Hello Fall.

Bakersfield seems to skip fall. We may have a few "cool" days here and there but usually we go from 100s-80s and then jump to 50s.

We have to use events to gauge our fall season. The traditions we cling to symbolize the fall months.

2011 was no exception...and now Graham was in tow!

Tradition #1: Nipomo and the Avila Barn!

Nipomo naps. Precious boys.

Aunt Caitlynn and Uncle Zach came to Nipomo! There was a lot of "love on Graham" time...

The fall visit to the Avila Barn. A fall must. So the camera was pretty busy...

My pumpkins.

Not so thrilled pumpkin.

We love them. Obviously.

Grandma and Grandpa joined in the weekend fun.

Alike in so many ways...

Ok, so Graham doesn't have a firm grasp on the fun and tradition that comes with the Avila Barn pumpkin times quite yet... But he will...

...and he will love Fall because of it...fingers crossed.

To Grandpa's House We Go

My days before having to be back to work were numbered...So we decided to take advantage and take a family trip up to Grandpa and Barbara's house. Grandpa had finished the bunk house so we had our first slumber party!

Graham's a happy boy in the morning...

Silly tongue.

We love Uncle Zach...

And Aunt Erin keeps us moving...

Don't make fun of our cul-de-sac! A fresh new look is on its way...

We loved our walks.

And saw so many new things...

Love these boys and their precious moments...

Grandpa and his pups.

So much to see...We'll be back.

Mego Prego

I loved being pregnant. Loved loved loved.

It went pretty smoothly this time around. What a beautiful miracle.

5 months. Yosemite. Spring Break.

6 months. Moving into our new home!

7 months. Hawaii family vacation! Everyone thinks you're pregnant, might as well show them they're right...

7 months. Kyle's first Father's Day.

8 months. Dress like a cow and you get free Chick Fil A.

What a sight. We got a lot of smiles and a free meal. So, worth it.

8 months. Running out of clothes...

9 months. Millie Cat and the Swens visited...

Any day now, Graham, any day now.

The day before induction...August 12.

Kyle and I went on a last "family of two" date night. Gorgeous picnic in the park. Yes, that's a Bakersfield park night.

We went to the hospital the next evening and my days of pregnancy were brought to an end... Honestly, I miss them sometimes. I guess we'll have to have another...One of these days.

PS I don't so much miss these beauties. But they were my biggest symptom...So I'll count my blessings and chuckle at these beastly things...

Memory Cravings

I'm the wife. I'm the mom. I'm the historian.

So this one time I started a blog. Not a big deal. In fact it was pretty lame. I just needed a way to keep our memories up to date.

I think I obsess over memories. Wow, I'm making realizations right and left. Woohoo. Maybe I obsess over them because I have such fond ones. Maybe it's because I feel like my past was well documented. Perhaps it's because I adore reminiscing with the people I love and crave the fits of laughter that usually follow. Pictures, videos, words... My favorites. I could reminisce for hours. Seriously, hours.

I wanted that for Kyle and I as we started our journey. I want that for my growing family. Kyle thinks I'm ridiculous sometimes, but I know he appreciates the documentation in the end. As long as I'm not "missing the moment" by being trapped behind a lens, he appreciates it. Hey, he appointed me family historian. (Okay, maaaaaybe I was self-appointed)

So that's what this is. A memory keeper. So anytime you want a glimpse of the going-ons in this Underwood life, take a look. And say hello.