Now there are 5!

Several years ago, when I bought new stockings for all of us, I accidentally ended up with 5 (after exchanging designs, changing my mind, etc). One has been in the tub for years with the tag still on it. But, when we hung stockings yesterday, the 5th one made its appearance. Now there are five of us. I think there should have been all along.... we are complete! Only 2 weeks until Baby Pierce arrives. Thank you, God, for our blessings.

PBC Thanksgiving

We had our annual church Thanksgiving meal this week. I (again) stole the great pictures Amy took off of her blog. We had a great night.

PBC Baby Shower

A few Sundays ago, my wonderful church had a baby shower for our family. Of course, upon arriving, I realized I had no memory stick in my camera (these types of things happen to me often). Thank you Amy for the pictures!

Baby Shower at WHMC

My work, Women's Hope Medical Clinic, threw a fabulous baby shower for me and for our office manager, Karen. We are both due within about a week of each other. She is having a baby girl, and as we all know (and complain to me often about), we are having a "surprise." It was a great shower with wonderful women who serve God so faithfully at our center.

More Halloween Fun

One of our annual traditions is caramel apple night while watching It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. The night has taken on all different forms over the years, but in one way or another, Allan and I have been doing it together since we were engaged. This year, we had some friends over for the watching of the movie. Here are some pictures of them watching the movie and eating their apples.
Then, of course, each year we carve the pumpkin (Daddy's job to oversee):
Then, there is the big night. This year, A.J. dressed as a college football referee. He was certain to tell me he needed the white hat and an "R" on his back because that is the head guy. Basically, he threw flags at all of us all night. I was called on a personal foul for too much chatting!
Abigail dressed as exactly what she wants to be when she grows up... a mommy! Her stroller was packed with a diaper bag and a purse (and all the accessories).

AWESOME weekend in North Georgia

We realized recently we have never really had a "vacation" just the 4 of us. We always have grandparents with us. Although we really do love that, as a last minute treat, we decided to take the kids to north Georgia just the 4 of us (before we become 5). We didn't decide to go until Thursday, and it was probably the best trip we have ever had. All of us had an awesome time.

Foam Factory
We spent the night in the northern part of Atlanta (so we could be up and at it early Saturday). Allan found a really fun place online for us to visit... the Foam Factory. It was part of an adventure place (with arcade, go carts, rides, etc). There were 3 stories filled with foam balls and all types of ways to shoot them, dump them, and basically aim at your mom!

You notice from this picture that my sweet darling husband is aiming right at me... and yes, he hit his target!
B.J. Reese Apple Orchard
The next day, we hit B.J. Reese in Ellijay, Georgia. We went to this same apple orchard last year, and we knew we would love to go back. In addition to picking our own apples, there were apple cannons and LOTS of apple snacks. We ate apple donuts, fritters, fried pies, and apple sticks. We brought home the best apple cider.

The Steps
We went to a nearby state park for a picnic, not knowing the fun we would find there. There was a gorgeous waterfall you could drive to the top of. Abigail and I stayed at the top (smart thinking) while Allan and A.J. took the steps to the bottom (and back up again). However, the sign was misleading.... that number only gets you to the cross bridge. Add almost 200 more and you really get to the bottom! Poor guys.

View from the bottom:
View from the top:
Before the walk:
After the walk:
Pumpkin Patch
As our last stop of the day, we found the largest pumpkin patch we had ever seen. There were thousands of people there and probably enough pumpkins for everyone to have a dozen. It was amazing. And just think... we had all this done by 1:00!

A.J.'s School Play

This past week (as a way to lure parents to the PTO meeting), the second graders at A.J.'s school put on a musical called "Celebrate You and Me." A.J. had a speaking part and always does a great job! Here are some pictures from the night.