practicing for Halloween

A couple of days before Halloween I put Ansley in her costume to let her practice wearing it so she wouldn't fight be the day of.... Here are a couple of pictures I got of her, I thought they came out cute! I am really enjoying my new camera and love to take pictures of my little model!

Blowing Rock, NC

This is the second year we have made a day trip to Blowing Rock to see the beautiful fall leaves. Well we missed peak time, alot of the trees had already lost thier leaves:( We still had a great time walking around and going in and out of the shops. Ansley ofcourse loved the park! Last year on our way home we drove back along the Blueridge Parkway so we could see all the beautiful colors. Unfortunately, this year there was a detour along the Pkwy so there wasn't a lot of pull-off spots to get out and look (plus Ansley fell asleep). It was still a perfect day to enjoy the beautiful fall weather before it gets really cold this week!

Here are some pictures from the day. Hope you enjoy!

We were singing "Row, Row, Row your boat...."

I love this picture of Ansley & I (a great candid!)

This is another favorite from the day (Daddy & Ansley)

It's Carving Time!

This past week we carved our pumpkin. We were hoping Ansley would be more into it; however, she really could have cared less. I gave her a sucker to keep her entertained while she was at the table and that seemed to be all she cared about. We weren't really creative with what we were going to carve on the pumpkin, I was thinking whatever was the easiest and fastest would do....

Ok, i am ready, lets get started on this carving

Daddy, you need to start over here...

Yuck! I don't know about this...

and the final product!

Fridge DJ

Ansley has this fridge dj that plays all sorts of songs and lately her favorite is the ABC's. She will lay on the kitchen floor and sing along to the ABC's (I really need to get a video of it and post). It is really cute!

Patterson Farms Pumpkin Patch

We headed back to Patterson Farms this year to pick our pumpkin. We actually went with one of my mom's groups from church. Jenna, Laura, and I were in charge of planning this family fun day at the pumpkin patch. We had a great turnout, and the weather was just perfect! We even had to pull out our sweaters for the first time this fall.

The farm had so much more for kids this year. They had a mini maze, tomato lounching, duck races, horsey swings, the corn pit (which was definitely Ansley's favorite this year), a petting zoo, and the hay- slides. And ofcourse the hayride we took to pick out our pumpkin. We ended the day with a group picnic. All in all, I think everyone had a great time!

I had a difficult time getting pictures of Ansley this year. She has changed so much since last year when we were at the pumpkin patch (she was not walking yet).... I should have taken my other lens but I didn't think I would need it. Plus, it is nearly impossible for her to look at me when I pull the camera out. It is like she knows I want a picture of her looking, and to despite me, she much rather look at someone else. Anyways, here are some pics from our day!

Here is Ansley last year at the pumpkin patch

And the this year...feeding the goats

finding her way out of the mini maze

tired of pictures

I found my pumpkin!

Ansley LOVED the corn-pit! (this picture didn't come out very good)

Atlanta Weekend with Family & Friends

Ansley and I headed to Atlanta on Thursday for the weekend (Rob had a bachelor weekend so he couldn't come... we missed him!). We went back to see Kelly, Hailey, Maddie & Brent. They were coming into town and were going to the Georgia vs. TN game on Saturday. YEAH, GO DAWGS!!!! So glad they beat Tennessee :)

Anyways, on Sunday my parents had a "Meet & Greet" style gathering for Hailey. It was so great seeing everyone and ofcourse getting a chance to see my nieces! We will not get to see them again until Christmas :( The party really had a great turnout and Hailey got some great gifts! Ansley even ended up with a cute tea-set from the Zarbs, THANKS! Ansley loves it!!!

I also got to meet precious Parker Grelecki. He is the sweetest baby ever. I held him for a good 30 minutes and he didn't even make a peep! I am so glad Crysie, Ryan and Parker were able to make it.

Thank you again to everyone who attended the party. I know it was a busy weekend with football, etc. It really meant a lot to my sister!

Here are some pics I took from the "Meet & Greet". I was hoping to take more pictures then I did but I got too busy talking to friends and chasing after Ansley...

Ansley was obsessed with these balls Maddie leaning in to give Ansley a kisssweet cousins Hailey sleeping (she did a lot of this during the party)Kayla & HaileyMaddie & Griffin (future boyfriend & girlfriend)sweet Aidan Aidan loved the rocking chairSarah (mommy-to-be to baby#2) & Emma Kate

favorites from the week

This past week was pretty uneventful. We have just been busy with preschool and playgroups, but no extra activities since gas has been so hard to find. We had a nice relaxing weekend which is exactly what we needed!

Here are 2 of my favorite pictures from this past week...

The Girly Girl

The Spunky Girl