October

October is going by quickly and I am continually amazed at how fast our baby girl is growing. People always tell you that "they grow up so fast" and it is SO true! Even in the challenging times I am trying to savor each day and be thankful for the blessing God has given us. Sometimes I catch myself wanting to be in the "next phase" where communication is easier and more of a routine is established. Hopefully God will give me the ability to be in the present and enjoy this time of life.

Some of our latest happenings are going to the pumpkin patch (both with Kelly (my dear friend and college roommate) and Julie (my sweet friend from Gainesville who taught next door to me at Norton Elementary). We also had Mimi and Poppy Mitten along with Uncle Josh, Aunt Melissa, and cousins Madison and Carter come to visit! We went to Gainesville last weekend for Nathan to defend his thesis and ........HE PASSED!! He has worked so hard over the past few years on his dissertation (which was on Desalination). I couldn't be more proud of him! We also got to tailgate at the Gator game vs. Arkansas (close call, huh??)

Fall in North Carolina


our neighborhood
Kelly, Izzy, and Clara
Checkin' out the pigs.

Mimi and Poppy visit!!
Madison gave "her baby" a bath all by herself
Taking charge :)
We keep trying to get a good cousin picture....havn't had much luck yet
Go Gators!

Cozying up with Debbie while tailgating (it was actually quite chilly in Florida)

With Mel!


What a surprise to see Messiah College friend Chris Regan and Elise at the game!!!!!!
Daddy's finished product. He pulled an all-nighter to get his dissertation in the mail before we left. 225 pages long


With Julie and sweet Carson!Check out Carson's arm. He was makin' the moves. Ella G was wondering what in the world is going on

Nathan's work is a a few miles from the pumpkin patch. He stopped in to see us!
With the little (actually big) Barlings