Fall...and 40!

There have been a lot of birthdays this month...Then, we had the BIG one.  The BIG 40th birthday party for Celeste, my college buddy, and one of my dearest friends.  I'm glad she and Julie have been there for me, you know, to pave the way and show me how it's done in "the 40's!"  Gulp.  (Less than two months for me, but who's counting?)  Celeste's party was at Anne Springs Parkway, in a barn.  Everyone had an awesome time!

The birthday girl, Celeste...who has paved the road to the top of the "hill" for me :)

Taking a break from all the jumping around!

Kyler letting Griffin know that shoes aren't allowed!

Griffin checking out Knox and wondering why his shoe is so big!

His favorite thing to do was throw the small pumpkins.  Climbing to get more!

Payton and Jada...rocker girls!

Sad...my cup is empty!

Who needs a cup?  Let's do a kegstand! (Practicing for those first years at Carolina!)

Celeste...making 40 look good, me, and Vicky

Vicky, her hubby, Jeff (and his burly beard), me...and Celeste, the photo-bomber!

Last Wednesday, at the kid's preschool, they had a play date/meet the kids and parents, type social.  I got to meet some of Payton's friends and their parents.  It was a gorgeous day, and although it was naptime, both kids had a blast!

Because the horses weren't out the last time we went to the Fall Festival, we took the kids back for horse rides and face painting (Payton REALLY wanted to get her face painted, since we promised her that the last time we went). She also got a glittery, sparkly tattoo, that stays on for 3-7 days (which she LOVES). Griffin giggled the entire horse ride, and with the exception of the oh-so-large helmet falling into his face every 5 seconds, he loved it!  Payton just held on, like it was her job.  Not completely sure of what to think.  It's funny-the difference one year makes.  Griffin hasn't developed much fear yet, while Payton is much more cautious and scared of certain things.  Or maybe it's a case of boys vs girls?  But, hey...Payton was so scared of horses at Raegan's birthday party (back in April) that she wouldn't even touch the pony there, so she's come a long way!

Enjoying the corn-box

Face painting and tattoo (tickets in hand!)

Falling off AND losing his helmet.  What a little cowboy!

It's pumpkin time!  Pumpkin patch pictures are always so cute, so we couldn't pass up a photo op with with kiddos this October....

He's picked his pumpkin!  Keep eating your spinach dude (as if!)...

She's picked her pumpkin!

One she can actually pick up (after saying, "ohhhh, sooo cute!)

And here are some other cute pictures from the week...hope you enjoy!

Finally enough hair for a "faux hawk!"

My dad used to take me out to see the moon every night before bed.  I've passed that tradition along to Payton and Brian.  She LOVES it and asks to see the moon on Daddy's phone when it's cloudy, or if the moon isn't up at night.  I didn't have that option back in the 70's!

Payton reading to Griffin

And that's a rap!  Hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather and colors.  The leaves are beginning to look gorgeous around here, but the 80 degree temps predicted this week are sure going to make it hard to accept what's behind it...nah, bring on the snow!!

I saw this little guy as I was leaving my neighborhood for a run Sunday morning...