Fall for Family

It's finally starting to feel a little like fall around here. The air is fresh and crisp on the mornings; the temperatures are maxing out around 70. The leaves are wearing their vibrant coats of yellow and orange. Pumpkins and mums adorn front porches. It's a beautiful time of year with lots of fun events and traditions for the family.

Saturday started in the most glorious way.  The hubby whispered that he was getting up with the kids, so I could get some extra rest. After rolling out of bed at 8:15 (yes, that's sleeping in!), the aroma of coffee and pancakes beckoned me to the kitchen. The kids had already eaten and were playing in the den. I got to enjoy every sweet bite without interruption. Pure heaven!

After breakfast, Parker went down for his nap, and the big boys took off to the grocery store for some ingredients we forgot the day before (can you say mommy brain!).  You would think I'd sit down to enjoy the peace and quiet, but that didn't happen. It was time to start laundry for the day and to start some monogramming.  The morning came and went tying up loose ends around the house. After a family walk, we got cleaned up for my sister, BIL, niece, and nephew. They came up to let the kids play, watch Clemson football, and eat!

For those of you who don't know, Jared is an awesome cook (and most likely the reason P's weight is hanging on to my hips!). He got up early to start cooking his annual batch of apple butter.  Then, he put Venison Chilli on the stove to simmer all day.  This chilli is so full of flavor with just the right amount of kick. He topped it off by making his Momma's cornbread in the skillet. 

On Sunday we went to church and then headed to Spartanburg. The boys had some time with Daddy while I visited with friends. We all gathered to celebrate the adoption of Weston. Out sweet friends Derek and Karilyn have the sweetest, most previous little boy. He is the answer to many, many prayers. You can tell he knows he is SO loved; he's just so content and snuggly. If you'd like to read their amazing story, check out Parker Baby or Bust.

I just love these girls to pieces!  No matter how much time goes by in between visits, we pick up like we haven't missed a beat. Laughter abounds whenever we get together!

After Weston's Sip-N-See, I met back up with the boys at my grandmother's house. We visited for a bit before making a pit stop in Gaffney to see Kelly and her family and finally arrived back at home to crash!

This time of year is crazy busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way!  Life is short; spend it with those you love!