Fall Fun

Summer is my favorite season, mainly because I have my summer off of teaching to spend with my family.  However, fall comes in at a VERY close second.  I just love this time of year - the changing of the leaves; the browns, yellows, oranges; the crisp air; heading out to a football game on a Friday night; hot chocolate; the smell of my Bath and Body Works Creamy Pumpkin candle burning; carving pumpkins; getting Payton all dressed up for Halloween; a yummy pot of chili simmering on the stove...  I could go on and on.

Here are a few pictures for some of our Fun Fall Festivities - enjoy!

at William Penn Homecoming

Carroll's Pumpkin Farm in Grinnell

Having fun at Appleberry Farm here in Marshalltown

Payton and Mommy at Appleberry Farm

One Lovely Blog Award

My friend Kaylan over at What More Can I Say gave me this blog award.  The rules say you are supposed to accept it and then give it to 15 of your fellow blogger friends.  Unfortunately, I don't think I have 15 fellow blogger friends, so I will just graciously accept the award.  Thanks, Kaylan! 

Wordless Wednesday

Karnival 4 Khloe

On Saturday night we went to Newton to Karnival 4 Khloe.  What a wonderful event!  The turnout was amazing!  I can't even tell you how much this little girl has impacted my life (as well as hundreds of others...)  She is a miracle and such a fighter.  Here is her caringbridge site:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/khloesassman

Wordless Wednesday: I did not fall off the face of the blogosphere - just been busy doing this...

Payton's 1st Birthday Party

We had Payton's 1st birthday party on Saturday, August 7th (the day of her actual birthday). It was a wonderful celebration with lots of great family and friends. Can't believe our baby is 1!!!! This year went by so fast! 

Payton Ann - you have brought so much joy into our lives this past year!  We are so blessed and lucky to be your mommy and daddy!  We love you to the moon and back!

Birthday cake (a huge thank-you to Jill for helping me with it!)

She did not like all the frosting on her hands :)

Opening My Pal Violet

The First Year

 We took a picture of Payton each month with her teddy bear.  This bear is special because Chad bought it for her as soon as we found out we were having a girl.  He said he wanted her first teddy bear to be from him :)