Thanksgiving with the Henderson Family

Thankful

Happy Birthday Ellie Mae

And just like that, she turned 3! We were lucky to have lots of friends and family "swing on by" to celebrate Ellie's 3rd birthday. I am happy and sad all at the same time that she is growing up. I love how independent she is, but at the same time wish she needed me as much as she did this time last year. Her personality is funny because she is such a good mix of us. She is a rule follower (like her Mommy), loves chocolate (like her Daddy), is sensitive (like her Mommy), is independent (like her Daddy), and loves to spend time with her friends and family (like her Mommy and Daddy). I am adjusting to her dressing like a big girl, and SLOWLY moving away from dressing her in all smocked clothing. She owns almost as many pairs of jeans as her Daddy now!

Ariel the Fish

We had our first (I am sure of many) pet" experience for Ellie and like all other fall festival fish, she did not survive. She was a sweet fish for the 2 days. We explained that MeMe was taking care of her in Heaven. That did not go over so well...

We love Fall!

It's our favorite time of year and are loving this weather (not loving our football season). Ellie celebrated with her CEE friends at their fall party! I've never been able to attend her parties in past years due to work... It was nice to contribute and attend this year. Such a cute little class. Some of these kids have been together since they were 3 months old. We are happy that 2 girls have outnumbered class bringing the total to 3... And 8 boys!

Pap and Tambry visited this weekend and we loved having no plans! We shopped, ate, shopped some more, and ate some more. The most exciting part was Jay flying in Paps plane. Ellie says she will fly next week after her nap and after her cousin John Burke flies... Random!

We also gave Ellie an early birthday present - a swing set. She LOVES it for now, but I have heard that will fade soon.

Ellie turns 3 tomorrow...

Glad to be home!

I am so glad to be home for a while with no big trips coming up anytime soon. I have visited 40 schools since June after this college swing in the New England area, and I'm exhausted. Jay was a fabulous stay at home Dad while I have been away.

This was the perfect time of year to visit New Hampshire. The leaves were beautiful and the weather was near perfect everyday. I experienced two "firsts" on this trip... my first Ivy League school - Dartmouth and my first earthquake - 4.6! Such a different atmosphere at these schools compared to southern schools. College football is not a big deal up there... Strange to see ice hockey rinks instead of football stadiums on campus!

Coming up - fall parties, Pap's plane, Halloween, and Ellie's 3rd birthday.