Superhero

My hero. Swoon.

Accessorizing

I think we all know I love a great necklace, and that my philosophy when it comes to accessorizing is, "More is more." Branner agrees.

Valentine's Day Dance

Happy boy with his best friend, Jack!

My Little Valentine!

Photo booth!

On Friday night, we had a family date (with Big Papa, too!) at Branner's Valentine's Day Dance. It was so much fun! There was a photo booth area (waiting on the pic from that), pizza, games, crafts, cookie decorating and a middle school kid playing music DJ. Branner spent the majority of the time chasing and playing with his best friend from school, Jack. These two have so much in common and are totally joined at the hip! The rest of us spent our time being amused by the kids and eating and laughing. I am so thankful for our preschool and for the friends we have made there! 

Artiste

My little artist, hard at work.

Handprint turkeys!

Abstract.

He definitely doesn't get it from Barry or I, but Branner loves to create art. He must get this trait from his Gigi, who is a super talented artist! After going to vote, I ran in Michael's to pick up a few supplies to do an art project or two on this cold, yucky day. Handprint turkeys for Thanksgiving and a painting have already been created! We'll see what else we can make after nap!

Halloween 2012

Another fun year of ghouls and goblins is behind us, and Branner had a blast! There was a Halloween parade at school yesterday morning that was just precious. We kicked off the evening festivities with pizza, goodies, spiked spiced cider/mulled wine, friends, and fun! We moved right on to trick-or-treating, and capped the night off with a visit to Aunt Jen and Uncle Trey's! Branner had a wonderful time, and so did we! Can't wait to do it again next year!

A while back, Branner had asked to be a shark for Halloween, so that is the first costume we ended up with. However, when we got to school yesterday for the big parade, he wasn't having any part of being a shark. So, he decided to be a fireman last minute instead. His teachers sent the costume home *just in case*, because they are the best, and that's what B ended up being. He held onto the hat all night long while walking from door-to-door (no wagon this year, we have a big boy on our hands), and was just too cute for words in general! Hope everyone had a safe, happy Halloween and got tons of good candy!
 

Dressed and ready to get some candy! 

Group shot!

...and another!

  

Trick or Treat!

Yay, candy!

Walking with Daddy!

Hall Family Farm

I've already told y'all how busy this month is for us. Since the weekends between now and Halloween are filled, we went to pick out pumpkins at Hall Family Farm on Saturday evening. It was close to home, just the right size for B, and had plenty to keep him entertained. He loved picking out his pumpkin, "driving" tractors, playing in the sandbox, and checking out their huge spider! We will definitely be going back during strawberry season as well! 

The Calm Before the Storm

This week, there's not much going on around our house. B's got school (complete with a puppet performance today, which he loved), I've got some cleaning/organizing/working/exercising to do along with a little volunteering. Other than a haircut/color and a trip to the park, that's all that's on the schedule this week. The weekend's not crazy busy, either. It's nice to have a week/weekend without much going on, because starting next week, things are about to get cray around here!

Next week starts the madness that will be our October: taking dinner to friends who just had a precious baby boy, meetings, Liquor Library, a baby shower for my college BFF, a trip to Asheville for Barry and I, Christmas card/family pictures, a birthday celebration for a sweet girlfriend, the Halloween Hullaballoo at our church, then the big wedding weekend will be upon us, and after that is Halloween! WHEW! This month is really going to fly by.

I think we'd all three better rest up and dot some i's and cross some t's this weekend! I'm so glad I already got B's costume! Now, I just need to finish decorating for Fall...

Saturday with The Kirbys

First time wearing these this Fall!

My view at breakfast. Sandwich, sippy cup, trash, IPad, toddler bottom.

Saturday tradition.

We woke up this morning and decided that Bruegger's was a must for breakfast! I also decided that since it was dreary and damp out, today would be a great day to break out my rain boots! After a quick, yummy breakfast, we headed over to Lowe's to shop for mums to decorate our front stoop. And, of course, a little tractor ridin' for B. We made a quick trip to BJ's (which I am loving, BTW), stopped in a furniture, consignment store, and Blacklion, then headed back home. Now, it's naptime, and all three of my boys are snoozing. I plan to relax on the couch and maybe watch a movie! Hope y'all have a fabulous Saturday!

Swingin' Weekend

Our fabulous first official Fall weekend included...

