Spiders and Pumpkins

Rosie made an adorable spider hat today at preschool. I was having one of those days where I kept calling things the wrong name over and over. I kept referring to it as her, "Bat Hat." I don't know why... just one of those days. Rosie was so frustrated with me, by the end of the day she was shrieking, "Mama!! It's a 'PIDER HAT!!"

We all took turns wearing the 'pider hat

We also carved pumpkins. We each picked a template. I chose a leaf for Sadie, who was already asleep, and Rosie chose a kitty.

Colorado

Ron and I got away this weekend. What a treat. Ron was speaking at Sonlight Camp , and I got to go along for the ride. We left Rosie and Sadie in the care of Uncle Dave and Auntie Gayle and later, Mimi and Papa. We had an a.m.a.z.i.n.g weekend.

While Ron spoke and hung out with campers, I did this:

And this:

We got to see amazing friends, Brett and Kate Rogers

On Sunday night after the retreat was over, Ron and I drove to Denver to celebrate our anniversary. It was fabulous. I like this guy. We had so much fun being together and exploring this fun city.

Happy Birthday, Henry Hunt

The Little Man in our lives turned 1. Happy birthday, Sir Henry.

10 Months

Dear Sadie,

Oh, how your first 10 months of life have flown! One thing is for certain in this family, and that is that you are pure joy, our easy going (just like your mother), smiley, sweet little Squish. You're eating, laughing, standing, clapping, waving, and "so big-ing" your way through these last months. You're such a sweet little girl and it's a gift to be your mommy.

I love you,

Mama

I'm not as young as I once was.

I'm certainly realizing that I'm not as young as I used to be. I'm especially aware of it on this Monday evening because I'm not bouncing back quite as quickly after a packed weekend. On Friday night we hosted my friend Brieann's 30th birthday bash. Lucky for us, it was a collaborative effort, but we still worked hard on Friday to get the house ready. My big contribution, besides cramming 80 people into a house built for 4, was cupcakes and decor... I must say this little house cleans up well.

We got to bed in the wee. hours. of. the. morning. I haven't seen this side of wee in a long time. It was less of a night's rest and more of nap before we had to get up at 5am to leave for Bass Lake for a wedding. We picked up the girls (also still in their jammies) from Mimi and Papa's house and kept going. The wedding was wonderful, and it was fun to celebrate this young love with camp staff past and present. I have no pictures of my own to show from the wedding, but borrowed some to show you.

Did I mention that there was karaoke? Did I mention that I'm getting old?

Chris and Megan's Wedding.

This is the granite slab that the bridal party walked across to come down the "aisle." I was sweating bullets (not for the bridal party, they're all mountain climbers and as sure-footed as goats) I was worried about the grandmothers who had to shuffle to their seats! One slip and they'd end up in Oakhurst! Did I mention that I'm getting old?Our dear Uncle T

The lovely cake

This was by far the coolest 'get away' that I have ever seen. The couple left the reception in the YSSC bus complete with twinkle lights and industrial sized can good cans tied to the back.

Quotable Quotes

I've been meaning to write some of Rosie's latest musings down so that we don't forget. She's had quite a few little one liners lately :)

Last week, Rosie had to go under general anesthesia for some extensive dental work. As she was recovering on the couch, she became quite frustrated with feeling dizzy:

Rosie:"Mama! The sky keeps falling over! Please make the sky stop falling over."

I discovered that Rosie has been learning the Pledge of Allegiance in her preschool class. She recited it to me on the way home last Thursday.

Rosie: "I pledge elation to the flag

of the United Snakes of America"

....the next portion was mumbled until she got to the end where she belted out:

"And Justice For All!"

Then she sang a rendition of God Bless America with full vibrato

How did Ron and I end up with a mini right winger? We're in trouble!!

A few nights ago, Ron had to be rather "firm" with Rosie and sternly requested that she change her attitude... or else. Later, we were sitting down to dinner and Rosie looked at Ron and said, "Dad, you know when your voice was loud? That made me a little worried (places her hand over her heart) I'm just a kid, dad. I can't understand!"

Today on the way home from the grocery store:

Me: "Rosie, we just have to stop at the Dollar Store. I know you're ready for lunch, do you think we can make just one more stop?"

Rosie: "No, Mama, I don't think I can be a good girl at the Dollar Store. Let's go home."

And home we went. I admire that kind of honesty.

Then... and now..

Circa 1992

Almost 20 years later...

Love these guys :)

Julian

We ventured to Julian today to check out the apple farms, find some pumpkins and, perhaps, have a slice of pie. Getting there was a bit like finding Brigadoon, but we arrived in time to take in the sights and have a fantastic day together.

It's not a true Eckert Family Outing until Rosie gets her face painted and we spot Edward Cullen's brother wearing Lederhosen.

Oh, yes, friends.. that's a slice of sharp cheddar atop my apple pie a la mode!