They say it's my birthday ( & other September news)

Come on cooler temps!  The fall leaves that have begun to decorate our deck and yard bring promise of ushering in of the new season.  And I, for one, am ready!

With Ezra walking around we can do more outside play!

As well as walks again!  (Walk/sprints along the currently closed golf course = some adventure)

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When I think of September, though, I ALWAYS think my birthday...I mean there is no other big holiday in the month.

My parents offered to take the littles overnight which was a special treat indeed.  Beach and I were able to go out for dinner, enjoy a stop by the lake and each other's company.

The next day Beach made a yummy breakfast, his Saturday specialty (our looking rough morning pic - complements of a selfie stick - HA!).

Then we took a long bike ride to Saluda Shoals.  How peaceful it was and it has to be one of my favorite things....enjoying the outdoors, God's creation, while moving and stopping to explore and read His word. 

In case there was in doubt, yes....I'm a little nutty.

The next week we celebrated with my family....in which I took this silly picture (and missed taking a picture of the amazing spread - my parents are master chefs!).

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I was, also, able to do some things to invest in my soul this month.  Including something completely new to me....building (I'm pretty sure I have never even hammered a nail before....sad I know).  Rene was a good sport for going we me and we laughed at ourselves often!  I asked to be able to use the saw myself, so yes, I did make it all!  Thanks for this blessed gift Home Depot...we will be back!

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A night to catch up with old friends and say goodbye.  These kiddos went to High school together some 20 years ago?
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My swap partner in crime.  I do love how she wants to come along and behaves so well there!

Pizza sauce, beer bread, two amazing sauces, blueberry lemon muffins, Herb pizza dough, teriyaki sauce, Stir Fry starter, strawberry applesauce, homemade bread and cinnamon butter, pumpkin butter, hand warmers with essential oils, honey cinnamon butter, and chimichanga!
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 Big shout out to this Poppy.  He is so amazing.  Since retirement has really freed him up, he is such a blessing to my littles!  They both enjoyed Grandparents day at Zoe's school (Grammy was sad to not be able to come! Silly work!).

He is, also, great at watching the little when momma needs to do something....often feeding them healthy snacks....smoothie anyone?

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We love play dates and catching up with old friends!

Great weather, thank you, thank you!

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Zoe was ecstatic to start back with ballet again.  Rene was great in capturing this picture of the girls, as her friend is now in her class.

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Cousin king and his princess (made with the crafty Aunt Danielle).

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These littles just seem to enjoy more and more playing together!  The girls are sweet to let Ezra join in (most of the time).  I will savor it while it lasts!

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The Okra Strut Parade surprised us with rainy weather.

But we managed to still have a great time!

With a lot of switching seats to keep the troops happy.

Here's hoping to sunny weather next year!

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We did find an activity for the girls to keep dry and to have some special time.

A painting pottery sale at Art Smart Academy.

Zoe chose a piggy bank and Shiloh a football bank....but painted pink of course!

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This picture....because that little smile lights me up.

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We want to build more deeper relationships with the littles.  So squeezing out some one on one time with dates...this one included ice dream!