All Aboard!

To kick off the holiday season, we booked a ride on the polar express. Finn wasn't familiar with the film at all, and the book, only a bit, but given the premise involves trains, Santa Claus, and hot chocolate, he caught on pretty quickly. What a wonderful ride.

Despite the rain, he's thrilled

On board and ready to go

little cookie monster chomping way

Santa and the proud recipient of a silver bell

thank you santa!

Finn's buddies, Sparkle and Glitter

A quick stop for dinner at the West Baden hotel, and this elf is D.O.N.E.

little turkey

We celebrated, feasted, and gave thanks in Atlanta this November. Our days were filled with fun, and it was especially great to see and play live with the family and friends whom we only see on computer screens and in photos most of the year. Some highlights of the trip are featured in the photos here.

playing with Aunt Anne

Starting a family band

so sweet!

in so many ways, but especially in the photo, he is his father's son

visiting an idol at the Atlanta Center for Puppetry Arts

and another

busily helping Uncle Stephen and Aunt Jenny choose their christmas tree

The little elf heading home from the airport

Where are the toys?

Finn loves celebrating birthdays. And when he learned his dad's birthday was approaching his first question was, "Can I eat it?" I have to think Finn's mind was on the cake, so he and I spent the day baking. To celebrate, Finn sang, blew out candles, and shared gifts, kisses, and tons of hugs. Clark received some great gifts this year, but Finn was NOT IMPRESSED. With gift wrap and ribbons covering the floor at the end of the night, Finn looked bewildered and asked, "But where are the toys?"

Macaroni and cheese. That's a dinner celebration for everyone!

Perhaps the highlight of Finn's evening

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Here, I'll help you.

A book! from me to you. 

Greek Monster

Halloween has quickly become my favorite holiday of the year with a little one, and this year did not disappoint. Finnegan was busy practicing his ring bearing duties on the 31st (more about that in a future post), so we trick or treated a few days early on Greek Row at Indiana University. As festive as our neighborhood is, I'm so glad to have celebrated with the IU undergrads. They were amazing! Everyone was so kind to Finn- oohing and ahhing over his costume, hugging and giving high fives. (And mom offers a big thank you for many many reese's cups you put in his basket). Thank you IU Greeks! We will see you again next year!

Getting ready to hit the road for greek row. 

but first a quick shot by our pumpkin

I think Finn might have been ready to move right in. 

Cookie twins!

A little treat from Finn's cookie twin

Those houses are big and a little far apart, so the monster hitched a ride.

I mean, does it get any better?!

This little monster's no dummy- always keep an eye on the candy.

This. Melts. Me.

Thanks for this, Ann Shertz.

pumpkin!

I know I've said it before, but geez, aren't kids and pumpkins cute together?!

Ready to search out the perfect pumpkin

So many choices

this is the one!

at this point, he's rethinking his choice. Perhaps something smaller?

Summer days drifting' away

It's officially fall, and while I'm excited to sit by the fire in the evening and hear the crunch of leaves during our walks, I'm lamenting the quick transition from long days and evening meals on the deck. This is why I've FINALLY uploaded photos from those last days of summer. And we ended it with a bang! The county fair, our second annual attendance at the Bloomington balloon festival, and a visit from nonnie and papaw. And then we blinked, and I was buying hats and mittens at the IU bookstore because Finn was completely underdressed for the 5th annual IU Whirlpool Habitat house dedication.   So happy fall! 

The fair never disappoints. The cows were a favorite, but so was the turkey and the baby owl. 

A nightly occurrence through July...

...and August

Celebrating Papaw's Birthday!

Day trip to Appleworks Orchard. Where there are apples and chickens

and sheep

and (hungry) goats

and a train (!!!)

Back at the balloon festival

We brought friends this year

Ending the season with some baseball

And now we're here. 

Here's to fall!