Autumn Already?

I woke up this morning to a cold floor and fog outside. I had to put on socks for the first time all summer because my floor was so cold. I even debated throwing the heat on for a few minutes just to break the chill. I instead closed all the windows and threw on some socks. It is hard to believe that summer is already almost over. I should have realized it was coming with all the back to school sales going on but I guess it just didn't click. I'm happy though. I think autumn is my favorite season. I love the crisp air, big full yellow moons, and crunchy leaves. I also love the bounty of the harvest and picking pumpkins with the kids. After getting over the initial shock of waking up cold I kind of got excited. Fall is on its way!

In other news, we have been busy with Dwayne's parents coming up to see us this past weekend. Dianne came with a car full of gifts for the kids and also a box of food. We were extremely blessed and it couldn't have come at a better time. The kids were busy the whole weekend playing with their new cars, color books, stuffed animals, and jewelry. However, she also brought a bunny that sings, wiggles, and hops. It was extremely cute the first hour. The 2nd and 3rd hours? Not so much. We finally had to hide it away for a little bit because Sam was loving it a little too much. LOL.

Saturday we woke up and decided to do a family trip to Wal-Mart. They had also given us a little cash. We debated on whether we should throw it straight onto a bill or use it to buy those misc. things we never seem able to afford. Things like batteries for the flashlights, some bee spray to kill the yellow jackets and hornets nesting near our house, etc. We decided to use it for misc. stuff. Dianne had noticed that the grade school down the road was hosting a garage sale to raise money for the local high school football team. We decided to swing in there first. There wasn't much that we had to have. I picked up a couple books and we found a few shirts for Sam but most of the stuff looked pretty picked over already. I did spot a Leapster on the table and took a look at it. It was in great condition, in a case, and when I opened the case realized there were 5 games in the pack. I tried turning it on and it didn't work. I figured it probably just needed batteries. I then looked for a price. Everything on the table was labeled as being sold for $1.00. What! That couldn't be right, could it? We asked the lady if it worked and she didn't know. And we asked that they were sure that it was only $1. She said yes. Dianne and I looked at each other and snagged it up real fast. We figured if it didn't work then it was only $1 and not much money wasted. If nothing else, I could probably turn around and sell the games on Craigslist for much more than we paid. We went to Wal-Mart and grabbed some batteries and went ahead and picked up an adapter also for $10 for it. I figured I could return it if it wasn't needed and the Leapster didn't work. On the drive home, I heard Dianne and Dwayne fiddling with it in the backseat and all of a sudden we heard the chime of a video game ring through the car. It works! It works perfectly and Sam is already starting to figure out a few of the games. I don't think I will ever find a deal as good every again. But at least I can say that I had one of those miracle garage sale finds. We got about $150 worth of equipment and games for $1. So if you guys run into any Leapster games for real cheap or have some you don't use anymore keep me in mind. :)

Yesterday Dianne and Terry left early to head home. After Evie took her nap, we decided to take the kids to the park and let them play at the playground. It was a perfect Sunday afternoon. The sun was out but it wasn't too hot. Only about 72 or 73. It was warm enough not to need sweaters but cool enough to run around without getting too hot or sweaty. The kids started out on the slide but they they saw the swings. After that it was all over. They did not want to get off the swings. Especially Evie. They spent about 30-45 minutes just swinging on the swings. I finally forced Sam to come with Mommy and check out some of the other equipment. Evie wasn't having it though. She started to throw a fit if forced to get off the swing. After about another 15-20 minutes we finally forced Evie to get off so some other kids would have a chance to use the swings. Well, she completely lost it and we couldn't distract her so that was the end of the park trip. We came home and had clam fettuccine for dinner. It was a wonderful weekend and we had a great visit.