...having friends over for dinner on Friday!

...a trip to the gym Saturday morning!

...lunch with Stacey for B and I!

...a trip to check out BJ's Wearhouse where B got a garbage truck toy the size of Texas!

...movies on the couch on Saturday night!

...a long family bike ride on the greenway Sunday morning!

...a Sunday afternoon nap!

...a walk to the neighborhood park for Barry and B!

...dinner with the girls at Ilios Noche for me!

...the RHNJ season finale! DRAMA!

How was your weekend?!

First Day of Preschool!

Today was B's first full day of preschool! His teachers this year are Mrs. Michele and Mrs. Niza and he will be going Monday/Wednesday/Friday this year. So, far, everything is going great and we are looking forward to a fun year!!!

Weekend Update

New urns. Terrible pic, but you get the idea.

I. Am. So. Tired. 

We have had a wonderful weekend, but we are all pooped! Case in point: Branner slept until 9:15 today. 9:15!!!!!! All y'all with kiddos know that sleeping past 9 is the mommy equivalent to sleeping until noon. It was so nice!

Friday night, we met Jen, Trey, and Saline at Stonecrest for dinner at Smashburger, live music, a little bit of prosecco from Dean & Deluca, and some ice cream. We had a blast! I need to look up and see how much longer they're doing the live music thing, because I'd love to take Branner again! 

Saturday, we also got to sleep in (8:30!!). We did a few things around the house, then hit the road to Asheboro because last night was Blake and Lindsay's first wedding shower! What a great party! Barry and I even made it downtown for a minute after the shower (probably has something to do with why I'm so sleepy today). It was our first time out in Asheboro, which is crazy, but we always stick close to home on our visits. 

We drove back to Charlotte this afternoon, and I've caught up on a few TV shows and lounged while Barry planted in our new front door urns. I have a black thumb, so I leave all of the gardening to him. They turned out great! 

We'll do a low key dinner and probably go to bed super early tonight. What a fun couple of days! I'm pretty sure we'll be staying put next weekend instead of traveling for Labor Day!

Mommy's Sunglasses

Last night, before bed, Branner decided to try on my sunglasses. Too cute!

Branner's First Tweetsie Trip!

Tweetsie was quite the adventure for all of us! Branner is really at the perfect age to enjoy everything (except about four rides) that the park has to offer. Honestly, he was least impressed with the ride on the "big" train. He had more fun on the kiddie train at the top of the mountain! He rode everything we rode—including the chair lift and the ferris wheel! He has no fear! He loved every minute we spent at the park, and we will definitely be going back! Pics of our day:

Beech Bums!

Last Tuesday, Branner and I packed up and headed west—to Beech Mountain! We met Kiki and Coco there for several days of fun, cooler temps, relaxation, food, and more fun! I grew up taking trips up to that area, and it's so nice to be able to share and experience it with B. There are tons of things to do that are kid friendly, so I highly recommend it as a great location for a weekend getaway for families!

We made several visits to the Beech Mountain Rec center park, had lunch at Dunn's Deli, went on walks, played, colored, enjoyed the weather, and, the kicker—took B's very first trip to Tweetsie!!! It was another amazing trip; we just wish Daddy could have joined us!

A few pics of our park adventures:

 

Tweetsie pics to follow! They need their own post, maybe two! Happy Monday!

Geese, Mommy!

We had lunch at the Arbo with Big Papa this afternoon, and as soon as we pulled up, Branner said, "Geese, Mommy!" I guess he remembered from our last visit to the pond there way back in April (?!)! So we walked down and saw the geese and ducks before and after lunch. I promised him we would go back with some bread and feed them soon. With his memory, I'm sure it will be in the next few days!

KK Bloom and The Queen City Style!

A few weeks ago, I found out I won a gift certificate to the amazing boutique, KK Bloom, here in Charlotte! I had entered a giveaway over on one of my favorite style blogs, The Queen City Style, and was excited and surprised to find out that I won! With the move going on, it took me longer than expected to get over there to spend it, but I went today, and up there is a little sneaky peeky of my purchases. Most of the store was on sale (that dress ended up being less than $100—score!!), so if you're looking for something super cute and summery, I suggest you head on over to KK Bloom! I'll be back on Friday to show you the full view!

Swimming, Daddy!

Barry and Branner working on swimming at the pool Saturday!