thirty one

We celebrated Deric's 31st birthday last Tuesday and per his request, kept it low-key but still had a good time. He went into work so we mostly celebrated with food, eating Chick-fil-a for lunch and then an entire large 'mighty meat' pizza for dinner. Our neighbors joined us after dinner for German chocolate cake at home, and then on Friday Deric played a round of golf with some friends as his birthday gift to himself.

Deric is the funnest and most caring dad I know, an incredibly helpful and loving husband, a hard worker and a faithful disciple of Jesus. He brings our family so much joy and we love to celebrate him every year!

...and he shares his sweet tea on his birthday. Only the best dads do that ;)

Sarah & Drew's shower in Charlotte

We traveled to Charlotte last weekend for Sarah and Drew's baby shower and while we were there less than 24 hours, we were so glad we were able to see them before the baby arrives (so soon!). We left Friday morning to give us plenty of time to stop and explore along the drive since we'd never been to Charlotte. Our pit stop for lunch included burritos and meandering around a town square that included a pretty elaborate toy store and some fun outdoor stores. We arrived in Charlotte ahead of Drew's family so we found a nature preserve that was perfect for throwing acorns into the lake and exploring some trails. 

Once at the house, we were able to catch up with everyone and celebrate the baby with Drew's family and their college friends. I forget how teensy new baby things are (the hats with ears get me every time!). It's hard to believe the next time we see Sarah and Drew, they'll be proud new parents! I hate to rush through a gorgeous fall but I'm ready for December 1 to arrive!

17 months

Still stops to pick up every stick outside

Always pushes me to get in between my legs and the kitchen cabinets when I'm cooking

Says and identifies horses in books

Loves to bring us shoes from the mudroom (even the baseball-dirt-covered shoes, so this is a great habit)

Usually puts just one Croc on, on the wrong foot, and limps around the house

Shakes his head "no" when I tell him "no"

Recently taught himself to spin in circles on command

Starting to get a more...defined...palate.

Says "Mom" when referring to me or Deric (ha HA!...except not, 'cause its usually at 6am.)

Hyperventilates from excitement when the bathtub's filling up

Still throws his pacifier across the room as soon as he's awake from naps

Doesn't differentiate yet between "hug" and "kiss", so we get kisses for both, complete with "mwah!"

A Weekend Retreat

Deric and I spent last weekend with the other ministers at our church and their spouses, planning and dreaming for next year and simply spending some time together. We all stayed at a cabin in the mountains which was perfect for the drizzly, gray days! Thursday was spent in planning sessions and on Friday, we spent the morning hiking and then ate lunch at Smokin' Joe's, a locally owned barbeque joint that won me over as soon as I saw my Coke come in a massive Mason jar. That night, each couple went on a date and then we all met back up and stayed up talking for a while. We had a great time relaxing and spending time with people we see every day but rarely actually spend time with. And Jake had a great weekend too- Deric's parents came in town to stay with Jake and they played nonstop.

Next up on the docket during the busiest month this year, Charlotte for Sarah's baby shower!

weekend in the wilderness

Our annual camping trip was this past weekend, and fall weather arrived just in time! We went from 80 degree days all week to a high of 50 on Saturday, just right for sitting around that campfire...oh wait, I meant wandering around the campsite after Jake. He was such a trooper and was perfectly content as long as he could roam freely, examining every stick and acorn and pinecone. His little hands got red from the cold but for the life of me, I couldn't get him to let me warm them up by the fire. He didn't seem bothered by it though. On both nights, we got a middle of the night wake up call (the second night I woke up to a perfectly pronounced "Mom! Mom! Mom!"...seriously Jake, after all these months of only saying "Dad"?!) and after an hour spent trying to shush him so he wouldn't wake up the entire campground, we were all able to log a few more hours of sleep. Besides that though, his first camping trip was definitely a success. Oh, but I should note that we were NOT in a tent; we thankfully borrowed our friends' pop-up camper...and will never go back to a tent again. At least I won't, but I'm pretty sure Deric was spoiled by it too. We're all thankful to be back in our warm beds this week with the added bonus of Jake sleeping past 8:00 the last two mornings as he recovers!