Pumpkin Carving

While I was at work today my parents treated Tessa to a pumpkin. While she napped, my dad patiently carved out the pumpkin using the Dora pattern my mom provided. The resulting jack-o-lantern is fabulous! My mom and I then roasted the pumpkin seeds for a yummy snack.

When Ryan and I took Tessa for a walk tonight, she said "Bye Dora!" and waved at our front porch. The pumpkin is a hit! Thank you Gamma and Gampa!

Claire and Kids

I was thrilled to have my friend Claire visit with her three small children this past week. I still can't quite believe that she was brave enough to make the flight with all of them in tow! It's a testament to how very good her children are that she managed the trip so well.

We all had a great time playing, picking apples, riding carousels, feeding geese, and cruising around in a minivan. My parents joined us Saturday afternoon as we ventured out to Fall for Greenville. The kids had a blast runing around, dancing in the street and eating pizza, funnel cake and kettlecorn.

I miss them already and wish, not for the first time, that they lived closer. Thank goodness for airplanes and Verizon unlimited calling!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Lasagna Night

Around our house dinner can be a rather stressful time. Tessa and I are usually both tired and hungry, Daddy has had a long day at work and Anabelle would swear she's starving - if only she could talk. So when tonight's dinner actually turned out to be fun, I pulled out the camera.

Frozen lasagna was on the menu tonight and, let's face it, Momma's much more easy going when dinner preparations consist of opening a box and turning on the oven. As you can tell, Tessa LOVED the lasagna. She had three helpings and then a brownie for dessert! Yes, I made her take her dress off first so I could enjoy my own meal without worrying the red sauce might stain her clothes. As it was, we headed straight to the bath after our meal, for obvious reasons.

Also, click on our friend Caroline's blog for fun pictures of Princess Tess at playgroup earlier this week.

North Carolina Apple Festival

It's Apple Festival time again! We took Tessa up to Sky Top orchard for a day of apple-picking fun. The child loves, loves, loves apples. It's hard to think that when we were here last year she wasn't even walking yet. I remember propping her up by this sign. Look how much she has grown!!!

We had such fun walking through the orchard watching Tessa pick and eat the apples.

Of course I couldn't resist a photo-op in the apple basket. What a doll!!!

She toppled over right after taking this picture, that whole hill thing makes for an unbalanced basket. No harm done, we went right back to apple picking.

After all that running around we took a break for a picnic lunch. It was nice and cool in the shade. Then it was off to the playground for more fun.

Time to pay for our apples and head home. We'll see you next year!

The Party's Over

One last birthday post. I love that Ryan captured Tessa's sweet words on video.

Tessa Goes Boating

We visited the picturesque Lake Jocassee and Tessa had her first boating adventure. She loved it and we all had a great time. Enjoy the slideshow!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Momma's Birthday

The birthday festivities continue. Tessa and I met Ryan downtown for a lunch at Wild Wing Cafe. I really love hot wings so this was a special treat. This afternoon my mom and grandma came over for a girl celebration with cheesecake and presents. I wonder if I can claim that the candles on the cake are backwards?

I recieved my very own tutu so now Tessa and I can match while we do Momma & Me ballet. I was thrilled when Tessa decided to actually wear hers. Up until this point she has only wanted Anabelle to wear the tutu.

After all of this excitment, Ryan came home and cooked dinner. He's such a great husband. Thank you everyone for making my birthday so special.

Momma's Birthday Lunch

To kick off my birthday celebration week, we all went out for Mexican food yesterday. You can take the girl out of Texas but you cannot take away her love of margaritas!

Tessa was hilarious trying to take sips of my drink. Momma's girl!!!

Swings and Slides

Yesterday we went to a friend's birthday party. There was a 17ft water slide set up in the backyard! As soon as we pulled up Tessa spotted the huge slide and was so excited hollering "Slide, Slide!!!" She and Ryan had a great time playing while I took pictures.


Tessa and Hunter Anne, the Birthday Girl



Tessa discovered that she likes big girl swings. She sat down and held on tight while I pushed her. Here's a picture of her in her first big girl swing. Oh Baby, don't grow up so fast!

Downtown Playtime

Today we ventured downtown for family playtime. After visiting the Farmer's Market, we let Tessa run free. She explored the Wyche Pavilion and I wondered if someday we would hold her wedding reception there. I know, I know, she's only two!!!

Then it was over a small bridge to splash in the fountain. I thought she would be thrilled with this activity but we didn't stay here long.

Next we headed over to Falls Park for a yummy picnic lunch. So nice to relax in the shade and watch the ducks play in the river.

Then we strolled along the water's edge and climbed up and down the rocks and steps. Hot and tired we headed home and Tessa took a nice long nap. Good day!