Fall is in the air and pumpkin patches awaiting..

Fall has finally hit us in the deep South. We love it!!! Madison is getting her first taste of cooler weather and doesn't seem to mind at all :) We're determined to turn her into a snow bunny yet!

This has to be my favorite time of year, when I believe Mother Nature is truly at her best! The leaves begin to turn, the air is crisp, the smell of neighborhood fireplaces. Then of course, the local Oktoberfest, Halloween, and Thanksgiving! If we're lucky we may see a bit a snow this year, but it's unlikely :( Another favorite of mine...playing in the snow! That first snow fall is absolutely wonderful....my mind begins to think about Christmas, family and sharing. This year we'll have a lot more sharing and more to be thankful for...our little girl :) What a blessing!

We ventured out last night and went to Madison & Darren's first Oktoberfest. The MWR at Ft. Benning organized it on Post and it was nice....small, but nice. Growing up in a predominately German area, Oktoberfest is a big annual event for our family. I remember the excitement and anticipation of this wonderful weekend. You get to wear your new fall clothes, walk around with your family & friends to discover all the great crafts & gifts, taste wonderful foods (yes, I always overate!), and ride the carnival type rides. Well, when I got older the carnival rides stopped and we discovered the beergarten..hehe ;) Now, my friends & I make this our annual reunion weekend. We all meet back in Seymour for a weekend of fun & catching up! Unfortunately, since Darren & I have been married, we haven't made it back for the 'Fest. BUT I'm going to make it happen next year :)

Madison picked out her first "baby" pumpkin last night...well, I scouped up the prettiest, brightest little guy, and we took him home. She didn't have a clue, but continued to smile at all the kids running around picking out their little treasures.

7 months old and growing fast

Madison is now 7 months old and growing up so fast! She's such a happy little girl, always wearing her beautiful smile with those bright, blue eyes shining :) Well except of course, when she's hungry or tired, then she's quite cranky...shh, I think she gets that from me ;)

Madison is so curious about everything..she's always "studying" things, people, etc. Oh and now the big thing for her is anything she gets her little chubby hands on, goes straight for her mouth.
So, you can imagine our job of parenting, just got a bit more difficult! LOL Besides trying to "eat" everything in site, Madison loves to sit up (completely by herself now) and is beginning to stand (with mommy or daddy right behind her). Those chubby little legs are pretty strong and she loves to give them a good workout. Oh you should see her on the bouncy swing!

When I can get a free minute, I've been trying to work on some projects around the house. I want to do some redecorating and put a little spice in our home! First things first, Madison's playroom needs some updating. I'm in the process of stripping the wallpaper (horrible 1980's design), then I will paint with a new fresh color. Our living room along with the rest of the house (except our bedroom & Madison's) is a plain eggshell color.....trim, walls, baseboard and all. It's a nice, conservative color, but dang, its' a little bland on all the walls! A little paint and this will look like a different house!
b gnnnnnnnb jx zjkds.k <~Madison's work, she loves to help mommy!

Darren is doing well with the exception of a little cold this week. His job is going well and he seems to really like it. Since his schedule is crazy, he's not fishing as much as he'd like. But the good thing about GA, it's warm most of the year, so he'll have more time to "throw the line".