We Got a Dog!!!

Alexa has been asking for a dog for a LONG time now.  Paul kept saying, "No" and I truthfully didn't know that he would ever change his mind.  But, I came across a dog that needed a new home and the owners were willing to let us "babysit" her for a day to see if she was a good fit.  Somehow, Paul agreed to the visit and there was no turning back from there.

Her name is LeeLee (that was her name already and we didn't think we could change it) and she is a five-year-old poodle mix.  She doesn't shed at all and is very patient and gentle.   We didn't know it during our visit but she does have pretty bad separation anxiety and we're still working with her on that but other than that she has been a great addition to our family.  She's still warming up to Paul as it seems he must remind her of someone that wasn't very kind to her in the past but I have full confidence they'll be best buds soon.  

LeeLee really likes Grandpa Tom and jumps right into his lap every time she sees him. 

Pumpkin Patches, Pumpkins & Halloween

We LOVE this time of year!  One of our favorites is pumpkin patches!   This year, we visited two.  First up was Roca.

Later in the month we visited Vala's Pumpkin Patch.

Alexa really wants to do the Haunted Houses and scary stuff but really she is scared to death - even of the not-so-scary stuff so we steer her clear of anything that would actually scare her.

We grew over 30 pumpkins in our garden this year so we had to figure out what to do with them all. 

 We decided to give some away but we also had a pumpkin painting party with some friends. 

And we kept some to carve and decorate with Grandpa too.

And then it was Halloween night.  This year Alexa went as batgirl and Parker as Buzz Lightyear.  Pretty cute I think.  

Fall Fun

Some of our favorite memories from this Fall:

Alexa starting riding a bike without training wheels (we were really late giving this a try so as soon as we got her a new bike without the training wheels she was off).

Parker likes to do the dishes in his own really helpful way

We had fun at the county fair

We see lots of rainbows living here.  I'm wondering if that's just because we have more open space so we notice them more or if there were just more rainbows this year?   Either way, we love it!

Alexa got tripped on the way to the playground at school and got quite the shiner.   It's healing up pretty well and we hope she doesn't end up with a permanent scar.

Paul and I attended a Husker game.  Go Big Red! 

We visited Arbor Day Lodge and enjoyed a beautiful day!

The LES family picnic was lots of fun!

Parker slipped while cruising around the dining room table and cut his head pretty badly.  He ended up with 5 staples.   He was a trooper about the whole thing but Mommy was scared!

Being silly with Grandpa Tom

We got a trampoline and don't know how we ever lived without one!

We really enjoyed watching the beautiful trees in our yard turn colors

 And Alexa had a super time jumping in the leaves once they dropped! 

Paul and Alexa at the Pumpkin Run

Fun times in the backyard with friends

Alexa and I attended a Husker Volleyball game with Suzanne and Madysen - great times! 

Fun with friends after seeing a movie 

Parker is in Special Olympics Club at his school and Alexa gets to participate too as a "buddy".  It's a great time for all the kids and I love how much love, support, acceptance and encouragement goes on at these clubs.  It is truly special and uplifting!