Another busy fall weekend

Look at me being crafty (it's recycled materials too)!

What a beautiful weekend!  We couldn't have ordered better weather.  The a/c has been off for over a month now, the nights are cool and days are perfect for being out and about.  As usual we were busy and out and about all weekend.  It was my alumni homecoming weekend and they hold a science breakfast every year so we headed over there Saturday morning.  It was fun to visit and see folks.  They couldn't believe how big Gray had gotten, since he was only a couple months old this time last year.  I think my professors took more pictures of him than anyone else!  Who knows, maybe he'll be a LR bear one day and they can talk about, "I remember when you were this big. . .".

Gray looking for sticks- my professors have their fingers crossed for a botanist

Eight years ago I sat in in the second seat under the periodic chart for my Earth Science class.  Never thought my toddler would be running around the same room!

He loves stairs, and stairs keep him busy :).

This weekend was also Ocktoberfest in Hickory, so we headed out for a bit to see the madness.  Every year we go, and almost every year I am disappointed.  I have never seen so many trinkets in all my life.  Do people really buy that crap?  Isn't it supposed to be a beer festival?  Not a trinket festival?  

Afterwards we headed home, I made some more homemade salsa with tomatoes from Aunt Nita's garden and some homemade applesauce from the apples she gave us.  Yummy!

On Sunday we tried out a new church for us.  It has been almost a year since we last step foot in Grace, and we are past the healing and thrilled to have finally found a welcome and affirming church in the county.  We both liked it, and there were other little kiddos for Gray.  I think we will try it again, and just see.

You and Paw-paw

You and cousin Caitlin

We also visited with Steven's family for dinner.  It was good to get everyone together at once.  It had been a couple months since we all got to visit.  Gray, you won't remember this day, but know that you were and are very loved.  You are the ninth grandbaby for Maw-maw and Paw-paw, and just as special to them as the first. Paw-paw loves that you are named after his grandpa Cromer and loves to call you by that name (especially since it drives Maw-maw crazy).  Your cousin Aaron loves to see you, and I know he is anxious for you to play with him one day.  Your cousin Caitlin, well she just can't get enough of you.  Uncle Larry is the best at swinging you, and loves to feed you fruit loops behind my back.  Aunt Veronica, well she'll always get to be special, because she was there on your birthday.  You are loved kiddo.