Pumpkin Patch and misc.

Even though it's still blazing hot in Houston, we are going to pretend that it's fall.  To my surprise, everyone still got very excited for the pumpkin patch.  Well, everyone but Luke.  We haven't braved the big pumpkin patch from last year b/c we all remember Natalie throwing up from the heat and corn dogs, so the local church will have to do for now.

watching Room on the Broom with our loot

Random pictures:

James's grocery list

Everyone was outside playing one day this week when I got home from work, and Luke crawled into the car and wanted to drive.

Day out of school, so lunch with dad.

Brad reading to Natalie's class

Hurry up, cooler temperatures!

Fall in New England

Last weekend Brad's cousin Beau got married in Newport,RI, and we got to enjoy a fantastic weekend in New England.  Natalie and Abigail were flower girls in the wedding, so Natalie got to tag along on a trip with mom and dad.  We had THE BEST weekend!!  It was cool, the leaves were changing, we got to spend time with family, and the wedding was stunningly beautiful.

Before we left Houston mom, who came into town to keep the boys, took Natalie shopping,and of all of the purchases, she loved this little pink purse the most!

We flew into Boston late Thursday night and spent most of Friday with Eric and Mariclaire.  Brad, Eric and Mariclaire did a morning tour of Fenway while Natalie and I went to Boston Commons and the Public Garden.

Ferry Ride

 

carousel in Boston Common

bathroom/lipstick break at the Omni Parker House hotel

The week prior to leaving, we read Make Way for Ducklings every night, and the Public Garden, where the book is set, did not disappoint.  The gardens were absolutely beautiful!!  Natalie and I had the best time looking at the ducks, seeing the island where the Mallards lived in the book, and climbing the trees.  It was a great morning: just us girls!  (and I feel the need to apologize for all of the pictures of basically the same moment, but it was just that beautiful.)

We met up with Brad, Eric and Mariclaire for lunch at Neptune Oyster House.  This was recommended to us by friends that are from Boston, and it was delicious.  Worth the wait!  At lunch Brad asked me what it felt like to know that Natalie loved Mariclaire more than me :)  Natalie adores Mariclaire!

waiting for lunch at Bell in the Hand

Rehearsal dinner and post toast party in Newport!

After a great breakfast Saturday morning, Bobby and Trina took us on a walking tour of Newport.  It's a fantastic town: beautiful, quaint and full of history!  This is the oldest Episcopal church in America and where George Washington attended church.

Natalie and Abigail have flower girl duties down pat at this point.  I love their love and friendship!!

The wedding and reception were held at the Newport Country Club, and again, it was beau-ti-ful!!  

flower girl snacking before the ceremony

We had a fantastic weekend but were happy to get home to these sweet boys!

"baseball ready" stance

Happy Birthday,Luke!

The baby is 3!!  3! Two seems to have completely bypassed us, and now the baby is three.  Luke fits the youngest child mold to a T: he is fiercly loved by his siblings, he is witty and laid back-until he's not, he pretty much gets away with anything with anyone because when he reluctantly says "sorry", it's hard to resist, and he is a bit mischievous.  We love this littlest one dearly.

The year of two brought a lot of changes.  Luke has always been the most verbal at an early age, but his vocabulary is pretty impressive.  He has grown tremendously this year and now weighs the exact same as Natalie.  The year of two brought the big boy bed and big boy underwear, as well as Luke's love of Star Wars.  And perhaps the biggest milestone of them all: saying goodbye to the paci.

Cousins Abigail and John Brannon came into town to help celebrate but had to leave before the party due to a stomach virus.  We loved the time together, even though it was too short.  

We celebrated this special boy with a Lego party at our neighborhood park.  It was a great afternoon!

crying b/c his balloon floated away 

The day after turning three: saying goodbye to the paci.  I prepared Luke for this event for two months, telling him that when he turns three he is a big boy and that we will give his pacis to the babies at school.  Ever the witty one, he started saying "I no want a birthday actually.  I want to be 2."

Birthday chapel at school.  His teacher sent me these pictures, and they just about broke my heart for two reasons: 1. I didn't realize they did birthday chapel for his age group, and so I wasn't there to see it. and 2. look at his face!  Of all my children, Luke dislikes being the center of attention the most. He looks so unsure and timid, but his teacher assured me he was fine.  (sidenote: for birthday chapel you stand in front of the entire school while they sing "Happy Birthday" to you, and then you put pennies in a jar for how old you are.)

Mrs. Warrack, James's old teacher, is on the right

Happy Birthday, Luke!!  We love you so!