Okay everyone, stop your gripin' - I'm back on the blog (at least for the moment)! I know it's been over a month since I've regularly blogged (as
many of you have reminded me). But before I get pictures and more on here, I'm going to tell you
why I've been absent.
Super SeptemberIt started with my mother (bless her heart!) and a super-quickie deadline for Coke. Mom was here to help me get through the first part of that, as well as odds and ends during the couple weeks leading up to Tyler's birthday. Anyone who knows me ... knows I don't stop, and can you guess where I get it? In the midst of working on my project for Coke, Mom and I accomplished several projects here ... including some SUPER-cute capes for Tyler's birthday party (you'll see them in an upcoming post). We also held a monster tailgate, that wrapped up three home football game weekends in a row (tailgate pictures also to follow). So - not to blame mom, but when you have a partner in crime whose project tolerance is higher than yours ... it's very easy to fall off of the blog-bandwagon. After mom returned to Orlando, we held Tyler's Superman birthday party, and celebrated him turning THREE for what seemed like two weeks straight with various friends and family. To add some excitement to that busy stretch, my Coke deadline was put on hold ... then suprisingly jumpstarted at the last minute (it got done in time though!) and everyone got sick.
Overloaded OctoberLet's see ... there have been a few get togethers with girlfriends (don't worry! for me ... not Dennis!), children's plays to attend, an acting stint with a local production company (Dennis and I both participated), a couple date nights (Dennis and I felt the need to get out and breathe!), picture days, school field trips, a long weekend in Orlando that included trips to Disney and Sea World (pictures will post ... I promise) and ended with me turning, well ... old! I also felt the need to consign (and shop) at the fall One Week Boutique. And, we've been enjoying Halloween season (a couples costume party last weekend, decorating) and the increasingly crisp fall air that kept us outside nearly all day Sunday!
Hello! My Name is Mandy and I'm a Committment-a-holic! Oh, I've had a few other things on my plate recently. Yes ... it's MY fault. My plate is full because I'm a frequent guest at the committment buffet! This past month I have gotten very involved in additional projects at Tyler's preschool, began helping with the Sunday School program at our church, continued my weekly volunteer gig at Abby's school, got involved in the PTO, began working with a personal trainer a couple times a week (and have tried to keep up my daily workouts as well), AND I've gotten a glimpse of my job for the next 13 years ... driving children to and fro (to and from school, to activities, to birthday parties, etc.) Needless to say, all of this (and the REALLY good fall TV schedule) has made me want to just become a couch potato in the evenings.
OKAY ... thanks for reading. Many of you probably just skimmed, which is fine. Regardless, you've saved me lots of explanation in the entries I PROMISE to begin posting this afternoon. Did I mention, poor Tyler is home sick today?! We have an appointment in a half hour to have his throbbing ear checked. I have had the luxury of being online because the poor thing has been napping for the last hour. I must run, because I promised Abby I'd string some pearls to "fancy" up her Halloween costume for this afternoon's Petite Players Halloween party! Too-da-loo!
Before the Wake Forest game, Abby and her friend Anabelle attended a cheerleading clinic, organized by the FSU cheerleaders themselves. 
They were pumped to learn cheers and jump ... which they showed off at the end of the clinic during a giant pep rally! 
I think this might have been from the second home game, but it was cute ... so I had to post it. Tyler and I had been talking about Seminole warpaint at some point the week before the game, so when we were at the stadium that Saturday, he knew he MUST have his face painted by a Lady Spirithunter. But, wouldn't you know, we couldn't find one! After searching high and low, we happened across a nice young lady who made Tyler look like a true Seminole fan! 
One of the main reasons we organized the tailgate was to wish Aaron's good friend, Hardee Bass, well with his upcoming marriage (Aaron participated in Hardee's bachelor weekend!), our tailgate was attended by a lot of little kids. And they were big fans of the the pinata from the party the night before.
We ended up with quite a crowd: some of Aaron's friends, some of Abby's friends, some of Dennis' friends he hadn't seen for awhile. We were even lucky enough to visit with Stephanie and Jinsue Park and their cute twins. Jenn got to catch up with Steph a bit more than I did, but I'm hoping to get to spend some time with Steph soon. Maybe a trip to Atlanta is in order!
Tyler is all about trains, but the other big request this year was for a fire truck. Aaron gave him a big truck that knocked his socks off, and Grammy and Grandan outfitted Ty with the firefighter getup. Both are still favorites, but the fire truck is seriously wearing a track in our carpet. Every night around dinnertime (because that's when we're the most cool, calm and collected and are not trying to accomplish ANYTHING right!) he starts his "laps!" Tonight, I think he made 20 or so, until I told him he HAD to stop. On the carpet is fine, but when the truck rounds the bend onto the kitchen tile, the racket is so loud I can't hear myself think!
Meredith sent these yummy kid treats up with Aaron. Story goes she attempted to write Tyler's name with some kind of syrup, but it didn't survive the trip, so Aaron made it work with Skittles!
Fun with Uncle A in the H2O! 
Anyone remember Tyler's antics at Abby's 4th birthday party? Well, Abby wasn't really sneaking here, but she tried to get him back by "tasting" HIS cake!
So long SouthWood pool (we're not really being kicked out ... I don't think!) - the season is over, we'll see you next summer! Thanks Aaron for a great party!
