Ealy Nation

Fall Fun: Pumpkin Patch Edition

2016-11-01T23:13:00.000-04:00

Evelyn's class took a field trip (her first!) to Bennett Farms in Heflin and we all tagged along. I was expecting a simple pumpkin patch, but it was so much more than that - in addition to picking a pumpkin, the kids dressed scarecrows, ate pork skins cooked over an open fire, played in the corn crib, on the pipe slides, and on the pipe swing, visited with the farm animals, and went on a wagon train ride; plus, we all went on a hay ride and found our way through the hay maze. Basically, we had ALL the fun.

Alabama snow and ugly paper towels, among other things

2016-10-31T08:30:00.000-04:00

There are lots of noteworthy things about moving home after being away for basically sixteen years, but one is having experiences as an adult that I also had as a child, like the aforementioned/posted Fair..... and Leesburg Day!

Except things have changed, as they are wont to do - the Fair was much nicer, but smaller, than I remembered. And Leesburg Day has moved to a much better location and there were lots of bounce houses and bungee jumpers for our little daredevils. As I recall, the most exciting thing about Leesburg Day when I was little was getting my face painted. Kids these days have it made.

Some things have changed, but some haven't - like the beauty of the lake.

And the abundance of Alabama snow. Their grandmother, my mother, grew up on a cotton farm. But that's a fairly standard heritage if you're from Alabama.

I am glad we're here, where my roots run so deep, glad this is where our girls will grow up.

In fact, the only unfortunate thing about moving home is having my eyeballs assaulted by sights such as this while I am innocently grocery shopping.

In other news, we've had some family celebrations lately....

And ONE OF US decided to introduce her bangs to a pair of scissors.

Future cosmetologist, FO SHO.

Honestly, Nathan and I are tickled that it took her this long to cut her own hair. She's a total mess.

Oh! Here's something worth sharing - we have a driveway!

Now, if we just need to get a house built at the end of that beautiful driveway!

Evelyn's Big Week

2016-10-30T16:19:00.004-04:00

Evelyn recently had the biggest week of her young life.

For once I am not exaggerating.

It all went down in September and I am going to tell you all about it here in October, which feels like a WIN considering my recent blogging struggles. Moving on.

On Monday, we went to the fair. If you are new around here, lean in close because I have something important to tell you. The Ealy family LOVES THE FAIR. And this year we live in a different state so we went to a new fair.... and it did not disappoint. (WHEW.)

We did all the things - the girls rode a couple of rides; we ate all the food; we looked at the tractors and animals; we explained over and over that Evelyn was not tall enough to ride the scariest ride there and no, we weren't playing any games where winning a goldfish was a possibility.

oh HEY, mini donkey

On Tuesday, Evelyn had school and a soccer game. I don't remember specifically if she scored a goal or not..... buuuuuut she probably did. Because that's how she rolls.

On Wednesday, she hopped on a plane with her Daddy, to accompany him on a business trip to NC. She has been asking to go on an airplane with Nathan for quite some time now, and he was finally able to get all the scheduling worked out to make it happen. We were all really excited about it, except for Charley Kate maybe. (Well, until she found out she could sleep in the big bed with me at least. Then she was fine with it.)

She loved the airplane and riding the train in the Atlanta airport. Nathan said she was a great traveler.

That night she went to Awana at our old church and had a sleepover at Michael and Julie's house, then on Thursday she visited her old school and had a playdate with some friends. All of which pull on so many heartstrings for me.

On Thursday afternoon, they moved to a hotel with a swimming pool, which are two things Evelyn love love loves. On Friday Daddy and his big girl hopped back on the plane and came home! I believe flying is now Evelyn's preferred method of travel.

Upon arriving home, she immediately went out to visit her favorite tree.

You might think this post is over - but wait, there's more!

On Saturday we took Evelyn to her very first Auburn game! It was Homecoming and it was so fun. We went to Tiger Walk, we tailgated with friends, we had a grand ol' time.

I was a little concerned about her attention span for the actual game, but she was great! The issue instead, was the BLAZING HOT SUN. She was so hot, bless her little heart, so we left around halftime.

Then we threw the football on the FarmHouse lawn to round out Evie's big week. (A full circle moment for Nathan, I am sure.)

We couldn't love this Sweet Thing more if we tried, y'all. She's just so fun.