Tonight.

This year Ava was a kitty, Kaylee, a scarecrow, and Layton was some creepy guy with a bloody knife. (And while on the subject, let me say that boys costumes are not my favorite.  Up until last year he would let me pick out his costumes.  Ever since he started, its creepy choices. Yeah, not sure if I will ever get used to that.)

The husbands had to work so we had a spaghetti dinner over at Becca's and then took the kids out to trick-or-treat. The big kids stayed at the house to pass out candy and we went to a neighborhood that we figured would be better.

It really wasn't.  Every 4th house had a light on it seemed. It was kind of a bummer.

Ava absolutely loved it and got the concept almost instantly. She would sit in her stroller from house to house and literally jump out as soon as the boys headed for a door. It was so fun to watch her. She even got a mini bag of skittles to snack on during our adventure. She was a polite girl too. She couldn't say the 3 magic words normally used on this night but she got away with "pease, tank you and byeeee!"

Kids are tired, and in bed and I? Oh, I am enjoying a mini butterfinger waiting for Lee to get home from work.

I call that a successful night.

This fall.

I have made my seasonal trip to E.Z. Orchards to pick up (my favorite) pumpkin spice donuts. Then, felt sick after eating way too many. 

I attempted to make Kaylee her costume this year, which really means that I purchased a hot glue gun and went a tad bit crazy. Trust me, the burns and blisters on my fingers are proof that it was a chore.

Ava is obsessed with pumpkins but calls then apples. She also likes to stop dead in her tracks when she sees a scarecrow decoration. We were out shopping the other day and she even tried to drag one across the store with her. She absolutely loves them.

Speaking of obsessions? I am in love with boot socks for babies. I got all creative and went to the dollar store and picked up fuzzy girl socks in every color. Then, I cut the feet off and VOILA! Ava has a drawer full. (I was rather proud of myself for thinking that one up.)

Soups have been an every week meal choice since the weather turned chilly. Our favorite is a creamy potato that we top with bacon, chives and cheese. Nothing says fall like hot soup on a cold day. There really is nothing better.

I have a ton of shoots coming up in the next few weeks and autumn has really turned into one of my favorite times for photo sessions. I am so blessed to live in such a gorgeous state.

One thing that I am seriously looking forward to as well? The cabin for Thanksgiving. I am totally counting down the days.

I you.

As Ava gets bigger I have been reminded at how just much I enjoy the toddler talk.

She has started repeating after us quite a bit and her version of whatever we are saying, is always super cute.

My favorite? I you. (I love you.) She has also learned quickly how to say this one in proper context, whuch makes it that much sweeter. (I am guessing it is because those words are used A LOT around here.)

Last week, she was screaming "mom, mom, mom..." I finally said "what Ava?" She simply replies: "I you."

Made my day.

Celtic life.

It is hard to believe that football season for Layton is almost over. We have spent the last 3 months with a crazy practice schedule and spent our weekends watching him play. We have come to know the other families and boys on the team, and even though I am excited to have my evenings back, I will miss them. I know he will too.

These boys have worked their butts off and they have played an amazing season, only losing one game with just 2 more to go.

Layton made a touchdown last Saturday and the pride in his goofy grin made the time commitment totally worth it. Yes, he complains sometimes about having to go to practice and yes, he dreads getting up early on the weekends but the kid loves the game, plain and simple.  

Priorities.

Clearly, my blog hasn't been one of them.

I have been so incredibly busy as of lately. I could do a short post rambling on about all of the activities and daily tasks that have kept me away (like I normally do) or I can make an effort to actually update this more often and share that way. I think I will go with that one.

Hopefully I can get back into the swing of it soon. I am missing it. My plan? A new header and page design soon, as well as updated stories and pictures of the Frakes family! So, keep checking in on me...

Thought I would share a quick little tid-bit today. I ran across it and absolutely love it. It is super clever, freaking cute, and totally left me wishing that I would have tried something like this with my kids when they were babies.

Who knows, maybe I can try something like THIS with my clients in the near future. It's pretty much full of awesome.

Hello fall.

It's getting chilly outside and the rain is in full swing. I am totally crossing my fingers that it holds out for us on Sunday for family pictures. If we have to reschedule, this mama will not be happy.

I am finding myself so excited for the season change - even more than normal. Summer has always been my favorite time of year but fall has me giddy this time around.

I am loving getting hot chai teas on cold mornings and seeing Ava wear tight leggings with boots is the cutest thing ever. I am so excited for the pumpkin patch, Halloween and photo sessions with the pretty changing leaves. I have started buying more scarves to add to my stash and am even considering trying out skinny jeans just so I can wear cute boot cuffs. I am also planning on hitting up E.Z. Orchards for those amazing pumpkin spice donuts soon with the bestie (she just doesn't know it yet.)

Fall time, is fun time.
Bring it.