FALLing for fall

Fall is definitely my new favorite season.  Living in South Texas for the last 7 years I completely forgot that leaves changed colors.  There isn't anything better than going for a walk with the kids through the neighborhood trails and enjoying the colors of fall on all of the trees as well as the cool temperatures.

 

 

 

Yay for fall, Yay for sweaters and boots, Yay for bike riding in sweatpants!

Another milestone........

About 4 months ago Paul and Tyson set off to "learn to ride a bike."  Paul took the training wheels off, Tyson put on his helmet and they were off.  And 5 minutes later they were back. Mission unsuccessful!

Then last Sunday Tyson said he wanted to try again.  But this time it was different.  Tyson wanted to learn rather than Paul wanting Tyson to learn.  Just like swimming, it has to come from Tyson.  He has never been one to be forced into anything.  When he's ready, he gets it.

He's been riding every single day after school........ rain, shine, wind, tornado or earthquake.

 

Guess it's about time to get a new bike.  His long legs have quickly outgrown this one.

Normalcy

I think I need to recap the last few days here in Oklahoma.  When I wrote about Oklahoma and what it had in store for us I can honestly say that Earthquakes did not even enter my mind.  Yeah, sure I knew about the tornadoes and the cold, but that seemed manageable.  Especially once we had our storm shelter put in.  In the last 4 days there has been at least 4 Earthquakes---two of which I felt, numerous tornadoes, and torrential downpours combined with baseball size hail.  Last night in the midst of the severe thunderstorm that lasted about three hours, we had an Earthquake.  AN EARTHQUAKE!!!  I can't believe I am actually writing this.  The kind that shakes your house and makes your picture frames rattle on the wall.  I believe it was a 4.7, which is actually less than Saturday's 5.6. They don't last long but when your house is shaking you don't need much more that 40 seconds to panic.  

Today the kids and I decided to enjoy a normal chilly afternoon. 

Tyson likes a little hot chocolate with his marshmallows!

 I love the different looks here.  Tyson's face says pure bliss while Em is strongly focused on this HOT drink in her little hands.

Tyson never his took his face out of his mug to get a picture.

Looking forward to a much calmer weather week.

It's been a good fall, bring on winter!

Our first Fall in Oklahoma has been wonderful.  For that matter I am about 9 days away form calling it a year in Oklahoma.  We moved here on November 15th.  Can't believe we've been here a whole year already!   We have enjoyed lots of new experiences, made lots of wonderful friends, and we have definitely enjoyed the cooler weather.  Here are just a few good pics from Fall 2011!

 This was on Halloween, the kids and I had made treats for their teachers.

 

 

Tyson took Paul to their first OU game last month.

We were able to take a trip to Mom and Dad's house.  We always enjoy a pit stop at DQ.

One of our first chilly mornings.  Time to get the coats out.  And apparently it was bright.

Tyson had his class field trip to the zoo and Paul was able to go as a chaperone.

  

And sometimes it's just fun for me and Em to dress alike.

Paul and I even got to go to a game.  We had a blast and our kids had a wonderful time spending the afternoon with the Henson family.  (Jenn, this pic is for you!)

WOW!!!  As I type this I am overwhelmed with joy as to how lucky my family is and how blessed we are to be able to experience these things together.  One year ago we were living in a one bedroom hotel suite awaiting the closing on our new house.  We had no idea what life had in store for us in Edmond, Oklahoma and we definitely had no idea they had earthquakes.  That is a whole different post.

Happy Halloween........a week late

Halloween is always a big day around here and this year was no exception.  We even hosted a little
"pre trick-or-treat" party at the house.  We invited our friends and neighbors to come over for some spOOky fun food and treats.

Check out the spOOky spread: we had mummy dogs, bloody finger cookies, pumpkin rice krispies

 

even black punch with a bloody floating hand and some creepy apple mouths.

And I present to you, my little OU cheerleader and my blood sucking vampire.......

The whole crew about to head out!

These two were so cute and sweet at each house.  They took their time slowly walking to up each sidewalk, politely saying "trick-or-treat" then carefully examining each piece that was given to them.  It's a wonder we even made it around the cul de sac at that pace. 

 This one was a whole different story.  Him and Anna trick-or-treated at record breaking speed.  It was impossible to catch up to them to get a picture.  I was lucky to get this one.

The little ones at the neighborhood entrance.

 Now that's a lot of loot!

They are both already planning next year's costumes.

Perhaps my FAVORITE pumpkin pictures

My kids love pumpkins and they love posing for pictures with pumpkins especially when it includes two of their favorite people.........

 

I love these pumpkins!!!

What's the BEST thing about going to Grandma's?

Answer:  You get to wake up and shoot your bb gun in your jammies!

We told the kids we were planning to see Grandma and Grandpa about 3 weeks ago.  We had this trip planned for a few months since we found out the kids had a "fall break" in October. But we couldn't tell them too soon for obvious reasons.  Everyday went something like this, "is today the DAY we are going to Grandma's?"  No,  3 more weeks.  And that has been going on for the last 3 weeks.  We hadn't seen Mom and Dad since June and it felt like an eternity.  The kids ask about them almost daily.  But Emerson has been a whole different emotional story.  EVERY (and I am not exaggerating when I say EVERY) night she would cry at bed time and say how much she "missed Grandma and really wanted to see her and give her hugs."  Both kids really missed not having them at their birthday parties this year.  It was the very first time Mom and Dad had not been there.  

As soon as Emerson finished her Harvest Party on Wednesday we took Tyson out early and we were on our way for a 9 hour road trip.  The kids were great!  They were so excited to get there that no one really complained about the drive.  We got there around 9:30 on Wednesday night.  Just in time to watch the rest of the Ranger game.  At bed time both kids informed us they would be sleeping with Grandma and Grandpa.  Tyson has always loved to sleep with Grandpa and tell ghost stories but this was the first time Emmy wanted in on the fun.  She couldn't wait to cuddle with Grandma and share a bed.

The next three days were spent hanging out and just enjoying being together.  A wonderful and relaxing time was had by all. 

A wonderful trip!!!  I got pics of Mom too.  Even though she wasn't crazy about it, I thought she looked beautiful and  I wanted pictures!  She is about 2 months out from her last chemo and her hair is already starting to grow back.  As for now she rocks the silk scarves.