Preschool Choir

Abigail sang with our preschool choir at church. She loves to be in front of people. The kids were singing a song about our church. When they sang particular verses, a picture of that person came up on the screen (ex... Brother Allan tells us to open our Bibles now). The kids had not yet seen the pictures, so you will notice they were more interested in that than they were in singing!!! Watch the video:

Apple Trip Day #3

Our final day...

For our final morning in Blue Ridge and Ellijay, we went to Hillcrest Orchards for their weekend festival they were having. We didn't pick apples this day (we had so many from Friday), but we did enjoy some of the apple festivities. Here are the pictures:

This is A.J. milking "Buttercup." Abigail did not get to do this because at the time, she was still pitching a fit over having to wait to go on the wagon ride. Later, when she was calmed down, she asked me, "I can go make the cow go tee-tee?" Maybe we should work on a lesson about milking a cow!

Bobbing for apples... only A.J. did this. I remember doing this as a child in my parent's basement one year for Halloween. That was before I understood the concept of germs!

Apple Trip Day #2

On Day #2, we hit our first apple orchard (which is the entire reason for the trip). We rose early in the morning and spent some time on the porch before heading out.

We went to B.J. Reese Apple Orchard. There were numerous varieties of apples in season, and we walked along and picked all we wanted.

Here is the evidence of Pa and A.J. sneaking apples not counted in their bags! I am not sure that is allowed, but it seemed that everyone picking the apples was doing it. Maybe that is why they charge you more for the u-pick bag than for the same size bag of apples available in the shop!

That afternoon, we returned to the house. There, we played games (Mom and Dad CRUSHED Allan and me in spades), grilled out burgers, made s'mores, and celebrated Allan's birthday.

(This is my dad's favorite thing to do... get in pictures when the people in the picture don't know it).

Apple Trip Day #1

This past weekend, we went with Grandma and Pa to Blue Ridge, Georgia. We had a fabulous time! When I was a young girl, we used to go to an apple orchard in Illinois. I have always remembered that, and I wanted my children to experience the same memory. Some friends of my parents let us borrow their gorgeous house (thank you to the Clantons), and it was simply wonderful. On the second day, Abigail said, "I not want my house in Opelika... I want this house!" Me too!!!

This entry is what all happened on our first day. Upon arriving, we drove up, up, up, up to their house on top of the mountain. Here are a few pictures of the house.

I know the foosball table is not part of the gorgeous mountains... but it was A.J.'s favorite place in the house (with the exception of the Georgia paraphernalia... he is an Auburn fan).

After touring the house, we went to dinner at a local restaurant. After my tummy recovered from the windy drive, I enjoyed the meal (especially the beautiful riverside setting).

Football Hair Cut

We have quickly come to realize that A.J.'s very thick hair and his sweaty football helmet do not mix. To try to make the entire situation more pleasant, we asked Mrs. Hildreth (our family barber) to cut his hair! My goodness... he looks so much older. I don't think he has ever had hair this short. I love it!

Home with Daddy... AGAIN

A few posts ago, I put up a picture of Abigail when she was home alone with Daddy. I am sure you remember the one -- sleeping on top the kitchen table. Well, when I got home Tuesday evening (after she was home again with Daddy)... I found this picture in my camera:

I would definitely say the girl is not ready to give up her naps yet!

49ers

A.J. had football pictures and his first scrimmage last week. He is playing on the 49ers as number 18. He rotates back and forth between the offensive line and the defensive line. And, yes... they tackle hard! And, no... I don't like it!

It is funny to watch the boys taking their pictures. Some boys, already had down the football face - no smile, tough look. Then you have my baby... all smiles for his individual camera! To him, it is still a fun game! I would just love if it would stay that way forever!

They scrimmaged against another team, and A.J. took quite a few licks. But, I was very proud of him. He did not complain one time. He toughed it out. However -- if you haven't heard yet... we did have the first football injury of the season (during the very first practice). A.J. stuck his finger in one of the wholes on top of the helmet and got it stuck. The coach had to pull it out... blood and all! That's my boy!




P.S. I know this date holds many sad memories for our county. However, I must say I will always remember 9-11 for another reason. 7 years ago today is the day I went to the doctor and found out I was pregnant with A.J. What a blessing these years have been for us... tackle football and all!