Moments in time…
It’s been a busy fall for our little family. It usually is. And we are only getting started! I wanted to gab about a few recent events and share a few pictures and tidbits with you, all five of my loyal readers *wink wink* I will try to fill in the story lines a bit with each event as I can, but here are a smattering of pictures for you with a little description above just to tide you over!
Engagement Party, Fall Festival, Evan’s 4th Birthday, Picking Pumpkins, Fall Carnival, Christmas Tree Outing, Charleston, Halloween….
WEDDING BELLS!
A major “happening” that has been on my agenda since May has been my little sister’s engagement and upcoming wedding! The date is set for May of next year and plans are in full swing. I am unofficially the wedding planner, but I’m really just trying to help my mom and sister with anything I can. My sister is in school out of state and I am honored beyond mortal comprehension that she has entrusted so many of her special details to us. I was astounded especially because she is so artsy and creative and from my experience, most girls have every detail of their wedding day planed out before they even meet their Prince Charming! However, by releasing control I think she has released major sources of (what could potentially be) distraction and stress. Both things come with planning weddings, and I cannot fathom doing so while in school and out of state! I planned every aspect of mine, handled every detail and was super organized. And now – I get to do it again! Wheee!
Her and her fiance were honored at an Engagement Soiree the first weekend of October and I must say it was the most fun I have had at big ‘ol shindig of that caliber in a long time. We had the pleasure of hosting a couple of her bridesmaids at our home as well. One whom I have known since she and my sister were little girls and one whom I just met about three years ago, both whom I adore! They were helpful with the little ones and
The menu was perfect, the ballroom decor and floral arrangements were unique and perfect, the band was amazing. During one of my few moments alone with the bride-to-be, we were dancing together, palm to palm (we have a hand thing…it’s like we pass our secret sister juju back and forth). And in that specific moment I saw her as a woman. Not as a little girl or a teenager or a young lady. A woman. We have always played many roles in one another’s lives. Everything from manicurists, stylists, confidants, road trip amigos, tweezing specialists, therapists and every odd occupation in between. We have been those things for each other. But with her pale moonbeam hair, intricately twisted and pinned up and shining in the lighting, and her perfectly applied bridal makeup and the fairy-tale ballerina-esque, pearl encrusted and tulle party frock she was wearing ~ she was not just my little sister, she was not just the girl I grew up with, she was a woman. A bride. And I am so so elated to be part of her life and her and Calen’s celebrations.
Below: My sister and her fiance, getting jiggy
Below: My handsome little guys on our annual pumpkin search
Below: My two boys (on the right) and my twin nephews on the evening of my big man’s 4th birthday
Below: My littlest little man and I at the fall festival
Below: Little man helping daddy carry the big pumpkin to the car
Below: Evan approaching the great USS Yorktown at Patriot’s Point in Charleston, SC
Below: On the USS Yorktown
Below: On the top deck of the USS Yorktown
Direct quote from Evan: “Mama, we need one of these at home”
Below: My two rugrats in the lemur exhibit at the Charleston aquarium
Below: Our collection of hoodlums pre-trick-or-treating on Halloween
It’s a Disney crew: Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, Jake, Woody & Buzz!
Below: My littlest little checking out a few jack-o-lanters
Below: They looooove riding the train at the mall. It’s a special treat!
Below: Fall is so beautiful in our town
Below: On our way to the NC mountains to pre-select our Christmas tree
Below: Me on our tree expidition
Below: Daddy & big little man looking for a tree
Below: Mama and little little man taking in the scenery
Below: Another of my favorite streets in our town
Below: My big man & I amusing ourselves at the doctor’s office before his 4-year check up
Below: My handsome nephews, my boys and I on an outing to see the horses near their house
Below: For your amusement, this is be in the morning before I am fully caffeinated.