Aunt Mandie & Uncle James' Wedding

November 4th was the big day for this couple and Mark and I had the honor to stand up with them for their big day. It was a great day off for Mark and I. We dropped the girls off early and enjoyed breakfast before all the festivities started. Then off to the salon I went to get a "blow out" as they kept telling me it was called?! Next Mark and I headed to the hall to start our beauty process. Well beauty process for me and the girls whereas Mark was just helping keep the boys on a timeline...parenting skill I guess :) Luckily my parents were able to come in town to help with the crazies...they made it through the ceremony with only one sound. The reception my dad, mom, and I spent keeping the kids out of James and Mandies' arms because that's the only place they wanted to be!!! They made it till the party stopped, in pjs by the end but staying happy and dancing like nobody was watching. It was a great evening. I will have to scan our pictures from the photo booth at some point- they are special :)

The hall was gorgeous, perfect in every way. The bridal party had a little area to prep in which was handy!

James' sister, Jennifer and Rhonda strike a pose.

Jennifer and I...

Rhonda and I...

Before we headed to the park for the professional pictures we took the time to take a group shot. That would be me in heels and a fancy dress at six months pregnant- luckily the dress was able to be altered perfectly and it didn't do bad covering my figure up :)

I made Mark pose with me since we were both dressed up...and in a pretty park.

My girls are getting too big. I forced them to do a family shot (one of these looks familiar, I'll give you a hint...Christmas cards!!!!) They were so happy to be in dresses and at the party it was almost impossible to get them to sit still...

We are so blessed : )

Yes this would be the cake cutting with Hadley running through the front!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look at me and Parker breaking it down with big sis Hadlebear.

Hadley sucking Grandma Bebe onto the dance floor and Gweny working it with PawPaw.

Dancing is in her blood...

By the end of the night it was "anything goes" kind of philosophy. Gweny got ahold of ANOTHER cupcake but went straight for the frosting, and only the frosting. She is kind of delirious at this point and the pictures really show it....but she sure does love her PawPaw

It was definitely a fun evening for me and the girlies. I never really saw Mark but he passed out really quick when we got home so I'm sure he enjoyed himself!!!

Rehearsal Dinner

The wedding was November 4th so on that Thursday we got to practice then enjoy a feast. The girls were so excited about the wedding practice and wearing the dresses they picked out.  Like a bad mom I didn't bring entertainment so they were like wild animals in the small ceremony room but that's what keeps it interesting :) If we didn't have another one on the way I wouldn't be able to stand how big these girls are. It absolutely melts my heart. They are completely their own individuals and their personality differences shine through all the time. Sassy and playful Gweny wanted the hair done to the max, and her little country chic dress with skinny jeans underneath. All for Uncle Jiptz...

 Of course we had to eat something before because my kids are maniacs...meaning food all over her outfit too...and her face!

Hadley wanted a bow, fancy and reserve my Hadley girl is. She chose the dress to wear for the night. Dad thought it looked like PJs but I thought she was precious...

All about doing "a show" Hadley had to get on the stage/platform to start the singing and dancing show...

At dinner all the kiddos had to take the cameras and get crazy shots.

Gweny tried so hard to take a picture. Her hand of course is on the left, but I just adore Hadley's face here.

Gweny was willing to take the pictures but soooo mad at the thought of being in the pictures...

I wish I could say holiday pictures are next, but after a filled Thanksgiving weekend I realized I didn't get my camera out one time. Mark had his Ipod so I know we got a few shots with Great Grandma Lucy that I will post later. We crammed a lot of playtime in with the nieces and nephews and definitely enjoyed counting our blessings :)
 Also we started the hunt for houses back home...finding what we hope/think could be our future home!!!!!!!!!!!! Granted the stars have to align, but it doesn't mean we can't hope and pray that this is our path to get back to my roots :)

Fall Festivities

Prior to Halloween Mark's friend has us downtown to his gallery to do a pumpkin carving with the crazy kiddos. The gallery actually just took about 25 of Mark's pieces to sell on consignment...my husband, the woodturning artist. We are so proud of him, he has been down there a few times to meet people during open hours and get his work and name out there. Apparently he is really good at what he does.

 The website for the gallery is under construction but here is the link...eventually it will be up and running again: http://cincyworkshop.com/

Basically Mark and I carved pumpkins and the girls stabbed the pumpkins, ate snacks or played with the other kids.

The pumpkins were supposed to be a G and an H but Mark got a little crazy and went out of bounds...

 A couple of nights later it was time for the big night...with my matching ladybugs :)

Hadley would run up and say "trick or treat," then sprint away yelling "mooooore candy." Next Gweny would stroll up. Say "pease. thanx. and bye bye." They were the perfect combo. I figured  we would last maybe an hour (okay maybe I hoped that was all because me and my big ol' belly weren't gonna last long). Luckily Uncle James and Aunt Mandie came along to help carry :) We made it the full two hours...

What Mommy?

Let's Trick or Treat already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Started out happy and in the wagon!

Ended on shoulders :)

Last was going through the goods....trying to sneak as many pieces as they could while we were distracted...

 Good Stuff, which I'm sure will last waaaaay to long. But as Hadley reminds us frequently, "I sure love candy mommy."

Fall Pics

Now that I spent the entire weekend painting the outside of our house and hanging up Christmas decorations, I feel the need to post my fall pictures ha.

Mae and Hadley are both getting so big...bad timing on our trips home we never got our usual shot with all the kiddos- Evan and Ella. Darn weather, timing, and schedules.

 I'm still taken back seeing Mason running with the crew...can he be that grown up already?

 Brief moment with all four looking, well looking somewhere and standing somewhat close.

Result of Grandma and Jessica doing crazy dance moves in the back ground....

 Combo of a pose and a..."what the heck am I doing in the grass Aunt Jackie?"