September/October

We have had a couple of very busy months filled with all sorts of fantastic events. They're pretty much in backward chronological order and skip around randomly too, but they're here.

Levi is apparently going to be a ladies man. There are some cute girls around for him to practice his charms. I love his slight grin the photo above.

The second weekend in October we were so excited to visit the Smoky Mountains! Matt's parents were anxious to get back to the Smokies. They visited them every year their family lived out here when Matt was little. They are absolutely GORGEOUS in the fall. We had to get up pretty high to see the brilliant colors, but it was well worth the drive. We enjoyed our longest ever one-on-one time with Matt's parents.

I love this snap of Matt admiring Levi. He's such a good dad.

Hailey and Matt on the porch swing at the cabin we stayed in the Smokies. It was such a nice place! A king size bed was wonderful. The view was incredible. The driveway was awful.

Levi's beautiful blues. He has his daddy's lashes too. They're not quite as thick as Matt and Hailey's yet, but they've definitely lengthened in the last month. Hailey's started out really thin too so I expect his will thicken up. Lucky kiddos. Definitely a bonus from their daddy.

Okay, this is shameful. My wonderful mother came to visit and help me for ten days at the beginning of September, and I didn't even do a post on it. It deserved a post all of its own, but I didn't take a ton of photos. So, here's my one photo, but GREAT THANKS to a much needed and much appreciated visit from my mother. I know it was a great sacrifice to her and my dad to have her here so long.

Skipping ahead a month, both sets of grandparents came at the beginning of October. I know, I'm spoiled to have three parental visits in a month's time. Below are Matt's fabulous parents.

And my fabulous parents.

We went on different several different outings while they were here. The next three photos were taken at a huge park nearby. This is probably one of my top 3 favorite photos ever taken of Hailey. It is rare that you can truly capture the essence of her personality and love of running, and my mom caught it on camera. Thanks Mom! Hailey LOVES to run. She kept saying "go faster." I really am going to take her to a park one of these warmer days coming up and take my running watch and track how far she goes before she tires. I really think she could go a mile.

Obviously the kids weren't thrilled about our family photo time. Hopefully that's not the case when we actually get some taken.

Levi's blessing was a beautiful experience. We were so glad to have BOTH sets of grandparents here. We didn't think it was going to work out, but due to great sacrifice and efforts, it did. Thanks moms and dads!

I LOVED his blessing outfit my mom brought. He looks like such a mini man. The faux tie and vest are probably my favorite parts.

Levi's first meeting of Butler grandparents.

Matt's mom is an astounding seamstress. She made this beautiful quilt for Levi and all the crib set up to match. You can't tell, but the tan material is minky (the really, really soft material). We love it and so does Levi. He sleeps with it every night in his crib.

Matt was able to do eye exams on our parents while they were here. We had so much fun helping them pick out frames, etc. Matt didn't get to do a full exam on my dad due to schedule conflict, but wanted to take a look at his eye so we went up the student lab for a minute and I even got to see the place where the barbed wire pierced his eye. It was miraculously close to his pupil.

Matt's school's homecoming happened while my parents were here. We had a fun time with the balloon man who made Hailey a pony. Hailey had such a fun time with her grandpas while they were here. She is at a very playful stage and thought their games were so fun. It was special to see the bonds grow with all four grandparents.

After eating, Matt spent nearly the entire evening on the blow up toy with Hailey. Next to running, jumping is a favorite hobby.

Matt and I at homecoming.

Reuniting with Grandma Stevens.

I love this photo of Levi looking up at his grandpa for the first time.

It was precious - when I put Levi in her lap he looked up a gave her a HUGE smile - something that is still rare.