a sunday afternoon

We do a lot of things on Sunday afternoon. Most of the time that includes sitting around doing nothing. Or sitting around and eating snacks, treats, and ice cream. Yes, we veg on Sundays. It's bad. Every monday morning we regret it, but after a long week, every Sunday, that's all we want to do!

However, occasionally we get off our behinds and go do something scenic, like drive to the lake, go on a walk, or like we did this past Sunday, take a little walk to the pond by our house. Will was super excited to get out and run around, he pointed out every single colored leaf and told us that we were seeing lots of beautiful things! We took a whole bag of bread and fed the ducks. 

Here they come, they came over, slowly, slowly.....
Then more and more started to come over. Then I started to get scared we were going to get attacked....

Then more.....
In the end we counted 25 ducks and 1 Canadian goose. It was pretty great, and Will thought it was the best thing he's ever done.
Then we played on their little nature playground for a few minutes before heading home. It was very nice afternoon and nice to get out and enjoy some quiet time outside. It was fun to see all the people walking their dogs. We met one golden retriever named Pumpkin who I'm pretty sure was the nicest dog ever. We liked her a lot, and I thought that someday we should probably get a golden retriever just like her.
Hanging on the "spider web" with dad....

Until next Sunday!

family pictures

for the life of me, I can not get blogger to upload a couple of our family pictures. I'm sad, because they are awesome. So, if you would like a sneek peek, you can go HERE and check them out. Our friend took them and she is amazing. Not only is she a great friend who has been so kind and welcoming to us since moving here, but she is an amazing photographer.

Will did AWESOME. Bribery totally works, and is SO worth it, for times like this. We told him he could pick out anything he wanted from Target, and it WORKED. After pictures, we drove straight to Target and let him pick something out. He picked a 3$ Spiderman... we loved it! It was totally worth it.

My most favorite part about our pictures was the location, and the GREEN GREEN grass and ivy growing up the building. OH is beautiful right now, and it is getting more and more beautiful as Fall starts to roll in. Except the giant Oak trees in our front yard are dropping acorns by the millions. Literally. We want to buy a bag for our mower, just to pick them up. We've been told "wait until the leaves start falling...." I can't even imagine, but I'm excited to see it.

a day of mixed emotions

This was the only picture of my little man on his way to pre-school. He looked so big and SO excited he wouldn't stop for a good picture. So off he went! Bug catcher full of lizards, backpack full of school supplies, and nothing but confidence and excitement. I hope the excitement continues. He asked to stay longer when I picked him up and said he didn't want to leave. That is always reassuring!

Then later today......
Doesn't he just look so small? Here he is sitting on our front porch waiting to play with his friend from down the street. I walked past and he was just sitting there, quietly, watching the bugs, standing up every once in awhile to check and see if she was coming, then sitting back down so patiently. I have been feeling like he is growing up, out of my control, and getting so big. Then this afternoon, I was reminded that he still my little boy. He asked me to come sit on the porch and wait with him. So I did, then he said "mom, I haven't sat on your lap for a long time and I like to do that!" I guess he is still my little man after all.

the night before

Since Will is our first child, we do a lot of things with good intentions that we plan on carrying out as our family grows. Starting school is no small thing.... especially with your first. Okay, it's just pre-school, but still, it's a big deal to me! 

So, the tradition begins, the "Back-to-School" feast. And feast it was. I asked Will if he wanted to invite a few friends, and he sure did. So we had some friends over, bbq'ued up a storm (literally, it rained...) and had tons of great food and entertainment from the kids. 

This was the only shot I got, and it was mid-way through decorating. Oops. It was fun though, and more than anything I just wanted to celebrate Will and what a wonderful, sweet little boy he is. He love him, and I'm so proud of him!

puddle jumping

Who wouldn't want to wear their Superman cape, oversized rain jacket, and crocks to go jump in the "lake" at the end of the driveway?

Being a kid is so exciting, no matter the weather!

a mini vacation

We spent the weekend in Colombus doing various things. We thought we would have a chance to visit the temple, but it is close for maintenance. We stayed in a hotel, had dinner with some friends we knew all the way back when we were first married, and took Will to the zoo. It is a great zoo, very big, and Will loved it. It is Jack Hanna's official zoo, he's from Ohio, did you know that? Now you do! 

Here's some photos from the zoo:

Will really enjoyed the caterpillar playground and didn't want to leave. Scott was a good sport and even climbed up there with him.
He also had his first carousel ride! He cried when it ended. Once again, Dad was a good sport and rode with him!

Yeee Haww!

Every day I'm more aware that my baby is growing up. He is becoming more independent, more demanding, and more like a little boy instead of a toddler. He is still the love of our lives, and we don't know what we'd do without him and his incredible imagination!