Fall Family Photo Fun

I do love a good bit of alliteration, don't you?  I voted for Terry Taylor for Beaver Water District in the election last week on name alone.  I have got to get more up to speed on my local politics...

I digress, however.  Last weekend we scheduled a photo shoot with the wonderful Chris Blake to take our family photos for our Christmas card and to go over the fireplace at the new house.  Can you believe I talked Ryan out of mounting a TV over it?  Had to be because the opening was too small.  He got a new TV out of the deal, but I'm claiming a moral victory for home decorators everywhere.

Our last family pictures were for the Humane Society of the Ozarks photobook in June or July, and I loved them, but I didn't really want to send out pictures of Alli and I in sleeveless tops on the Christmas card.  So we set up a time with Chris that was perfect - it was a cool day, the leaves were changing, and I got a new outfit.  What could be better?  (Side note - this is a Piko brand top.  I now own 4.  I am OBSESSED.)

How fabulous are these?  I am so happy with how they turned out and I can't wait to send out Christmas cards (40% off over at Shutterfly right now...)

Where Did October Go?

I feel like I blinked and one of my favorite months of the year was gone!  And I didn't give the world a single update on it!  Fortunately, my all time favorite month is upon us, but just to keep everyone in the loop, here's an October recap.

• Football, and lots of it.  We attended every home football game the Hogs played in October, and tailgated for most of them, which means we had very few free weekends.  I love football, and I love the Hogs, but they really aren't making the time, effort, and money we're putting into them worth it this year.  Here's hoping it will pay off next year.  It's a good thing for us we have such great family and friends around to commiserate with.

• A field trip to the pumpkin patch.  It's really hard to believe that the last time Alli's school took a field trip to the pumpkin patch she was in kindergarten, and now she's in second grade!  I was able to go with her and it was so much fun.  The most wonderful thing about Alli's personality is that she thoroughly enjoys life.  So many kids on the field trip complained or didn't participate in the events, but Alli did everything that was put in front of her and had a blast the entire time.

• Halloween.  This is Alli's all time favorite holiday.  She's the kid who loves going in the Halloween store to see all of the scary stuff and swears she's not afraid.  I can't look at the demon babies, but Alli doesn't seem to mind them at all.  This year Alli decided to be a vampire.  We went to her school carnival the Friday before Halloween, and then went trick or treating in our old neighborhood with her good friends Addison and Samantha.  It was a great night, and I'm still sneaking her candy.  Someone stop me.

Here's to a wonderful October, and a warm welcome to the best month of the year, November.  Happy fall, y'all!

Quick Inspirations

I don't know if it was our recent Gone With the Wind marathon or the fact that the weather has cooled down a little and we're gearing up for my favorite time of year, but I am feeling especially inspired by all things southern lately.

My latest edition of This Old House magazine had cottage makeovers chock full of the shabby chic looks I love.

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And then I got the latest Southern Living which was full of fall recipes, Thanksgiving table settings, and tailgate planning galore.

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This little Thanksgiving fan is hosting her first major holiday in November, so I'm already stocking ideas on how to make it perfect.  Step one:  Learn how to cook a turkey.