Okay October {2016}

October had its good times and some tough days, but it really was an okay month when it was all said and done.  The weather started to cool down a little and feel a little more like fall.  The big boys were back in school all month, and Mommy, Daddy and little brother did some traveling.  We even had a hurricane.  So yes, it was a bit crazy, but that's life.

Happy Fall, ya'll!  My very minimal Fall decorations. 

We started the month with a big shopping trip to Target, a Rita's pumpkin spice shake, and some yummy chocolate chip banana bread. 

Little man Mattox got a special week away with just Mommy and Daddy in a fancy hotel.  We attended Daddy's association's annual meeting at the prestigious Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville.  The sunset from our window was pretty remarkable even taken through a glass window with a cell phone camera. 

We enjoyed a nice "fancy" dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants the first night.  Mattox and I got a comfy seat by the fireplace.  

Some more of the views from our hotel window.  We didn't venture out too much because it was a lot more walking than Mommy could handle.  The main stone structure of the hotel was built in 1913 so it has a long history as a prestigious resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  It was only recently taken over by the Omni hotel chain. 

Mattox and I enjoyed a little ice cream date at the hotel's country store.  

We even shared some.  He was so cute offering me his cone.  I think he is so much like his daddy was as a baby because his aunt likes to tell me how Baby Eddie liked to make sure his mama had something yummy if he was eating it too. 

Little man got a special teddy bear to remember his trip and was given a cute little backpack full of goodies from the hotel.  We also ventured out to the playground area for some fun. 

He had the playground mostly to himself, and he was so big and brave climbing and sliding by himself. 

I wish I had better pictures of the outside of the resort.  The huge old stone chimneys are probably the most recognizable feature.  

During the Christmas season, the hotel hosts a big gingerbread house competition that is pretty spectacular.  They had the second place winner from last year on display. 

Mattox and Mommy enjoyed getting a yummy smoothie from the hotel spa restaurant and sat and watched this pretty waterfall while we drank them.  The girl who made mine said it made enough for two so he got his own. 

At night, we enjoyed a nice fancy dinner and entertainment with Eddie's Association. 

One night we got to eat with Santa.  Yes, he is a forester and he also does his Santa job during the holidays.  Mattox was fascinated with him.  So for the cool price of $900, I could have bought Evan a signed portrait of the three lunar astronauts.  Sigh.  

When we returned home, we were welcomed by Hurricane Matthew and a power outage that lasted about 24 hours.  We enjoyed a nice family game of Monopoly in which Brody proceeded to school his parents and big brother in how to win.  He got us all with his hotel trap.  Apparently, the trick is to buy all the cheap properties and put hotels on them.  We did probably help him a little with some trade deals. 

The boys got to see a special show of their new little brother, and Brody even captured some pictures of him on the big screen. 

Mattox and I enjoyed watching big brother Brody's soccer practices. 

Mattox has really started loving going outside and likes playing in their little house. 

He can also enjoy the trampoline more.  

I am anxiously awaiting some special artwork pieces I purchased from both big boys.  I don't recall ever getting the high quality art work from Evan's earlier years at school and have been so impressed with both boys' artwork this year.  I do wish I could have the originals from these, but I did have to order some magnets to keep.  Evan did the Hatteras lighthouse, and Brody did his self-portrait.  I love how he draws hands now. 

Big brothers love dressing alike for school.  Brody finally lost his second tooth after his permanent tooth was already fully in.  He let me pull it out again when it was very loose.  I hope all of his baby teeth aren't this stubborn.  

We lit our candle for our precious Mattie on Infant and Child Loss Awareness Day. 

Mattox was just the cutest little Blinky ghost for Halloween and got to meet the Stay Puft marshmallow man at Evan's Cub Scout party.  He also enjoyed a ghost cake pop.  Baby Grayson also enjoyed dressing up. 

Brody shows off his cool snake tattoo.  I really don't understand his affinity for snakes.  Mattox is so funny taking his shirt off and climbing into my bed to watch TV.  He is such a little man. 

We sometimes head to Chick-fil-a after school to play a little, do our homework, and eat an early dinner.  Mattox can usually enjoy the play place when no other kids are in there. 

I just loved how they all sat at this little table eating their ice cream. 

We didn't get to the state fair this year so I had to partake in a caramel apple to compensate.  We also did early voting with two of our future voters. 

Sometimes I have to corral Mattox to get anything done.  He likes to do crazy things with his shirts.  Brody got a cool dragon balloon at kids' night at Zaxby's. 

These boys loved our pumpkins.  We just bought them at the grocery store this year.  I really wanted to stop at a pumpkin patch, but we just never got a chance. 

Mattox enjoying a lunch date with Mommy and Daddy.  He has become a little too addicted to sweet tea though. 

Daddy went ahead and turned him forward facing when he cleaned out my car.  He will need to be turned around when baby brother arrives because he will move to the other side of the car, and big brothers need to get around him.  I think it is okay since he is only a few months from two.  He loves sitting in the laundry basket.