A Special Place

Reese and Aspen share a room. 

They have identical everything...aside from the monogram initials above their beds.

Avery's room is filled with vibrant color to match her vibrant personality.

Brinley's room is somewhat more sophisticated. 

When my friend Paige was in town she asked the girls

"Where is your favorite place to be?"

Among their answers each of them included

 "My bedroom."

The end.

The Farm

 Recently I was able to go to a local farm with Reese and her preschool,

it was SO much fun!!

It was the first time we had been to this particular farm and it was awesome!

First the children were given food to feed the goats.

Reese LOVED this so much and quickly found herself out of food.

Her two friends were a bit scared of the goats

and happily offered their food to Reese.

We were also able to see baby pigs nursing.

Then it was playtime on the slides, zip lines and tractors.

Reese loved the zip line and wanted to go 

again and again and again.

Lastly was a hayride that to the pumpkin patch where 

each child got to pick one baby pumpkin and two gourds.

Thankfully this farm was so cool because I was able to go back two days

 later for the girls elementary event night at the very same place.

Only really cool farms have two massive, I mean really massive, trampolines!

We love Ohio farms in the fall!

Brinley's Dress

After 17 long months of anticipation, searching and longing, 

we finally found the right used solo dress for Brinley. 

It came in the mail this week and Brinley

  was over the moon.

For an Irish dancer, a solo dress symbolizes a trophy,

  a wearable trophy.

Brinley is working to pay off 

the percentage of the dress that she committed to paying.

When she does she will be more able to appreciate this special trophy.

Fall is my FAVORITE

 (Reese really wanted to highlight the gourds she picked from a pumpkin patch)

Oh how I LOVE the fall in Ohio.

The sun is shinning and the leaves are changing.

Below is what our backyard looks like right now.

The other day I was jumping on the trampoline with

 Reese and it was just too ideal to not capture the moment forever.

I've managed to keep our mums alive, 

so this fall really is magical.

I want to set out on the endless walking paths at every possible opportunity 

to absorb the sunny, colorful goodness before the dark and dreary winter sets in.

Reese and I have been able to go to the Zoo twice this month,

Going with just Reese is quite dreamy.

 No agenda, no fights, no rushing, we just 

wander about where she wants to go.

These two trips have been soothing to my mothering soul...

and I'm fairly certain they have been just as lovely for little miss Reese. 

Oh how I cherish time with this last little one!

I am soaking it up and trying my best to push aside the never ending "must do"

 lists to carve out time for making memories that will last. 

Aspen Turned 7

Last week Aspen turned 7 years old!

We had a family party and spent the evening playing games and eating dinner at

 Dave and Busters 

(a bigger kid version of Chucky Cheese).

I decided to add the picture below to this post

 because this picture represents what a wonderful sister you are.

You are so tender to Reese. 

You often read books to her. 

After we tuck you two in bed and turn off the lights

 you sing songs to Reese because she loves it when you sing.

You set an example in our family because of your willingness to share.

On your birthday you were able to get a treat with all of the tickets you won.

You gave each of you sisters a part of your treat,

 which meant you had less to eat yourself,

 but you knew it was the right choice to make and you felt good inside.

Aspen, we love you dearly! It is so fun to see you learning and growing into a 

dependable, sharing, nuturing young lady. 

OSU Football

A few weeks back I went to my first OSU Football game.

I suppose it was time after living here for almost 10 years.

As much as I truly do want to love sports...

I think the sports fan gene never made it into my body.

I tried really hard to love it,

 I also tried really hard not to fall asleep.

I suggested that Cody invite someone who did have the sports fan gene to the next game...

so our cousin Austin was the guest of honor chosen for the event.

I think they had a great time and

  Austin did not have trouble staying alert.

Time with Paige

My Bestie Pagie left her family and boarded a two planes to make her way to me.

We spent several amazing days talking, eating, exercising, relaxing, shopping, listening to an online Mom conference, staying a local hotel, going to a movie, 

talking...did I say talking and eating. 

Pagie is awesome and I love her guts! 

She is a strong, triumphant, loyal, genuine, cheerful, loving mother, wife and friend.

I consider myself so lucky to call her my best friend forever!

Thanks for leaving your clan to spend time with me.

I love you!