We’ve had a lot of fun fall things going on over here lately. I just love, love, love this time of year! The weather is cooler, the days are shorter, the dinners are heartier and the love feels warmer. Here’s what we’ve been up to lately…
On Friday night, I ran into this gal over on aisle 8 of our local grocery store. Sheaffer and I really know how to live it up, don’t we? #wildfridaynight #partygirls
On Saturday, we woke up and stayed inside in our pajamas until 2:00. It was glorious! We never do that on the weekend, so it was such a special treat! Around 2:30, we headed out to Arlington (about an hour from our house) to visit all four of my grandparents…three are living (thankfully) and one is not…but we “visited” them all. Here we are on our way out the door!
And FYI: my scarf is from here, Smith’s vest is here and K’s coat is no longer in stock…because I thought you might ask ;).
After we visited my dad’s parents, we went and visited my mom’s dad who passed away when I was 17. He and I were very, very close.
Smith William is named after William Higginbotham (my grandfather), so here he is pointing to his name :). After we left the cemetery, we drove to my Grandmother’s house (his widow) for dinner.
The next day was our annual Harvest Party with our church friends! We look forward to this every year!! It is always so much fun!! This year, Andrea was in charge of planning it and she did an exceptional job! My kiddos were ready to debut their Halloween costumes for the year…Smith was Raphael and Kensington was Mulan. I love their costume choices this year!!
The sweetest bunch of girls 🙂
We needed a group shot of all of the kids, so Andrew got them focused and laughing. I was laughing at Andrew making them laugh!
After the Harvest Party, we came home and got everyone bathed and let them watch a movie in our bed (we were out of school the next Monday, so we let them stay up later)…and they both fell asleep.
We had BIG plans for Andrew to take off work on this Monday off and for us to visit the local pumpkin patch…but it rained so hard that morning that the pumpkin patch was a flooded and muddy mess…and we had to change our day to plan B. I asked Kensington what she wanted to do and she wanted to see what Ebby Lee was doing and Ebby Lee was starting her day at the gym…so off we went to the gym for a bit.
The Slaughters showed up to the gym with donut holes for everyone and my kids were in heaven!
After the gym, we met Andrew for brunch down on our town square. It was such a good day for eggs, pancakes and coffee!
We went in a few stores on our way back to the car. We are all so happy that it finally feels like fall around here!
After this, I dropped off Smith at the Slaughter’s house and Ebby Lee came to our house. The girls played dress up…
…she is wearing my veil from my wedding and her Fiona costume from when she was three.
At the last minute, their tennis lesson was cancelled due to high wind, so I read a magazine by the fire :).
And then the best thing happened! While I was reading, I received an email with two new pictures of Ashby! Eeks! We don’t receive pictures of her very often at all, so this was such a blessing! This is Kensington (now wearing reindeer antlers) looking at the pictures of her little sister.
Our heart is full this week :).
For a special Halloween treat, you should try making my Candy Corn Whoopie Pies…
…my kiddos thought these were the BEST dessert ever! Instead of cupcakes, you should try Whoopie Pies this season!
Anonymous says
What a delightful week! You really do have such a good looking family! Love your blog 🙂
Erika Slaughter says
You guys had a busy weekend!!! Good thing Monday was a holiday. You needed it!
Anonymous says
Has the winner of the fall favorites giveaway been announced??
Paula says
Such a fun & blessed week! Full hearts♡♡♡♡
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Why can't every weekend be a 3 day weekend? And just fyi…we stayed in our pajamas ALLLLLLL DAYYYYYYY LOONNNNNG on Saturday AND on Monday. Seriously. We never left the house. We weren't super productive, but I loved it! 🙂
Narci says
What a fun weekend! Also, I love the picture of K with your veil!! So sweet!! Xoxo
Sarah Kuykendall says
I love being busy, but I love a pajama day as well. Sounds like you had a great weekend!
kimm atwood says
What a fun 3 days you all had!!!!
Lauren says
Hooray for fall! I love everything about this post. Those whoopee pies sound divine, I must try them!
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
Such cute pics!!! I'm sure it's only a matter of time before we bump into each other at the grocery. Or starbucks. 😉
Blue-Eyed Bride says
So fun! I am CRACKING UP at Smith in his Raphael costume. My boys would be wearing it every single day, all day! 🙂 I love a good, lazy weekend with my people. And so sweet looking at K looking at Ashby. You'll all be together so soon!
melissabunny100 says
How fun!! Can't wait to meet the newest member!!
Kristin says
You have such a beautiful family! Where do you find Kensington's bows? I have the hardest time finding cute bows for my girls that are just the right size – and I'm clearly a bit picky! Love your blog! I start each day reading your blog and drinking my pumpkin spice coffee!
Anonymous says
I love reading your blogs everyday. I am curious as how old your daughter Ashby will be when she comes home to your family.
Anna says
Oh! you got pictures of Ashby!! I can remember how full my heart was when I'd receive pictures of our Ugandan kiddo. Wow! Thrilled for you. <3
Anna says
Ohmygoodness! Picutres of Ashby!! Thrilled for you, Shay! I can remember how my heart would leap when I'd receive pictures of our Ugandan son. <3 It felt so special to get a photo from the other side of the world. I hope you're getting close to the end of your adoption journey (I know it can seem like it takes forever!)
Anonymous says
This is probably a strange question…but what do you DO with your magazines once you have read them? If you keep some, have you found a nice way to store them so they can get used in the future and not collect dust? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I get her bows from my cousin who owns onestopbowshop.com (woohoo!). And I give away or donate my magazines. I leave them with my doctor's office, hair stylist, etc or give them to my family and friends.
Christine {Seashells and Magnolias} says
I would love to know what font you used to write "whoopie pies" in for your link to mix and match mama! It is so cute!! LOVE your blog and reading about your sweet family!
Sandy says
Hi Shay,
Love reading your blogs daily. How old will your new daughter Ashby be when she comes home? Thanks.
Haley @ Cupcakes and Sunshine says
SUCH a fun fall season! I love the parties, gathering, the family, and the FOOD! Smith and Kensington are precious!
Ashley L. says
Looks like a fun week!
I had to share, my 4 year old son is laying next to me and saw the picture of Kensington in her veil. He says "she's cute! She is very cute!" I agree, adorable kiddos!
Meagan says
My mom's dad died when I was 17 as well. 🙁 Miss him all the time. Sounds like a very fun weekend!!
V @ X-tremely V says
What a fun weekend! Love the costumes and Harvest Party! I must ask, where did you get Smith's turtle costume? My little guy wants to be a turtle too, but all the costumes I have seen at the stores look super cheap.