Hang on!

Howdy (as Drew would say)! We're going to do a quick review of what's been going on around here. Fasten your seatbelts, October has been a crazy ride.

1. After my dad left, and the zoo trip we celebrated Elena's third birthday. It was more like a birth-week. We had a party for her at a local park. I only gave parents a few days notice, and there was a WVU football game so the turn out wasn't stellar, but some of Elena's best friends were there. The only picture I have is of the attempt I made to customize a cake for her. That Monday we took cupcakes to school - I forgot to buy frosting so we had to stop on the way, buy some and then I frosted them in the car on the way to school. That Tuesday was her real birthday and we celebrated it as a family with leftover cupcakes and real candles (we forgot them at her party and she blew out matches, so much for fire safety =). Her favorite gift was a soccer ball.

2. Drew was able to take the second week of October off and we headed out after Elena's birthday for a three day trip to Blackwater Falls State Park. We discovered one of the most breathtaking places I have ever visited and the fall foliage was in full force. We stayed in a two bedroom cabin, but Lucas ended up sleeping in the living room. The best part about the cabin was a lack of TV. It actually made the kids find other things to do. Amazing. We did a lot of hiking, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the kids did. I think we have a couple of future backpackers on our hands. On our way back to Morgantown we were able to visit the home of one of Drew's patients. A beautiful log home located in the mountains, complete with bears on the deck =). It makes me grateful that Drew is a kind enough doctor that people are willing to get to know him beyond the office setting. The kids had a good time exploring the property.

It was a quick trip, but one of the best times we have had as a family.

3. So- We got back, threw our stuff in the living room and where does Drew go? Work. On his vacation. It was really a good thing. He went in to help a friend out so that this guy could make it to his wife's birthday party (where the kids and I were). The next day we went to Rich's Farm and played in the corm maze and pumpkin patch. The kids were cranky and overdressed for the 90 degree day, so the trip was shorter than we expected. Lucas took his first barrel train ride, so that made it worth it.

4. The next week was spent getting ready for a fabulous weekend with our friends that came up to visit from Cincinnati. It was a lot of fun to get to know them better and their two kids. We went out to Chestnut Ridge and despite the 50 degree thermometer reading, Lucas couldn't resist the lake and waded right in - shoes and all.