Tuesday, November 22, 2011

State Fair & Fall Fun

No Fall in Texas would be complete without a trip to the State Fair of Texas or Pumpkin patches. We took the kids on Columbus Day since James and Tammy had the day off work, and we had a blast! The kids absolutely loved riding all of the rides and playing the games on the Midway. It's a tradition that I plan on always keeping, and we made sure to eat lots of cotton candy and corny dogs to round out the full experience :-).We also had the opportunity to visit some of our local pumpkin patches with friends. We especially love this one out in Celina on a farm where you get to pick your very own pumpkin from a real pumpkin patch, take hay rides, and pet farm animals. Fall is such a beautiful time of year in Texas, and it was made especially sweet with the impending arrival of our new addition.

Showers, Fall Fun & Waiting

Several of my friends threw me the best baby shower for baby Vivian at the end of October. We had such a great time eating yummy food, opening gifts, and visiting. I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect, and I feel truly blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family who care about us all so much.
The kids had a new level of enthusiasm for Halloween this year, and it seems to just get better and better. They were so excited to put on their costumes and trick or treat. We trick or treated with Cody in the new neighborhood, and it was so much fun! The kids got far too much candy, and we are still working our way through it :-). We ended up celebrating Thanksgiving the Sunday before the big day since we were scheduled for inducing Vivian's birth the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. We decided to have the kids decorate special Turkey cookies for the occasion, and the result was somewhat surprising. While they all enjoyed the activity, Hannah was definitely WAY more into it than anyone else. The boys decorated one or two cookies, and they were finished except for wanting to eat the candy. Hannah decorated at least a dozen and probably would have decorated more had we given her the opportunity. She was like a little assembly line, and it made me so excited for when she is a little older. I always enjoyed playing with my Easy Bake oven and decorating cakes, etc by myself. Now I'll have a buddy (or two soon) to work with on our little crafty projects.

It was wonderful to spend time with family, and we are now preparing to leave for the hospital in the morning to meet sweet Vivian. We are scheduled to arrive at 5 in the morning, and my friend Carrie, is going to be my nurse to help me deliver this baby. I can't wait to see her for the first time, and I am even more excited to see how the kids do with her. Greyson just started with a cough Sunday night so the kids won't get to come to the hospital, but we are planning on coming home on Friday so they will be introduced then. Pics to follow and lots of updates! We love you, Vivian!