Lots of fall pictures

So it has been fun to be in town for the past couple of weekends. It is also nice to not get a call from one of the pastors asking us why we werent at church. Here are some pictures from home, the Gentry Farm, and our church fall fest.

I told Linley to smile for this picture so Jackson decided to help her out. Believe it or not she thought it was pretty funny. No blog posting is quite complete without a before and after of one of Linley's seemingly pointless outbursts. Thanks Aunt Kate for the cute shirt.

We went to the Gentry Farm with one of Jackson's best buds and their family. These two kids have a blast and then argue like brothers.

The whole crew on a hayless hay ride.
The family's sweet younger daughter always takes care of Linley and Linley seems to enjoy it-most of the time.
Uncle Paul met us at church for the fall fest and entertained the kids while we waited for it to start. If you know me well you know that I am pretty much early for EVERYTHING. This day took the cake. we arrived at church around 4:00-and of course it didn't start until 5:00. I promise this time I really thought it started at 4. I am hopeless. If I am ever late send out the police because something is wrong.

Cookie decorating-Give a kid a cup full of icing and sprinkles and they won't go away unhappy.
Here was my pseudo family for the fall fest. Look at Potts' hollywood hair!

Small Miracles

This will be short and sweet since I have no pictures to share. Last night was the 2nd night in Linley's 13 months where she didn't cry once before bed! Can I get a big WOOHOO. It was so remarkable that I had to call mom and let her in on the joy. Beyond just not crying, she didn't throw food on the floor (perhaps this has to do with the fact that the night before she didn't get to eat b/c I took her out of her seat for throwing food), she signed please and thank you without prompting, and even let Jackson read her books. I am just so proud of her and only hope that we have a repeat tonight.
Please, if you have not met Linley and heard her loud and persistent cries, just visit a past post to get a picture of how wide her mouth opens when she screams.

Day Away-Church Picnic

So Darrell and I were given tickets to the UT/N. Illinois game this past weekend. We were expecting an unexciting game but actually got to see a good one. The tickets we were given rocked and I can't say enough for having a seat with a cushion and a back. Campus has changed a lot since we graduated and since I haven't been back since 2002, I was really shocked. I had a big hoedown at my work on Friday, complete with square dancers. Jackson and Linley dressed up and hung out with me. I even got to square dance with Jackson. He was a little disappointed that I didn't have on a big poofy skirt like the other dancers.
This is the biggest rocking horse I have ever seen!
Our church had it's annual picnic yesterday and this was our first year to go. We had a great time and Jackson especially had a blast b/c he got his first ride on a real horse. We aren't talking about ponies here, it was a huge horse. He climbed on like he had done it a million times and took off. Of course I didn't have my camera with me, but here is one of Jackson and Darrell on the hay ride.