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.

Memphis!

So Darrell was given tickets to both the UT/FLorida game and the Titans game last weekend. Instead of sitting around the house as a football widow, I packed up the kids and headed to Memphis. I never miss a chance to see my folks and now Uncle Paul is living there so it is even more fun. As a bonus I got to meet Uncle P's new "friend." Lots of fun playing games and eating yummy home-cooked food with the fam and Sue Sue.

I had to post this next picture of Jackson, because on the last blog I had a picture of him playing with a mermaid. This trip Gee and Grandaddy bought these cool blocks and Jackson made cars and swings and lots of boy things. Yeah! (insert sigh of relief from darrell)I saw this dress on clearance at Target and thought it was soo cute. Then I put it on her and she totally looked like an old lady wearing a MooMoo ( I have no idea if that is how you spell those things).

Silly Kiddos

Lauren, our neighbor had a birthday last night and we were invited over for cupcakes-YUM! Jackson and Linley love playing with them and it is really fun to have a couple that Darrell and I like to hang out with while the kids are going crazy. Yes, my son is playing with a "wormmaid." And yes, Darrell had a fit. Eventually, Brooks brought down some Powerrangers for Jackson to play with. Linley pretty much likes any male that will giver her attention. She loved Brooks holding her.

Linley got her first taste of a biscuit this weekend. I try hard to keep bread away, so she doesn't become a carb addict like her mom. She loved it on Saturday and today she won't eat it. Who knows.

So we finally put our house on the market. (Great time-we know) The good news is that we aren't in any major rush to sell it, but we did have to work like dogs to get it ready. Here are Jackson and Darrell staining the deck!

Great Grands and Skate Night

Grandma and Grandpa from Florida came by to see us last weekend. Jackson was looking forward to their visit all week and wasn't disappointed when Grandma brought him a jumbo size bag of Airheads. Linley wanted nothing to do with Grandma as she won't let any woman hold her, except for me of course. On the other hand, she had no problem letting Grandpa hold her.

Last night my coworker, Amanda and I, organzied our employee event at Brentwood Skate Center. I haven't skated in years, but after a few laps around the track I was feeling pretty good.
I was feeling pretty good until we played LIMBO! I should caution all of you adults who still think you can roller skate limbo the way you did when you were 12-Trust me you can't and my sore tailbone is proof:)

Labor Day Weekend

So we had a great time at the lake this weekend. Jackson is becoming quite the daredevil on the screamer. He takes some pretty good bumps and turns these days and comes up asking for more. We definitely have some water babies on our hands. We are thinking next year he will be ready for the Mickey Mouse skis.

His rides are getting a little rough for Grams, but she keeps hanging on.

My husband is still a stud at 30-look at that spray. Wish I could show you a picture of me making that kind of spray but after three years off from the slalom, I was happy with just getting up out of the water.


The boat puts Linley to sleep every time. Look at the uncomfortable snuggles.