Fall is here!!

Eskimo kisses

happily swinging with daddy

these are the pretty bushes right outside our back door.  

our pumpkin plant finally has baby pumpkins!

It's definitely sweater weather up here in MI and I have to say I'm kind of excited about it so far.  One thing I'm not so excited about is that the low tomorrow night is 33!!!!  That is one degree from freezing y'all.  And it's only SEPTEMBER!    Most people have said it typically doesn't snow till after Thanksgiving but right now I'm having a hard time believing that.  I will say the weather change is getting me excited about pumpkin bread and pumpkin spice lattes among other fall-y things, that is for sure.  

Happy Fall Y'all!

Lately

Not much to report here lately.  We had a pretty low-key weekend since Michael was on call on Friday night.  He's been pretty BUSY at work with call every third night.  In other words, I'm ready for this month to be over!  

Kirby has kept us busy with lots of playing outside which I can't complain about because I am really enjoying this Fall weather.  It is the first time we've lived somewhere with a true Fall and I am amazed at how the leaves are already so beautiful.  I know it's only going to get better so I'll have to get out and take some pictures soon.

Thanks for checking in on us!    

the end.

The end of something very BIG happened in our house this week.  I didn't think I would be saying this for a long time but we no longer have a thumb sucker.  Luke has had a stuffy nose (I think he's getting his eye teeth) and wasn't able to breathe well while sucking his thumb so he all of a sudden stopped.  I don't even think he remembers how because I tried to show him when he was having a hard time going to sleep yesterday and he just looked at me like "what are you doing to me?"  

I have very mixed feelings about this because I am glad we won't have to break him of the habit down the road, but I am SAD because it's one more daily reminder that he is turning into a big boy.  I don't think I've ever mentioned it on here, but he still loves to pinch elbow fat.  He started saying the word elbow when he needs a little security blanket in the last month or so which is really cute.   I looked back through my pictures and found these of our little thumb sucker. :(  It's a sad sad day.

the end.

a boy's best friend

Well, we caved! We went and picked up the newest member of the Merrick family last night and I must say she's pretty cute. :) Michael and I had been thinking about getting a puppy since before we made the move, but after Aunt Valerie came to visit we decided we were ready. (she's a major dog lover and convinced me it would be GREAT!)

So, Kirby is a six week old yellow lab puppy and is Luke's favorite thing on earth right now. Cute story, I had been showing Luke a picture of Kirby for the last two weeks and telling him her name, but thought for sure he didn't understand. Well as soon as the breeder put her in my arms Luke pointed to her and said "Kirber." He totally got it! Then he got a little jealous and wanted me to hold him instead, but I thought it was soooo cute.


Anyways, here are some pictures.

Excited to meet her!

Checking this new "thing" out.

She follows him everywhere!

Best buds already.

Hook 'em Horns

Not being in Texas for football season this year is a little sad I must admit.  They don't even broadcast Texas games up here much.  We're in Wolverine/Spartan Country now.   The boys sported their orange this weekend and I think we need to order a Longhorn flag to fly in front of the house.  I'm pretty sure we'd have the only one around here,  doing the Horns proud.  :)  

Sweet Friends

Two of my best friends and bridesmaids, Morgan and Kelly, made the trip from Texas to come see us for this long weekend!  It was as much fun as I anticipated with lots of girl time spent shopping, chatting, and eating!  We packed alot in just a few days and I hope they loved their first trip to the great state of Michigan.  (The greatest state still being Texas, don't worry.)  

Great friends are such a blessing from the Lord and I am so grateful that they made the trip to come see us up here.   Here is a recap of their trip in pictures.  

We tried to go to an apple orchard but it was closed.  Bummer. Made for a cute photo op though.

Hanging out in the backyard

Fun dinner