#272 of 365~Pumpkin Carving

  Annual Family Pumpkin Carving

It was a cool Autumn night as we gathered together to carve pumpkins, share laughs, create piles of nachos, and just be a family.  Eloise had no idea what was going on, but you could tell she was excited as the festivities took place and was most definitely loved on by everyone in the family.

Daddy was in charge of Eloise's little pumpkin and created two big eyes as a remembrance of all that she has seen in her little life so far.

Our Pumpkins.

#271 of 365~Dear Dad-Year Number Two

Dear Dad,

Guess what?  Your a Papa.  This year was the hardest year without you yet and I don't think it will get any easier.  My heart was torn when we received the news that we were finally pregnant.  Torn because we found out last October 20th, the day that I will always fear when Autumn begins to blow in.  I was so excited and grateful for this gift as it came when we needed it the most and yet, you were not there to celebrate with us.  We rejoiced in the miracle baby that we all have waited for. The baby that you told us to "go after," the baby you "talked to God about" because you didn't "pray," the baby I know who would've melted your heart-My daughter, Eloise.

I wish you could see Nick and I as parents.  The way my belly expanded and how doting Nick was, I know you would have had a field day with all your jokes. To share every appointment and ultrasound with you-even though I did dial your number a couple times after appointments thinking to myself, "I have to tell dad!"  I wish you could have been there at the hospital and watch as Nick placed her in my arms.  I know your eyes would well-up with tears and you would clear your throat as to not give your emotions away.  You would have beamed ear-to-ear with that goofy grin of yours when it was your turn to hold her.

Nick and I have talked how you were always so proud of us and not ashamed to tell us either.  As children, as grown children, we still need to hear that from our Fathers.  When we talked, you would listen.  Really listen.  We still need that too.  Nick wonders if you would've thought about when I was a baby when holding Eloise and I wonder how many times you would have laughed at me by now being the new mother that I am.  Would I make you proud?  Would you see how hard I'm trying to be a good mother, Nick a good father?  How hard we are working at showing Eloise the beauty of this world amongst the pain?  We wonder....

This last Tuesday, I spent the day telling Eloise about her Papa.  We spent time together, just her and I and ended up at the house for lunch with Grandma and the Aunties and Uncles.  Being in your house does not cause me pain like some would think it would. Eloise met Muchi, your old hunting buddy from South Carolina, and took a nap with Grandma. While it was a good day, it ended in tears as Nick and I cradled Baby Girl between us talking about you.  We love you Dad and we promise Eloise will know about you and the amazing man you were.

#269 of 365~Garden Walk

This last weekend, Eloise and I picked up our "Crazy Greats" and headed to Lincoln to check out the Sunken Gardens before they faded into Winter's dreary mess. There was a lot of posing for pictures and crazy antics trying to get baby girl to smile.  It was a beautiful day to make some memories.

Hanging with Aunt Dawn and checking out the flowers with Aunt Sheila

We love our Great!

#265 of 365-Girls Weekend/Part Three

The pictures pretty much speak for themselves.  Lunch at T-Rex! 

Cousin Aston practicing with Eloise, he's going to be a big brother!

LOVE this crew!

#264 of 365-Girl's Weekend/Part Two

Our first full day of Girl's Tip '15 started off at the Renaissance Fair. This is seriously one of the best festivals as there are professional actors, entertainers, and musicians.  The food is amazing and it's an all around good time.  Baby Love came dressed to impress complete with a crotchet crown.  We were stopped probably 50 times from people asking where we got the crown or bowing to the "princess."  She may have slept through out a lot of the day, but she was also alert and watchful.

Family fun, talking with Prince Charming, and target practice.

Our mermaid baby met a few of her kind and Auntie Ray and I took her to a ride we remembered from our childhood.

Mother Goose and MyMy, Pickle time, Family love, and a Jousting match

Girls just want to have fun!

#263 of 365-Girls Weekend/Part 1

Girls weekend began playing around with a selfie-stick and a 3-hour drive to Kansas City!

After checking into the hotel, we drove to Lee Summit to meet up with our family friend Lo and her her crew.  While waiting for our table, we hung out at the children's store next door and had fun picking out shoes and fancy things for lil miss. This picture cracks me up every time I see it!

As we waited, we munched on warm hand-made tortilla's served through a window in the wall.  Once we sat in the festive room, we were given complimentary queso, chips, and salsa!  Seriously, we each were given our OWN dishes of salsa and queso!  We also received free sopapilla's after an amazing dinner.  We may have also celebrated Racheal's "birthday" just to see what they did.  It was a fun way to kick off the weekend and we loved seeing Lo and her growing family. The night ended with PJ's, listening to Baby Love "talk," and lots of laughs.