Alma Mater

One of the great things about coming to Lookout Mountain for a visit (besides visiting Dave's family, of course) is that we get to be in our "old stomping ground" where we went to college. His parents live about 2 miles from Covenant, and we love to go up there and walk around to see how things have changed and reminisce about the old days. Today was one of those days when the weather was nice and crisp and not a cloud in the sky, which is perfect up here on the mountain!

I gave Dave's dad a quick tutorial on my new camera, and we got busy snapping away.

we started on the lookout:

 Carter hall (dorms/cafeteria) in the background:

 thumbs up from Hud:

 the boys were fascinated by the goldfish pond:

 another overlook spot:

 I LOVE the entrance sign:

 Grandpa and Hudson: 2 peas in a pod!!

 doing what he loves: picking berries!

It was a beautiful day to roam the college! We had some amazing memories up there, and I look forward to going back many many times!

Atlanta Friends Part 2

After our visit to Nick and Molly's house, we stopped for a few days at the Batusics. Melissa and I go back 11 years!! We still can't believe that we've been such great friends for so long (with a small "divorce" in the middle...). And now, we have 2 boys that are 4 weeks apart...perfect for them to be roommates at Covenant in 16 years with their buddy Keaton.

All 4 kids played SO well together...and we can't wait to see them again.

Melissa (and baby girl in her belly!) and I at the park

William LOVED Jacob:

 Hudson and Andrew became quick friends:

all 4 kids in the bath at one time was a little crazy, but they  had fun:

I mean, really, how cute is this little guy?:

The highlight for William was walking the dogs. He was in charge of Macy, while Hudson and Andrew took turns walking Reggie:

After-nap cuddles with Andrew:

 with our brood of 4 crazy boys:

We had such a special time together, but of course, we missed Ashley, Keaton and baby Mark. Maybe next time!!

Then and Now

I had a very "oh my goodness, I'm getting old" moment today.

Back in my freshman year in college, I babysat for a little girl (Emma) who was 13 months old the very first time I babysat her. I quickly became a staple around their house, and they became almost like my second family. My junior year they had another baby (Skye) who I also babysat for. When Dave and I got married in 2003, it was a no-brainer that Emma would be one of my flower girls. She was 4.5 at the time, and she was in integral part of my life.

Every time we come to Lookout Mountain, I try to get together with the Buckleys (Emma and her family). Today, they were going to a jumpy house to play, so Dave's mom and I decided to take the boys. William and Hudson loved Emma and Skye...but it was so weird to see Emma as this grown up SIXTH grader!

So, without further adieu:

Then: (June 14, 2003)

(June 29, 2003):

Now: (November 24, 2010)

Atlanta Friends Part 1

Dave's very best friend,  Nick, lives in Atlanta, and he's married to a friend of mine from college, Molly. Every time we come home to Dave's for a holiday we make it a point to stop off in Atlanta for a few days....

We had fun playing with the kids, watching movies, laughing, playing golf (Dave and Nick), shopping (Molly and I), and of course, eating.

Our visit with Nick and Molly is always one of the highlights of our trip out here! We love you guys!!

Attack of the Killer 2 Year Olds

after bathtime Andrew (Batusic) and Hudson attack me with hugs and kisses

I love them!!!

Recipe

I have had several requests for the recipe of the below Pumpkin Trifle. It is Super easy, and VERY yummy...

1 box gingerbread cake (made according to pkg directions)
1 large box instant vanilla pudding (also made according to pkg directions)
1 large can pumpkin pie filling
1/2C brown sugar
1/3t pumpkin pie spice
2C whipping cream (whipped...with a little sugar added)

Bake the package of gingerbread cake. Let cool completely.

Prepare vanilla pudding mix and cool. Stir into the pudding 1 large can pumpkin pie filling, brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice.

Crumble 1/2 of the cake into the bottom of a trifle bowl. Layer on half of the pudding mixture, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, and top with whipped cream. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

We just finished up birthday #4 in the birthday lineup. (In case you're wondering, we have 15 birthdays in our families between Oct 30 and Feb 26)! I kicked off the birthday season followed by Keira (5!) on Nov 9, my dad Nov 11, and Dave's dad Nov 13. Unfortunately, we didn't get to spend the special days with Keira or Bill, but we did get to celebrate with my dad.

We celebrated on Friday night at our house with Ribs, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, baked beans, and Pumpkin Trifle:

I got attacked by Hudson, and here is William trying to fight him off. I was laughing so hard:

For my dad's birthday this year all of us kids (plus Garrett and my mom) pitched in and we got him a home brew kit. It takes about a month of fermenting, so we got started this weekend so it'd be ready for Christmas when everyone is home:

 Dad and Garrett pouring in the Malt Extract (side note: did you know malt extract tastes like molasses? YUM):

It's been a fun birthday week...and we have a small break until the next set of birthdays: Dave's grandma, our brother-in-law Jeff (Dec 22), Hudson (Dec 31), Tasha (Jan 3), Dave's sister (Jan 9), Dave (Jan 13) and Trent (Jan 22)... and the list goes on and on.

the little people

I just love these little guys!!

I haven't seen these guys since Monday, and I can't wait to give them kisses tonight!!!! 

Trick-or-Treat!

Yes, we celebrate Halloween. For us, it's all about the costumes and CANDY! We steer clear of the super scary houses, and my kids are not allowed to pick scary costumes. Other than that, we just have FUN!

Anyhoo, we had a great time last night! We had 3 families over who have kids similar ages to our kids, and we hit the streets at 6:30 sharp! We only lasted about 45 minutes, which was plenty of time to fill their bags. One of the perks of living in a neighborhood with houses so close together is that you can cover A LOT of ground in a short amount of time.

Ready to go:

 "Who wants Candy?"

 We hit our next-door neighbors first (no, not the dog neighbor. We did not grace their doorstep)

 Hudson needed a little candy fix before hitting the next house:

 the Loot:

 of course, the men had to watch the World Series game (too bad the Rangers lost):

It was a FUN night!!