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.

Wordless Wednesday

Just a few words: you just never know "who" is at our house. We have such an assortment of dress up clothes, and it's anyone's guess as to who shows up and when!

Catch-Up

About this post: catching up! I seem to be neglecting my blog as of recent. I think it might be due to trying to settle in and painting until midnight...hmm. None the less, here are some pics for your entertainment!

Stay tuned, I will post more pics of the house soon...We have been painting our room and plan to paint more this weekend. It's starting to look the way we want it to :) Getting settled takes time; why is it that I forget this every time we move??

Scott AFB hosted an Air Show last weekend, it was a gorgeous day and the weather was nothing short of perfect! We ventured out with the other bazillion folks for some good times with our eyes pointed to the sky.

Air Force PROUD!!!

Jordan was all about the Army's exhibition of parachuting...we might have a future here.

Canadian Snowbirds, they were really cool; never had a chance to see them before.

Greg and Dwayne selling lemonade to benefit their squadron at the air show...to the tune of $4.00 a cup!

Jannah in a darlin outfit made with love by Gamma!

What is Love?

Read below to see what love is to my big girl. She did this in school last week. Brought tears to my eyes, brings warmth to my heart and soul, and encourages me to be the best Mama I can be to my children.

In her very own mind and words:

Jannah + Mom = Love

Temptation: In the Eyes of a 2 Year Old

I've been busy trying to get the house decorated and fixed up. That's always fun and stressful about moving to a new place. While I was out the other day, I found this tray and decided to accent it with balls. It didn't take long at all after putting the tray out that I realized I had made a big mistake! Jamison was thrilled to see them and he was even more thrilled that his mama bought him some little "footballs". That's what he calls the little walnuts! I tried to convince him that they aren't footballs, but it's useless. He's sure they are. I keep telling him they are Mama's balls and that he can't play with them. He just stares at me. I wonder what goes through his little mind? What I don't have to wonder about is this: what is temptation to a 2 year old? Because I know what it is, it's Mama's balls!

Jamison and Mama's balls

He told me over and over and over, "footballs, Mama." He was probably wondering when I was going to get it!

Proudly holding his footballs

Good EATS

Greg had a surprise for us last weekend. He took us to Sakura Hibachi Grill, where we met some of our friends. The kids were not too excited to start with, they had different ideas of what the surprise was going to be. Me, I was excited; it was a night out, with friends, planned by my husband...what more could a girl ask for? The kids quickly decided this was a cool place, once the cook came to us and started doing that thing they do! So, this is our group, minus my dear.

Ginny and Jannah

Our dinner being prepared, it was tasty!

Myself and Tricia, who is married to Dwayne, and mother to Abbi, Ginny and Michael.

This would be J and J enjoying a caramel covered apple...yes, I finished what they left behind!

Jamison after eating a powdered donut...I think he enjoyed it...not sure:)

And there you have it...our good eats as of late!