The Arch with Gamma

Off we go...it was a chilly, overcast day; but we set out for the arch and we were not disappointed! The whole arch area is beautiful and full of color. It was a weekday, so the crowd was small and the wait time to go up into the top of the arch was not long at all. The kids had a meltdown the first time we went to the arch (because the wait time was more than an hour and a half and we just didn't want to wait), so they were excited to be going up, not to mention Gamma was with us.

our walk down to the arch

the kiddos and Gamma at the base

~ J and J doing their best to climb up~

I love this of Jamison looking at the small replica of the riverfront/arch area

Jordi & Daddy while we were waiting for our turn to go up

This is the VERY SMALL space we were in for the 4 minute ride to the top; I didn't like it so much! After snapping this shot, there was barley enough time and space for me to get in. I later saw the sign that said not to take photos while getting in the tram/elevator due to the short boarding time...oops! The highest point in the arch is 630 feet, pretty high up. It was nice to look out over the city and river, not to mention the views of the pretty trees (I know, I'm obsessed with the changing of the leaves)!!!

J and baby J looking out

view from the top

Pumpkins and Apples

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the colors, the scents that accompany the season, and I love the crisp air (which is totally here in O'Fallon). For me, Fall and thanksgiving go hand in hand. I find myself constantly giving praise and thanks to the Lord as I see the beauty of the season unfold. I see His amazing handiwork all around me, and I think it's a great time to teach the kids about creation and celebrating God's creation.

Another thing I love about fall is pumpkins!!! I was thrilled to find that we have a beautiful pumpkin patch (and apple orchard) near us. The name of it is Eckert's; it's the coolest place. They have a market there with delicious meat, pastries, fruits, veggies, cookbooks, homemade fudge and much more. There is also a restaurant.We've eaten there twice now. The food is just all-right. But the show stopper is the fried biscuits and home made apple butter that's served with your meal Seriously, I could eat a million of those biscuist! Between the market, restaurant, pumpkins, and apples, we made a day of it!

We took a hayride to the apple orchards. The kids were so excited to have their own bag and to pick their own apples. Jamison picked most of his from the ground (they were all bad ones); I had to weed through his bag! They told us we could try apples and eat them as we picked; I think my family ate a minimum of 20, no kidding. I suppose there is nothing better than picking your apple right from the tree and eating it! When we got home, we unloaded the apples into a bowl, and what do you know...there were at least 5 apples that had been bitten into in just one place; I think Jamison was to blame! That's okay though, at least he does love apples. We are still eating our bountiful supply of apples, and we even made a crock pot of applesauce. We've discovered it's super good mixed in oatmeal and on peanut butter toast!

Gamma was HERE!

The big news in our house is that Gamma was here! We had a wonderful 10 day visit with Mama, aka, Gamma. The kids couldn't wait to pick her up from the airport and bring her home. Thank you Daddy for sharing her with us for 10 whole days. Jannah still doesn't understand why she couldn't stay for 11 days, or 1oo (her own words). Our days were spent having fun and sprinkled with some lazy times too. I loved having Mama around. We were able to spend time chatting, drinking coffee, shopping, watching HGTV every night before bed... Greg treated us to a day alone in St. Louis; in return, Mama kept the kids for G and I to go out. I liked the living situation...mama, when will you be back??

Jamison is 2!!!

5 days old

My heart is happy and sad when I see this picture at just 5 days old. I rejoice for the many memories we have made with Jamison, but I'm sad to see how quickly time has gone by. How can it be that my baby is now two? It seems like just yesterday, while living in Korea, I gave birth to him. I'm so thankful to be able to stay home with my children and give them the love and attention they need. Yes, it can be overwhelming; but, I wouldn't change it for anything! Because, time does fly by.

My happy 1 year old. Honestly, he was such a happy, fun loving baby. While living in Korea, our friends gave him the love that our far away family couldn't...thanks friends!

Energetic 2 year old! He has enough energy to keep up with the big kids. He may be little, but that doesn't stop him from doing what they do. He is still ever so passionate about balls, or anything that resembles one. He likes bugs, especially stomping on them. He gives lots of kisses and snuggles. His Nina (Jannah) and Jordy (Jordan) are his best friends. He has also decided he likes motorcycles...must have a need for speed. He likes to play baseball and football...he would surprise you with his abilities!!! He likes to draw...on everything and anything, which can be a problem sometimes. He loves band aids (there's no need for a boo boo to have one) and brushing his teeth. Food, there's not much he won't eat...he's the biggest eater in the house. He has beautiful brown eyes that pierce straight into my heart. We love our baby J so much. I thank God for letting me be his mother, this side of heaven.