Happy Birthday Sweet Sadie~!~!

It brings tears to my eyes to think that my baby is 5 today. Where did the time go? It feels like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms and bringing her home. Happy Birthday Sweetie~

Her gentle smile
Her tender heart
Her little hands
hold mine

Joy surrounds her
Her love is endless
She grows
her spirit shines

She'll glance at me soon from afar
She'll spread her wings and soar
Yet I'll always hold in my heart
Sadie, whom I adore~

We're Off to See the Wizard~!~!~!

So...what have we been up to lately? Homework, after school activities, church activities, and getting ready for Sadie's birthday! This year we invited some of her closest little friends to a Wizard of Oz party. It's been fun getting ready although, I remember why I get so stressed out with home parties...I go a little crazy~!~!~! I can't just keep it simple. I only invited a few of her friends, but I'm going nuts with ideas & can't stop! I'll post pics after Saturday!

Westmoreland State Park

Yes...we went camping AGAIN! We love fall camping & decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather for one last hurrah! This time we headed to eastern VA to Westmoreland park. I used to go there as a kid and loved it! It lies along the Potomac and has a trail that leads to fossil beach where you can find shark's teeth! See the limestone cliffs? Just beautiful!

After setting up camp on Saturday we ventured to the beach to begin our search. The water was cold & the wind chilly, but thankfully, Danny & I were able to find three. One for each kiddo :0). Elise was VERY sad she didn't find one. So...the next morning we hiked down from our campsite for another search. For most of the morning the girls kept saying..."Is this one? Is this one?" If you decide to go, prepare yourself for this. There are many shells & rocks that look like shark's teeth but aren't. After about 30 minutes, Elise said, "Is this one?" It was and it was the biggest one we found!!! She was thrilled!!! After our search ended with a total of 6 teeth...not bad!

Westmoreland is a great place to go with kids. They have lots of short trails, two beaches, nice campsites, a park, a nature center with 15 million year old fossils found along the cliffs, fishing, and trees to climb :0).

Meeting My Nephew :0)

Last weekend I took a trip to PA to see my newest nephew August William. He is absolutely ADORABLE!! I'm so glad I made the trip! I know my brother Doug & his sweet wife Jodi will be fabulous parents to this precious little guy.

Here's a pic of me holding August for the first time.

Happy 13 Years~!~!

The first picture is of us at the age of 19 & 18. Ha, ha!! That's so hilarious!

Unlucky 13??? That's what Danny keeps saying. I say of course not :0)! It's been 13 years of pure marital bliss....HA! No seriously...it's been great!

Happy Anniversary Babe!!

Seeing Double!

Yesterday at preschool, Sadie made a life size scarecrow to look like her. How cute is that??? The little jumper that it has on is one that I used to wear when I was little. Instead of having it sit in a bin in the attic, why not let the scarecrow wear it??

My Birthday~!

Last week was my birthday and what a fabulous day it was! I got to stay in bed for 45 minutes and listen to the rain outside while Danny got the kids ready. Then, I went thrifting during preschool time (and found some GREAT deals), I had lunch with friends, Danny came home early from work, we went to Bonefish for dinner, got a compliment from the server on my girls' super behavior (yeah!), got lots of sweet bday phone messages, and then had a very yummy cake made my my wonderful husband. Oh...and I got some great gifts, too! I'm so grateful for all of my friends & family who made it special...I love you!!!

Weekend Campout at Sherando Lake VA

What a beautiful weekend! We went with my brother, his wife, and their daughter Marena.

On this trip we remembered to bring the kids' fishing poles. Although Elise was hesitant at first, they all really enjoyed it! Sadie caught two and Elise one (the one time she used a real worm). She started crying when Danny took the hook out of the fish's mouth, but was happy it didn't bleed. Is she like her mom or what? Although Anabelle didn't catch one this time, she handled the disappointment well.

We all took a hike on Saturday up to Overlook Rock. It was a little tough going up with the younger ones, but the view was well worth it!

After the hike, they kids waded in the water and later that night, they made smores.

Here's a stick bug they found. I couldn't believe how much it looked like a real stick!!

Here's a view from the second lake.

It was super cold both nights and here are the kids warming their footsies by the fire.


Our campsite was right next to a meadow so the kids could run around & play.

They definitely got their exercise this weekend!

I always feel emotionally rejuvenated when I spend time in nature. It soothes my spirit and awakens my senses. It helps me to decelerate and breathe. I'm always rushing, always going, and encouraging my children to do the same. It makes me crazy. I need reminders to slow down and this weekend helped do that~

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience" Ralph Waldo Emerson