Rainy Day Blues

Today was the first rainy cold day of the season. The summer is drawing to a close. How did we celebrate the cooler temperatures?

I spent some time this morning wrapped up in my favorite blanket out on the back porch. I love listening, watching, and especially smelling the rain. It was such a peaceful start to my day.

When the girls arrived home from school we jumped in the pool. Literally.

I am opposed to cold water and any cold temperature for that matter so I refused to leave the hot tub. I'm grateful when the others joined me and I loved my cuddle time with Vanessa.

Aaron and the girls enjoyed jumping from the warm hot tub into the cold pool.

I have the feeling this won't be the last time we enjoy being outside on a cold rainy  cold day.

Our Superbowl

Last Saturday was the big Texas vs. Oklahoma football game. Since we choose not to watch sports on Sunday, this is our Superbowl. My sister Laurann joined us in the festivities. It was fun watching the game all together. I must admit, we all weren't as tranquil as this photo may lead you to believe. Aaron thinks he knows the coaches on a first name basis as he yells at them. Laurann told me it's a good thing Aaron doesn't use curse words or she would have had an ear full. The Longhorns eventually won and we were all a little happier.
Let's face it, the football game isn't the only thing. There is also the food. Here are the ingredients as Aaron started cooking the night before.

On Saturday, he fired up the grill. Thanks to some good fall weather for the weekend and the frozen HEB seasoned fajita meat we have been saving for months just for this occasion. Laurann even made a football cake for dessert. She used Reese's Pieces on the border so that it would go with our color scheme of the day (burnt orange). It was so good especially all the frosting globbed on top. (Have a ever mentioned I have a sweet tooth?)

Laurann bought an orange shirt so she would fit in with the rest of us. Savanah and Vanessa had on their Texas shirts we bought last May when we were in Austin. Vanessa doesn't really like her shirt so I was surprised she wore it. It says Texas Angel and I think she's worried it will ruin her reputation.

Anyway, back to the food. By the time we were ready to eat we had fajitas, tortillas, sausage, rice, beans, chicken, raspberry-jalapeno dipping sauce, guacamole, fresh salsa, chili-cheese dip, and mineral-water lemonade.
AJ requested I take a photo of him eating a chip. After all the football and food we headed for the soccer fields. Esteban's team, currently tied for 1st place played the 3rd ranked team. Esteban's team won 10-0.

This week, they play their final game against the other undefeated team. It should be a great game. All in all a great sports-filled, sunny & warm, fall day.

Four by Four Tag

I was just tagged by a friend. I have to post the 4th picture in my 4th folder. Which happens to be a picture I took the other day.
Now, I tag Jana, Brynne, Arlynda, and Denise.

Fall Festivities

We spent a few days at my parent's house last weekend. It was nice to spend some time with them. My Grandma's garage needed to be re-roofed so that was our big project.

Esteban enjoyed working with Aaron on the roof. He considers himself an experienced roofer since he helps Aaron up there any chance he gets.

They figured out a great way to get the supplies up on the roof. Yes, that is my Dad driving the backhoe. Yes, he just had back surgery a few weeks ago. He's not one for laying around. That's just how he is.

Vanessa and I were watching from the ground when she decided she wanted to be up on the roof. I took her to the ladder thinking she would go up three rungs and change her mind. (This is Vanessa. I should have known better.) Well, it's no surprise, she went all the way up on the roof. She had no fear at all which made me even more nervous. I kept a tight hold on her the entire time (much to her dismay). After a while of me being nervous enough for both of us, I made her get down. She spent the rest of the day teasing me, "Ha, Ha. Mommy's a scaredy cat." She informed me she wants to be a "roofer girl" when she grows up. Another career choice.

After the work was done, we had a fall party. My mom had the kids help her make homemade donuts. (Delicious!) She loves to spoil the kids with treats when we visit. That's just how she is.

We had a donut eating contest. The hitch: the kids couldn't use their hands. Esteban figured out is was easier to knock the donut down and eat it off the floor. (Doesn't that sound sanitary?)

Vanessa wasn't about to stop even when her donut was gone.We also made some 3D paper ghosts and decorated Halloween cupcakes. (FYI - I love candy corn and a season's worth night.) Anyway, we had a great time and it was a nice weekend.

Fall Break

The boys were out of school last Thursday and Friday for parent teacher conferences. They are out of school this Monday and Tuesday for UEA (state teachers convention). They have 7 days of no school. It's like having spring break in the fall. I LOVE it!

We spent most of the vacation at my parent's house. We hadn't visited them for quite a while. I was worried if we didn't go see them soon we would be written off the Christmas list. When we lived in Texas we could visit once a year and stay in good standing. That isn't the case anymore.

All the grandkids came over Saturday afternoon. My mom made doughnuts (very delicious). I helped the kids with a pumpkin activity. My mom had purchased these potato-head type faces for pumpkins. The kids enjoyed making monsters or animals. They all turned out really cute!

We enjoyed hanging out with the family and just having a good time.

Fall Colors

It has been a long time since we have gone on a family drive so, we headed up a nearby canyon. We took along a picnic but, it was a bit chilly. We all ate rather quickly. The time was enjoyable and the fall colors were spectacular. Here are a few pictures I took along the way.
For a family whose collective favorite color is burnt orange, this time of year is wonderful!