Happy Veteran's Day.

I pink puffy heart my handsome soldier.

Being an army wife, Veteran's Day has special meaning to me. My heart, my hero, my favorite Vet is my own husband. I could never do his job. I could never walk in those boots. I could never deploy from my family for months at a time. But he does it. He makes those sacrifices for us, and for the everyday person to live with freedom. Proud can't even begin to describe how I feel about him. I was looking through old blog posts and came across this one and this one. Both were homecomings for our family. I know we are beyond blessed to have him home safe, and we will forever keep in our hearts and minds the soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

I am beyond grateful for every serviceman and woman out there defending our country. Past and present. Most are modest and never want a thank you or expect one. But they all certainly deserve one. 

Happy Veteran's Day. God Bless America!

Fall Fun Continues!

On our way to church, we passed a park that the kids love to go to "because it has a merry go round". I told them if they behaved during mass we could go to the park afterwards while daddy went to play ice hockey. Little did they know that I really just took note of the pretty fall leaves on the ground and thought "one more quick shoot before our fall is long gone"...and the forecast is calling for SNOW on Tuesday soooooo yeah...winter is just a stone's (snowball?) throw away! It didn't really matter if they behaved in church or not. We were going to go have some fun before I become a recluse and hibernate all winter. For an extra $7 the local grocery store delivers. The liquor store delivers. We have a milkman. I'm pretty sure I am set to not leave the house until March or so ;)

 This boy is such a chill baby. He's just checking to make sure his sisters are within his view

 Some days, I do believe Madeline is truly a beach babe. Where there is sand...she will play. 

 Ella took this one:) I love that she said "mom...you need to be in a picture, too!"

 I told them to just run free in the field at the park

 I don't know the story behind the giant boulder, but it makes a great prop and place to rest.

 Madeline kept saying "I just can't climb it...I need help."

 Look of a triumphant smile spreads across her little face!

 I wish this picture was in focus. But you can see he loves me:)

 There is a lot of room to run around. Can you spot the girls? Ha!

 That tree can grow to be 100 feet!

I swear she poses all on her own. Makes it easy.

 Oh Fall. I love YOU! 

 PS. They all behaved beautifully in church;) 

Fall Fun!

After Ella's soccer lunch, when we were pulling into our neighborhood, I saw a beautiful spot behind the Eisenhower House to take pictures. As soon as we got home I loaded the kids in the stroller and took a quick walk. I know I am far from a professional, but I wanted to capture how pretty this state is in autumn. The bright reds, yellows, and oranges surround this beautiful area. I swear I have thought about pulling over dozens of times to take pictures of random trees to capture their colors, but I never do. That's why when I saw this spot in our neighborhood, I had to take advantage of it. I know in a few more weeks the leaves will have completely fallen, leaving the trees bare and me nostalgic for this colorful season.

 Why's everybody always leaving me? -Sam

 They can't possibly trust me with all of these leaves.

 Hey guys...seriously. I might eat this. 

 Ummmm anyone else see that "orb" on Sam's head? I believe in ghosts. 

 I adore their relationship. I can only hope they are this close and this sweet to one another forever. 

Red Dragons!

The Red Dragons have officially ended their soccer season. Only losing one game, this team rocked. I would say 90% of the games were spent in our offensive half. Our goalies would be picking flowers (or their noses) bored out of their minds! I'm proud of Ella for giving soccer another shot. I'm all about any sport that keeps our kids active. However, I am quite happy to have our Saturday mornings back to being lazy. Especially since the colder weather is rolling on in.

Can I still be a soccer mom though?

Ella's coach is an executive chef here at two restaurants in town so he invited the team for lunch and cake to celebrate a winning season. Did we luck out or what??

Love how he had all kid-friendly foods! Us adults got to order off the delicious menu!

Ella and her buddy Lauren

The team + some siblings;)

Coach Chris giving a speech

Hello Fall in Newport:)