Lately...

Lately.  Carter made her television debut on Great Day SA as Aunt Kim's trusty assistant...

She loved it!  I'm pretty sure newscaster may have moved up to the top of the "what I want to be when I grow up list!"...

That or soccer player, just depends on the day...

Lately Emme has been busy helping whip up kitchen creations...

And enjoying the occasional cooler temps...

She's also becoming quite the little gamer...

Who has an affinity for cheating :/...

Lately we haven't had a chance to attend nearly as many football games as we would like but were happy to hit the road and head to Pops last regular season game...

We love everything about visiting Temple!  A stop at Rosas on the way (Emme's bangs are filling in nicely don't you think :)...

Taking Abby for a walk...

Bedtime stories with Roxi...

Caramel apple making...

Board game playing...

Pre pep rally hot chocolate...

And floor seats...

We also managed to score cooler temps for the game which made it feel just like Fall football should...

Emme didn't quite make it through the game :) ...

But they won and claimed the title of District Champs!  Even though their season ended last weekend with a tough loss we still love the Wildcats...

Other things I'm loving lately...finding Emerson waving at me from the backseat...

Little sleepyheads in my bed...

Babysitting the adorable Yates...

The pledge of allegiance... 

Neon winter hats...

A helpful big sister...

Taylor Swift wannabees... 

And Emerson's latest fashion creations...

Lately we've been busy but still managing to take the occasional moment to remember life is pretty darn good...

Feeling thankful.

Trick or Treat

I love costumes.  There is something that can be so fun about pretending to be someone or something else.  This year we traded Emme in for Ariel...

And Carter was replaced by a lovely China Doll...

We celebrated accordingly with some crafts...

And a friendly squirrel showed up to join in the fun!

They're were a few hiccups up along the way...like who would accompany Cleopatra for the evening...

Superman, Willie, or a Banana?

Banana won.

And it was a good thing because trick or treating has turned into quite the sport!  These guys were up to the challenge...

And when they got tired of collecting candy they got busy passing it out...

Or taking a turn riding their trusty sidekick...

It was another successful celebration...

Photo bomb.

The End. :)

Dear Nate

Dear Nate,
 
I just can't resist. I know this may fall into the slightly annoying category of "Facebook love" but you'll just have to forgive me. You know I love a good old fashioned handwritten note but there is something about tucking away this little "letter" that somehow feels safer. Lord knows the amount of stuff in drawers around our house these days so maybe this is my attempt to give you something that can't be accidentally tossed or scribbled on or chewed up by June. Besides every once in a while I believe a little public "I love you!!" is perfectly acceptable. Think Tom Cruise on the couch...but we're not famous and Oprah isn't acting shocked and uncomfortable. :) Here goes...

Today I watched as America stopped for a minute and took notice of all you and so many others have done for our country. Hand shakes, kind words, smiles and don't forget the free food. It's all a really lovely gesture of appreciation...but here's what I want you to know...no one is prouder of you than I am.  

I know each man whose served has his own "story".  Unique and personal and one of thousands who have chosen this path of service.  For most who say thank you on a day like today the story behind the man is a mystery but I know yours like the back of my hand.  And the truth of the matter is it is my story too.  I know every struggle, every victory and the millions of tears that have been shed beginning with the first time we said goodbye and you drove away to OCS. You've changed in so many ways since that day...you've become someone I admire deeply and respect wholeheartedly.  I've changed too.  Our story has story has taught me a lot but maybe the biggest thing I have learned is the value in just being together.  Without the pain of your absence on Christmas, birthday's, and anniversary's I'm not sure I would have ever fully know how to appreciate your presence.  I've seen the struggle in your eyes between duty and our family and I know I will never quite understand what that tug of war has done to your heart. For me it has always been about family...trying to somehow hold this thing together when you were away.  But I know for you there is a side that I may never quite understand and yet I want you to know I love you for wanting to serve. Even if it meant time apart and moments where I felt emotionally spent I love who it has made you as a man. 

And the truth is the real glue that holds this family together is you. As I watched America say thank you today I thought it only appropriate that you hear this from me...Thank you for following your dreams. It has brought us where we are today.  Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into being a dad it's just beyond anything I've ever experienced to see you with our girls. And thank you for loving me well...for making the tough times worth it and the good times great. I love this life but more than that...I love you. 

Coming down from the couch now :)

XOXO 
Beth

Vote for Carter

Our resident politician hit the campaign trail again a few weeks ago to run for Student Council...

I love the quiet confidence and determination that comes so easily to Carter.  It is one of the many things I admire about her.  This year she decided to channel her inner "Kid President"...

And while she didn't win the race this year she's DEFINITELY a winner in my book (always has been...always will be).  Enjoy this little glimpse into Carter as Kid President...



Love that kid.