Fall Festivities and Fun!

 Well, Halloween is upon us and let the parties begin!  The kids went to Cousin Ann's and Cousin Peyton's big Halloween bash and had a blast.  This year Claire is a mermaid, and Jesse a zombie.  Scary and sweet combo!

 One of the games during the party was to make a mummy out of your partner using toilet paper....there was a point in the game where I thought Claire wasn't getting any air!  But Jesse assured me she was speaking to him......well, they had a blast !

 A few little Fall outfits for Claire...she picked out the bright and funky fabric on her own...I guess her days of sweet gingams are almost over.......

Jesse in action during last week's game...they suffered their 1st loss of the season.....couple more to go!

Football and loving fall!

 Well, Jesse seems to be thoroughly enjoying football this fall, and so have we!  Jesse always has someone cheering him on, whether it's Grandma & Grandpa, or Nana & PawPaw.....usually it's all of us!  We certainly having been enjoying the cool, crisp fall mornings when he's playing!

 Lance & his dad, also known as PawPaw.

 Cheering on my boy!

 Jesse on his way to pulling a flag......

 So far, Jesse's team is undefeated for the season......they are learning a lot and still have several more games to go!

 Lily and Claire feeding the goats and just being silly on their very first field trip in kindergarten.  They went to a farm in Southaven, MS. and had a blast!

 Claire and I accompanied Lily & Barb to the St. Francis Fall Fest this year and let the girls do the games, rides, and even eat a gigantic funnel cake.....which they loved!  Who doesn't love fried dough topped with sugar!  We all had a great time! 

The Annual Sea Isle Fest

 Well, my parents have been involved in the neighborhood festival every year, and this year was fantastic!  We couldn't have asked for better weather and company!  The kids loved the games, the police dog unit, the firetrucks, helicopters, and lots of other fun stuff!!  Here's Claire with cousin Annabelle before giving the Cake Walk a go.  Claire didn't win, but Jesse did!  We benefitted from his win because he chose a yummy cake!  Unfortunately, we don't have any Jesse pictures because he was busy volunteering at the fest for service hours......he turned out to be a very efficient trash boy!

 Claire listening to the band with Grandpa.

 Claire and mom toting all the goodies....

Claire's First Field Trip

 Well, little Claire and her class had their first field trip yesterday to a farm in Mississippi.  It was a beautiful day, and the kids learned a lot, and had a blast!

 Claire hand feeding one of many rabbits....

 Claire and friends were a little taken aback by the very aggressive, but cute, goats!

 Claire and her turtle during the turtle races....glad I didn't put money on Claire's turtle!

 Claire riding "Sugar", who we heard all about last night at dinner.  She wished he went faster.....I told her you need lessons for that!

Well, lots coming up, so promise to post again soon!

Soccer Rolls to a Close.....

 
 Well, soccer season around here sure went fast!  Claire had 2 games a week, and loved every minute of it!  She was laughs and smiles no matter what!

Here's Claire with Coach Jim, whose been a family friend forever......he had as much fun as the kids....I think?!

Fall Sewing....

Well, though it's in the 80's still, I'm ready to start sewing for Claire.  She actually picked the material and the owl.  I thought she would look so cute in this with some brown tights and brown boots!  Well, lots going on in the Hollingsworth household, so promise to post again real soon!

Love, Gretchen

Jesse's turn to shine....

 Well, we've had a few posts lately about Claire and all of her firsts....1st day of Kindergarten, 1st Soccer game.....Well, Jesse too had a first this weekend...his 1st football game!!!  He decided to start out with a flag football league, and move up to tackle in a year or so.  I agree!  He had only had a few practices before the first game, but the team looked great, and won!  Jesse played receiver and tailback (I believe...?)  He also won an award after the game for best sportsmanship.  That alone made Lance & I so proud.  He has lots of games coming up, so I promise to post again soon!

Love, Gretchen

 That's Jesse at #81.

Way to go Seahawks!

Claire and the Small Fry Tri

 Well, Claire competed in her second Bartlett Small Fry Tri this weekend and did great.  Poor Claire was tripped a bit at the start of the run portion, but made up for some lost time in the bike and run through the sprinkler portion.  That girl laughed the entire race! She had a blast and want to do the big kid one next year....we'll see about that. one.....

Claire getting her little medal.  Way to go little Claire!!

Claire's First Soccer Game!

 Well, Claire was so excited about her first game she could hardly stand it!  Aunt Cathie came to watch, along with Nana, PawPaw, Keri, Jenny, and Gracie.  She had a blast running after that ball and getting hold of it.  She had a blast and giggled all the way through....She looks forward to her next game, which will be Monday!

 Go Claire go!

 The Blue Team warming up before the game.....

Striking a pose with Aunt Cathie and Jesse right before the game.

Backyard Mayhem

 Well, anyone who has ever been to our home knows we have had our share of issues with the backyard....tress, trees, trees!  As much as we loved our trees, they have caused 10 years of strife in our lives....We have laid sod 3 times.....counte em...3. We have dealt with huge limbs falling through our roof, and much more....   After much contemplation, we decided to get rid of 10 of our 16 trees....with the advice of a couple of pros along the way.  So, we are in the beginning phases of our backyard redo!  So, I thought I'd document this journey!  So yesterday the trees were removed with no problems!  They kids got home from school and just watched until dinnertime, as the men did their thing.

This morning, all the stumps were ground, and today, all the debris will be remove, fence put back up, and then it will be time to get some grass!! I'll do my best documenting all this as it occurs......for me as much as anyone else!  Enjoy the crazy journey........