Finally Fall!

It is impossible for me to resist the absolute adorability of my diapered babe, especially when he's being quite the ham!  He was calling, "Chestew" into the megaphone...I mean paper towel roll.  Love this boy!

In the last full week of September, Fall has finally moved in to East Tennessee.  Granted, it's supposed to be in the eighties today.  But it was the perfect weekend and the perfect weather for our first fall fire in the fire pit.  Which, of course, means the first s'mores of the season! 

You may need to get out your binoculars for this, but believe it or not, it's a fox!  I still can't figure out how to get my edited (and cropped) pictures to upload onto the blog, so if you need better proof, you'll have to stop by and see it for yourself. 

Gramma is in town again all the way from Wisconsin.  She is trying to soak up the last of the warm weather before she has to return to the tundra also known as Green Bay.  I think she's also trying to get all sorts of quality time with her "special boy."  They really are peas in a pod, and he revels in the extra attention.  John Thomas is really partial to the weather too!  I'm pretty sure we were outside for the better part of the day yesterday and he is napping with his windows open as I type.  Fall really is one of the best parts about living in East Tennessee and in just a few short weeks, the backyard will be every color of the season and I can't wait!

Rememberance

Today is a day that beckons me to pause and consider the tragedy that forever changed our world ten years ago.  It is hallowed by the lives who were lost and the families who still grieve.  I cannot believe it has already been a decade.  I remember it all in vivid, and petrified recollection.  I had a student this week ask me if I thought that Americans would still remember this tragedy 100 years from now.  I considered the question for a second and realized that the answer to that question is what motivates me to teach.  I answered, "it's my job to make sure they don't."  As I write this blog and consider all that was lost, I find myself feeling incredibly blessed and grateful for all that I have. 

 John Thomas and I had so much fun this weekend.  We didn't have any visitors this weekend, but managed to stay plenty busy.  He was still looking for "Mimi" though, so I had to wrangle one more shot from last weekend.  Mary, please don't kill me.  Thanks for introducing us to "Toddler Tunes" because it's been on our TV almost every night this week!

Saturday we had a unexpectedly busy day.  We left the house at 9:15 and didn't get home until 7:30!  It included Nana Gay's, tailgating, Italian ice, a walk downtown and an impromptu water park splashfest with Lola!   

Sunday was the usual; church, lunch, playtime, nap time and the rest is TBD.  This week, John Thomas will be 17 months old!  Talk about time flying!  He is getting cuter by the day and has quite the sense of humor.  I love to watch him learn.  He is an avid book lover, a water lover (as of 3 weeks ago), an animal lover and he loves to snuggle and laugh.  He is such a special little boy. P.S. Happy Birthday Nicole! 

Season Opener

Who doesn't love an extra long weekend? Well we had all sorts of stuff to be excited about this Labor Day. One of my oldest and dearest friends, Mary (a.k.a. Aunt Mimi), came in to visit and take me to my first UT game in two years. John Thomas loves him some Mimi. She's even been very helpful in giving him his antibiotic, since he came down with strep throat this week.

We made a day out of our Saturday outing. Lunch, movie and then (of course) the game. She searched long and hard to find us tickets on the 10th row, 40 yard line, in the shade. They seriously were the best seats I've ever had. We were so close to the field, I could see Derek Dooley's eyelashes.

I think the last time Mary and I took a picture like this, I was wearing a tie-dye, weighed about 25 pounds heavier and was at least nine years ago. I sure love spending time with friends that have seen me at my worst and still love me. She's one of the best.

As I previously mentioned, John Thomas didn't take long to warm up to Mary. In fact, he crawled in her lap the first morning she was here just to enjoy his morning milk. I hate to even say this, because I realize there may be some jealous grandparents reading this, but he was saying "Mimi" within the first few hours of hanging out. We get to spend one more day together before she has to head back to Nashville. I'll have to keep my eye on John Thomas to make sure he doesn't try to stow away with Aunt Mimi.