Homestead Farms Apple Picking

"That was funner than Wii." Sawyer's high praise of our apple picking day.

"I remember this fun place," Alice's delight in a new memory at a fun old place.

The hay fights and apple picking were both a lot of fun for our whole family! Alice and Sawyer "pickted" apples on a beautiful Fall day after morning soccer. I took Alice out for a "girl lunch" earlier and she asked an smart question: "Where am I from?" I told her it would be Virginia, but you can tell folks you moved from SC and lived in MD. Poor complicated answer for an easy question :) 

Happy Fall!

First Grade Ice Cream Social & Football Spirit Night

Friday was another favorite back to school event: The Holmes Ice Cream Social!

Nine of the twelve girls in Alice's class came over with their parent(s) right after school for play time and treats. Alice said this was the best year yet. She thinks the party will make it easier to make better friends with the girls in her class, "who all seem to know each other already". They seemed like a fun bunch of girls. 

Friday night was also Spirit Night for elementary schools that feed in to Woodson HS. Our family went to its first high school football game. Alice doesn't understand football very well and asked if we could go to a baseball game instead. Sawyer wanted to go to a soccer game. Later Sawyer noticed that the dancers have "good moves" during half time. We left after the half time show and everyone seems to have enjoyed it. 

Whale Class 4 year olds

Sawyer starts school in the morning with Mrs. Paladino and Mrs. McGee. There were enough blocks, Legos, play-doh, and cars in his class to keep him happy. Here's hoping he makes some fun new friendships this year!

Soccer Sawyer

Sawyer had his first soccer game Saturday and loved every minute. His speed, stamina and enthusiasm were so fun to watch! I think Sawyer scored about 15 goals!!

Helping Mama in AL

This week school started for Alice but last week I was able to get away by myself to help Daddy and Mama. I never expected to go out to lunch with Mama ever again and was pleasantly surprised to take her out to lunch twice, do a little shopping, and even get a manicure together. I was so happy to be a real help, spend time with my mom while she was clear headed and strong enough to enjoy it. Her strength is waning now but I have memories of being filled up during our time together. Next week she celebrates her 67th birthday :). Continued prayers for strength for both Mama and Daddy during the days ahead. . .
 

Meeting Shannon's baby Forrest with Mama.  I was so touched when she "saved her energy to see Shannon" on our day out. 

Daddy asked Mama on a driving date one night. 

Fresh southern lunch with Mimi and the Squires at Brick & Tin in Mountain Brook

First Day First Grade

Alice's school starts so late that Mark leaves about 1.5 hours before our girl! Our walk is only 8-10 minutes with an easy pick up on the playground. I look forward to us both making more friends at Alice's school.