Floridians + Fall Mountain Leaves= Lots of Pictures

We took an unexpected trip to Franklin, North Carolina this month. Ed's parents usually spend the month of October in the mountains at their cabin. While they were there, Ed's dad became very sick and we drove up to help them drive back home. He's doing much better now. While we were there, we were able to see the leaves changing colors and do a few fall activities that we don't normally get to do in Florida.

Ella got some more pumpkin lovin'. She did this last year too, I don't know why but when she sees a "pukin" she's just gotta love on it!
I sure wish she'd do this on our potty at home!We found a beautiful park on the lake.... ...and Claire discovered static electricity!!

If you're throwing rocks in the lake and one doesn't go as far as you want it to then.... just walk right out, pick it up, and try again!!
Colored leaves were a huge fascination. and so was a dirt hill with no ants..(mommy had to just look away)

Milestones

We've had a few firsts around here. Which is always a reminder that the girls are growing up way too quickly.

Claire lost her first tooth...

Here's the old smile

Here's the new smile

Ella has moved out of her crib into a big girl bed...

Here's why she is no longer in her crib

Here's her first night in her new bed

The girls now share a room so we finally have a guest bedroom again!

There's never enough hours in the day...

...for a two year old to run out of things to do!
Like figuring out how to open the baby powder...
feeding a stuffed friend--what else?-more stuffing!.... ...swingin....

shopping with two purses.... stealing Mommy's milkshake....a little horsebackriding (emphasis on little)....
and catching some z..z..z's!

One Last Big Hurrah

Our season passes at Disney were expiring so we decided to take one last trip. We got a great deal and stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Our room overlooked the Sahara, so we were able to see the animals from our balcony which was way cool! We spent the mornings at the pool and went to the parks after nap time and stayed until closing. We had a great time. Goodbye sweet Disney getaways you will be missed.

Ella is crazy about Minnie Mouse. We waited in line to meet her and Mickey but it was so worth it to see her so star struck!

Claire's First Day of Kindergarten

Claire is now a schoolgirl!! She was so excited about starting Kindergarten and could not wait to get to school. She loves her teacher and had a great day and mommy only got a little choked up once! We had a "First Day of School" celebration after dinner tonight and surprised Claire. Unfortunately, school has been cancelled tomorrow because of Tropical Storm, "Fay", so it's back to staying home tomorrow. Hopefully, Wednesday we will be back to our new routine.

Our "First Day of School" cake from SuperWalMart...
Ella reaping the benefits of her sister's hard work...