Happy Birthday, Wesley!

Wesley turned 2 yesterday, so we partied with his family today. His mommy, Janine, is a friend from church and my very first Usborne recruit, so we've gotten to know each other pretty well as we've learned to navigate the book world together this year. The party was lots of fun and the kids had a blast playing together outside. We had to leave early to man our posts at the Popcorn Festival, but Janine was thoughtful enough to send cake home with us so the kids wouldn't miss out. Thanks, friend!

Jacob had fun playing tag

These 3 giggled non-stop during the meal...wish I knew what was so funny!

Emmaline is ready to slide, with big sister's help

Back-to-School Picnic

Today was a back-to-school picnic for Jacob's online school. It was held at a local park and we saw a couple of friends from church and the library there. Jacob had a lot of fun meeting some other kids in the same grade as him.

Overall, we are really liking this school (k12.com). One drawback though is that he isn't in class with anyone from our area. Even his teacher lives in Youngstown. It would be nice if they put kids and teachers from the same local area together so they could occasionally meet for outings, etc.

Playing "Charades" with some friends

Ellie on the swings

Mommy and Emmaline eating lunch
(Don't you just love the faces they make when they learn to smile at the camera?!)

Daddy and Ellie at lunch

To the Zoo and Back...

It was a nice day today, so we took the kids to the zoo for the afternoon. We love having our pass because we can go for a few hours and not feel like we wasted money on the trip. As soon as we walked in, we saw a 5 ft. ball python being held by one of the keepers (very cool since we have a 3 ft. one in our basement). Then another keeper had a baby crocodile, but the kids didn't want to touch it. We ate lunch in the new picnic area. It was hard to enjoy it because the peacocks kept circling our table waiting for some scraps. There were lots of baby animals at the zoo today too, including the Grevy's zebra, cheetah, and bearcat (appropriate since it's UC's mascot). We also got the see the mexican wolves that always seem to be sleeping/hiding when we visit. It was a quick trip (we had to be back to drop the kids off at Nathan's parents so we could have date night), but it was a really fun time.

Making Applesauce

One thing we love about fall is the abundance of apples! They were on sale last week, so I bought 3 lbs. and made them into yummy applesauce. There's nothing better than fresh, homemade, slightly warm applesauce. This is the first year that Jacob and Ellie helped me and they did really well. We go through this stuff pretty quickly, so I'll probably make it several more times this fall.

Labor Day/Nathan's Birthday

Our families came over today for a cook-out. We also celebrated Nathan's birthday. It's officially on the 19th, but we already have something planned that day, so we celebrated a little early. I'm looking forward to having the day off from school and other things tomorrow. Sometimes it's nice to have a day with nothing to do but relax.

Katie mans (or "wo-mans") the grill

Happy Birthday!

Jacob and Papaw on the porch swing

Ellie concentrates on finishing her cookie

Emmaline tries on Papaw Kevin's glasses

11 years!

Today is our 11th anniversary...where did the time go?! Nathan's parents took the kids for the day so we could celebrate. We drove to Waynesville and ate lunch at Cobblestone Cafe. It was so yummy...who would have thought that a turkey sandwich on cinnamon swirl bread complete with thinly sliced apples would taste so good. After lunch, we walked around the town, looking at antiques and shopping a little. On the way home we stopped at Ritter's for ice cream.

It was only a couple of hours, but boy was it nice to have some alone time. Our weekly date nights have been taken over by my book parties, but I'm officially blocking out Thursdays from now on. I really missed spending time with my hubby and really enjoyed our time together today.

I love you more than ever, Mister! Thanks for putting up with me for this long! I'm so looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you and can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the many years ahead.

If you missed my tribute to our decade of marriage last year, click HERE and enjoy the ride (& laughs!)!

Proof that my nutrition-loving husband ate a Peanut Butter Mountain

Proof that, while I'd decided on a fruit smoothie, he convinced me to enjoy this calorie-laden treat as well

Another Day, Another Park...eventually!

Today, everyone was getting haircuts and then we were going to have a picnic at a park. However, while Nathan and the kids waited for me to finish getting my hair cut, the battery in the van died. Thankfully, we have a AAA membership! While we waited for them to come put a new battery in the van, we ate lunch in the parking lot. In a little less than an hour from the time we called, the new battery was in and we were on our way to the park. The kids were good sports about the whole thing and had a good time running and playing at the park.

Ellie on the slide

Emmaline in the swing

Jacob found some pine cones

Taking a walk