Eternal Flame

Jesse and I did a ton of outdoor work at the end of September. Poppy watched the kids a couple of times while we worked.

Poppy and Lucy!

My workout for several days. Pushing this through the woods and up a slight hill to Jesse and the splitter.

Lucy and Emma were sharing Cheerios, talking, and holding hands after music class one morning.

We took a family hike to the Eternal Flame one Saturday morning.

There it is! Methane gas releases from shale at this location. It is usually burning but can be relit when it goes out.

The best of the family pictures. I'm hoping we make it back here in the winter.

Lucy loves the Cozy Coupe. Her outfit even matched the car that day.

All dressed up for Barrett and Cindy's wedding.

The end result of lots of cutting and splitting. Jesse did 99% of this and I'm grateful for it as I sit my a warm fire in 20 degree weather.

We had some interesting visitors during one of our "extreme gardening" days. Jesse said, "turn around, wife." I turned to see two pigs just below me. What?! I'm so happy Jesse was there. I would have run to the house and hid, unaware of how to interact with pigs. Jesse knew our neighbor had pet pigs and handled the situation calmly by walking them back home.

Dutch was not a fan. Look at the hair standing up on his back!

Pumpkinville 2014 on Lucy's Birthday

Lucy's birthday morning. Shouldn't every morning start with a crown?

We went on our annual family trek to Pumpkinville on Lucy's birthday. We have been in 2012 and 2013. This was an earlier trip than in previous years since Jesse was away for most of October.

Miss One.

Picking pumpkins.

Mmmmmm. Donuts.

Lucy was a fan!

Just driving in a pumpkin car.

Look at those two!

Elliott needed three more friends to fill his pumpkin truck.

I'm thinking this will become an annual picture.

We then went jumping on this giant pillows. That is Elliott, airborne in the middle of the frame.

Lucy had fun, too!

Lucy and her Daddy.

Lucy-Mama selfie on the cow train.

Yep, I got to ride on the cow train, too. Twice, in fact.

On to the wooden train.

Pumpkins make the best backdrop.

Then onto the wagon ride.

Taking in the views. It was a slow day at Pumpkinville so we had the wagon nearly to ourselves.

Don't try to take selfies with a big SLR camera.

Naptime?

The keeper shots. 

Elliott liked the "lumpy" pumpkins.

Nice tongue, Lucy.

Birthday dinner and more cupcakes.

Clearly she doesn't like it. :)

Meeting her puppy from Grandpa Nick.

Birthdays at Home

After the bounce house fun, we came home and opened a few gifts. Despite our "no gifts" rule, the kids got a few from friends and more from family (excused from the rule).

Stickers from Elisa.

Lucy's entertainment tower from Ted, Jen, Will, and Reid.

Coco and Poppy came over for dinner on Elliott's actual birthday. Birthday Santa on her way in.

Lightning and Mater for the big day.

Our boy is three!

A rare family shot.

Between all of the grandparents, there were quite a few gifts to open.

A map so we can see where Daddy goes when he is at work.

Lucy was a fan of the wrapping paper and ribbons.

Her first purse.

Including lipstick.

Look at Elliott's excitement.

John Deere tractor from Grandpa Nick!

It felt like my birthday to see this happening . . . 

A new stove! Five burners and two ovens . . . and they all work!! Quite an improvement from two working burners and two very inconsistent ovens.

Ms. Smiles riding Mr. Froggy at Coco and Poppy's house.

A movie of her joy.

Lucy enjoying her birthday cupcake on her big day. She's 1!!