cold).  While I miss that little bundle of baby boy, I'm loving the bigger baby boy he is becoming.  Just look at him...isn't he gorgeous?!

Zach's day care picture.  Fall 2011.

About a week ago we went to Northern VA to celebrate my cousin's 1st birthday!  Again, why are these children growing up so fast?!  Her party theme was based around a lemonade stand.  Sooo cute!  The weather called for rain aaaall weekend and for the most part, that's what we got, but it cleared up and was beautiful for her party.  My aunt Tara (her grandmother) was able to fly in from TX for the big event!  

Apparently the balloon makes a good seat.

Auntie T and the birthday girl, Audrey.

Lemonade!  Get your lemonade!

My future baseball star!

Zach and his auntie T.

Cake time!

Pretty birthday girl

Hey!  I got a car for my birthday!!

While we were up there we were able to visit with my brother and his family.  I can't believe my nephew is 4 months already (almost)!  Again...see above!  He's not so sure about me yet.  I'm just going to attribute that to him not seeing me everyday.  I will try not to take it personal!  It is so crazy how much he looks like my brother when he was little.  A ton of dark hair, bright blue eyes, chubby cheeks...meeeemories, light the corner of my mind...ok...I digress.  By the way, my brother and his family (his dad included) just bought and moved into a bigger house up where they live.  It's about time!  My brother has lived in the same rental town-home since he was...not even 1.  So, about 20 years.  From what I hear, this is a much bigger home (a duplex) with about 3 or 4 bedrooms and a HUGE backyard.  Hopefully next time I go up I'll be able to see it.  Check out my brother's twin below!

Braiden and his momma, Jessye.

Mmmm...yummy pasta!

And who is this big boy?!  It doesn't even look like him!!  (This is Doug's twin)

I hope everyone is well and enjoying the fall weather we are having!

Love,
Sarah

Happy Fall!