Harvest Festival

Last Sunday we celebrated the season with our church family at the Harvest Festival, graciously hosted by the Clark family (Ben’s favorite “Miss Jeannie”) on their stunning property, alive with the colors of fall. The afternoon was filled with old-fashioned, wonderful fun- hayrides, bobbing for apples, digging in the haybale for prizes, pumpkin painting, bonfire and s’mores and a ride on Blackjack, a very patient horse. Clara loved playing with the puppies and sneaking bites of Miss Jeannie’s famous sticky buns. Ben adored it all; he was lit from within, enjoying the pleasures of childhood, nature and adventure with all his friends. Mark was a kid himself, joining Ben on multiple hayrides and just having boyish fun. Leah was taken back to her Little House on the Prairie fantasies and wished she was wearing a bonnet and pinafore. It was a fantastic fall day for our family, filled with beloved memories and a reminder that often simple pleasures are the best.

First Decade

To celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary we escaped to Wilmington and nearby Wrightsville Beach for a few days away. This spot is known as the “Southern Hollywood” with many movies and television shows filmed there. Leah was thrilled because it was the location from one of her favorite shows back in the day, “Dawson’s Creek.”  It was also Leah’s first trip to the Atlantic Ocean and it did not disappoint, the pristine coastline with its wild grasses and shell filled sand was gorgeous. The three days away seemed so luxurious-filled with beach walks, window shopping, strolling along the river walk, fun dinners out and afternoon naps…it was the perfect way to remember, give thanks and celebrate our first decade together. The time went by swiftly and though we were sad to say goodbye to our holiday from responsibilities and cares, we knew the real treasure of our marriage waited for us at home with sticky fingers and big blue eyes…eyes the color of the ocean waves.

Those Little Pumpkins

Our little pumpkins with little pumpkins- is there anything sweeter?

Three: The Triumph & Trial

Ben is officially three. The morning before his birthday he was rocking in the chair and contemplating this new phase of his life.  As soon as he was done with his soliloquy, Leah ran to find a notepad and write down what she could remember. 

Ben:   "I just can't believe it!  My last day of being two...but there are lots of numbers to be, there's five. Mommy, what does five mean when you are out and about?"

Leah:  "You can go on more rides and chew gum."

Ben:  "Mommy, you are five?"

Leah:  "I'm thirty-four."

Ben:  "You can chew gum?  I can only have Pez."

Three has meant many things to our boy.  He says he does feel bigger, but is frustrated that he still isn't tall enough to reach big things.  He takes his job of "rescuing people" a little more seriously.  It is the first holiday for Ben with new toys and a baby sister big enough to play with everything too.  The biggest change with this new number is the Pacifier Fairy visited Ben, she arrived in the dark of night, popping out his beloved bedtime pacifier and slipping a new (choo choo) watch under his pillow.  We have dubbed this phase "Pacifier Rehab" and it has been rough on the entire family...not much peace at naptime and bedtime, which has made us all a little cranky.  Each day it gets better and each day Ben learns more about growing up- leaving some things behind and accepting new responsibilites and privileges.  That is a lesson that continues throughout life, even past five. 

Happy Birthday Beemer, we simply love you. 

Mister Moo

Leah and Misty have been friends for fifteen years, they met at Westmont, were roommates after college, Misty was a bridesmaid at our wedding (she caught the bouquet) and actually was the next to marry later that year (our wedding was her third official date with Matt) where Leah was her matron of honor.  "Mister Moo" (Leah's longstanding nickname for her) came out from Colorado for an extended weekend, her first journey without her little kiddos, Madison and Tanner. 

The girls had a much needed time of talking, laughing, crying, remembering and catching up.  All we needed were warm chocolate chip cookies, red wine and Tim McGraw and we were ready to go.  Few things compare to the comfort of a treasured friend who has been by your side for many seasons of life.  The girls escaped to the mountains overnight.  What a treat to stay up chatting while it rained outside, sleep in (heavenly) and enjoying a gorgeous fall day with a hike up Grandfather Mountain.  Ben developed a little crush on "Miss Misty" and was thrilled to have her read to him, carry him and generally, he had to be within two feet of her at all times. 

For years, people have mistaken us for sisters...and as the years go by, I know we do too.