Adventures around town

This past Sunday morning Ashley suggested we check out the Lexington County Museum to get ideas for our house. So while other families were in church, our's was walking around this really amazing piece of property in the heart of Lexington. I shared more images on That New House if you're interested. Here is Levi, checking out the Potato House--sized perfectly for a 2 year-old!

Ashley and his boys.

Mason had a big time in the stroller (and later crawling on the porch).

Beautiful fall color.

I love this picture of Levi gazing over the white picket fence. Of course, I was trying to get him to come but he wasn't. I'm trying to encourage him to to listen better (and respond positively). Ah toddlerhood!

Every year Ashley's parents like to take a family picture to send out with the company Christmas letter. This year we thought it would be most fitting to have just Robert and Debbie with their five grands. Robert pulled his truck around back and everyone loaded up. Carey and I took a ton of pictures--and I think most probably turned out like this one!

But this one looks really nice. What a great group!

We tried to get a few of Levi and Mason.

Ashley was hunkered down in the passenger seat, trying to hold Mason in place. But both boys are wiggly worms when it comes time for pictures!

Mallory needed her time with Mason--the M Cousins.

Levi is wearing John Deere overalls that were Ryan's. Love them!

7 month-old Mason!

So there's a lot to report about 7 month-old Mason. He's fully sitting up. He has 2 front teeth. He eats a lot. He continues to sleep well at night but has a sporadic nap schedule (working on that). And thanks to his newly acquired skill, crawling, he's about to be into everything. From the very beginning, Mason has been a mover. When he spent his first night in his crib (a few days old), he scared me because he moved and lodged himself the bumper. He's STRONG and if he has his mind on something, he's reaching for it. Case in point, the "Today I Am" sign.

Everything goes in his mouth. Everything. You have to watch him!

We went to the Zoo this morning with my friend Elizabeth.

This is the first picture of the boys at the elephant statue. I foresee many future photos here.

This post is about Mason...but I couldn't resist sharing this tidbit about the giraffe platform. Chrissy, the giraffe on the left, was very interested in Levi. So much so that she tried to nibble his hat! I spent $2 on the giraffe lettuce to feed her after that!

Mason and Elizabeth. She has been such a good friend and loves my boys.

Ah, Mason!

The day was ending and we tried a picture in the tub. Levi got tickled trying to hold the sign.

Mason wanted it.

And he got it. Yum.

Working on the land

We've been busy on the land. You'll have to check out my That New House blog to see what's really going. But here are a few pictures of some fun things, such as Levi practicing his John Deere driving skills.

Da (Ashley's dad) has been so wonderful about helping us on the land. I think he loves this project as much as we do.

The fall color on our land is so beautiful. Fall used to be my favorite season, especially when that meant running cross country in high school. But then I started to like the green-ness of spring. But I think I'm back to being a fall convert after spending time on our land (and being nostalgic about spending the Fall of 2004 engaged to Ashley).

I use the double jogger A LOT. It's a great way to corral the boys, especially Levi when he doesn't want to leave and I'm ready to go!

Here's Mason being Mason. He is a funny boy! This is one of his silly faces that cracks me up! And his overalls are so cute (a gift to Levi his first Christmas from Jeanette and Uncle Jack).

And who can resist a naked baby butt?

Or a really happy baby who has learned to crawl?

Or a super happy baby who is starting to learn to pull up? Thanks, Aunt Carey, for letting us borrow this GREAT monkey ball tower. Both boys LOVE it.

Back to the land....the drive out there is pretty. Someday you'll have to come visit if you haven't already!

Levi staking the corner. Yes, we're getting ready to build!

Solemn Mason...it was getting late and I journeyed out to the land by myself with the boys one afternoon/evening while Ashley was hunting. Mason was tired and hungry by the time we got home.

Last Sunday morning when we drove out to the land, a coyote was standing at the edge of the woods. A coyote. A big one. I didn't get a picture then but here are its footprints. Deer tracks were also near these. I'm looking forward to Levi and Mason being able to check out all these cool things every day in a couple of months!

Sesame Street: Will.i.am's Song "What I Am"

Things that make me smile...

Mason munching on Gerber Puffs, the first time he's successfully managed to get them in (and on) his mouth!

This song by Will.i.am (Black-Eyed Peas) is so catchy and fun to dance to with the boys that I had to look it up on YouTube and share. Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!

What a full week we had with Halloween celebrations (and a friend's birthday party)! Debbie kicked off the holiday with her now annual Spooky Supper for the family. Ryan and Mallory were dressed like pirates. I think Weston was a football player? Mason and Levi were going to be lions but it was too hot to put on their costumes. Levi sported his overalls (which he wore for his school's Scarecrow Day) and a cute bowler hat.
Debbie made so many cool treats for us, including blood-shot eyes (deviled eggs), mummies (hotdogs wrapped in crescent rolls), and these Sweet Potato Aliens.
Here's a random picture showing how Levi loves to use all of Mason's toys.
And Mason with the pumpkin that motivated him a week ago to sit up on his own.
Levi sporting his new Elmo slippers. Every kid needs a pair of character bedroom slippers (and a pair of flashy, light-up sneakers--purchased on this week's Target excursion).
Saturday night we went out to the Rawl's to celebrate Hunter's 3rd birthday. It was such a fun time--Lyndsey put a lot of effort into planning the party, including having pumpkins for the dads and kids to carve.
Lyndsey is expecting Baby #2. We're really excited for them! This picture reminded me of one from my blog in its beginning- http://annamcleod.blogspot.com/2006/01/new-years-in-lexington-county.html
Sunday night was Halloween! And because we live in a great little neighborhood, Levi got to experience the fun of trick or treating. Here the boys are, ready to go. Mason had a fuzzy lion outfit to wear but it was too thick. He was happy as a pumpkin elf!
Here are the pumpkins Ashley carved. On the back of Levi's is a Tiger Paw. I should have done a Tar Heel on the other one!
Here's the loot! Levi LOVED going to the houses and ringing the doorbell for candy. And I loved getting to meet some more of our neighbors (mostly folks our age).
Mason's hair got a touch of electricity! He also enjoyed the evening!
Levi munching on a Dum Dum.
This pumpkin's glowing amazed me! It's one from McBee. A perfect Halloween pumpkin!