It's Really Fall Y'all!

We have been running around for weeks and now we are finally home again.  My computer is still a piece.  I am hoping to get a new one this week.  My battery literally lasted for 6 minutes today.  Wow, why bother.  Anyway, back to what we've been doing. . . .

A train to a Pumpkin patch with Cathy and Chuck . . .

Connor really enjoyed the trip on the train and all the pumpkins.  We may always have to take a train to get a pumpkin.

After a short week at home, we packed up 6 bags (2 rolling carryon suitcases, 1 carry-on duffle bag, 1 diaper bag, 1 backpack and 1 computer work bag) and headed to Richmond.  Since we were flying US Air, (and I got a great deal on tickets) I didn't want to pay additional money to check bags.  Plus, and more importantly than 50 bucks, our connection in Charlotte was tight (40 minutes) and I was pretty certain our bags wouldn't make the transfer.  I was right.  Our flight from Birmingham was delayed about 30 minutes.  We made up time in the air but the ground crew was super slow in Charlotte so we got off the plane with 10 minutes before our next flight was going to depart.  Colin ran about 2 city blocks through Charlotte airport with all the bags but the backpack.  I waited on the car seat (oh, yeah that is yet another "bag").  Everyone, including the pilot was off the plane and the darn car seat was not in sight.  Finally, it arrived.  I didn't even bother putting Connor in the seat.  I just grabbed the Go Go Kidz handle and ran with Connor in the other arm.  I put him down with about 2 gates to go and we both ran our little legs off.  They held the plane for us (yippee!) (Goodness knows what Colin said to them to accomplish this . . . but who cares - we made it!).  Oh, and no layover - almost like a direct flight except for the stress.

Colin's mom and stepdad picked us up in Richmond and we headed to Ashland, VA (the "Center of the Universe") for Colin's 10 year college reunion at RMC.  I didn't take many pictures (I'll blame it on decompressing from the stressful but successful trip) but we had a wonderful time.  Friday night we put the kids (Kevin and Leslie both graduated from RMC so they came down to Ashland with Daniel) to bed and went to the alumni party.  Colin's mom and stepdad were sweet enough to watch our babies while we were enjoying some time out.  I rented a suite at the Hampton Inn.  I didn't even know they had suites (b/c it was NOT a Hampton Inn & Suites).  I called and asked.  Luckily they did.  So Connor was asleep in the bedroom and we could hang out in the living room.  Kevin and Leslie were across the hall and Pat and Bob were next door.  It couldn't have worked out better!  Saturday we walked to campus (thankfully Kevin and Leslie brought us an umbrella stroller to borrow because I am certain we would have missed the flight if we had had 1 more piece of luggage).  We went to the tailgate and pretended to watch the football game from the tent.  For dinner we went to Ruby Tuesday (if you know me you know I despise RT).  I have gotten food poisoning 3 times (3 different locations - actually 3 different states), a tray full of waters spilled on me and most recently RT tried to kill me by putting so much mustard on my veggie burger that I would have been hospitalized (you know how they put the condiments on the bottom of the burger - well, I didn't know and luckily I don't trust anyone at RT - any location - so I inspected).  So why would I go back?? Twice in one weekend??  Our options were limited and they had tvs so I could watch the Auburn LSU game.  I didn't get sick or wet.  Oh, and Auburn won!!!  Still not changing my mind about RT though.  I just think I got lucky (or maybe I was smart and didn't really eat anything)! 

Connor at the tailgate . . .

Neal at the tailgate the following day for the Ravens game (yes, we drove back bright and early for the Ravens game)  How much can you pack into one weekend?

P.S. Yes, he is wearing a onesie (handmade of course)

Colin headed back to Birmingham after the Ravens game and Connor and I stayed in Baltimore to visit with Caitlin, Will (and Greg).  The first couple of days were low key (and much needed).  Mid-week, we headed to Hagerstown to see Colin's dad and stepmom.  Connor got so much attention from his Mom Mom, Grandad Bob, Pop Pop and Grandma Cathy over the past 10 days - he adored it!  We went shopping at the outlets one day and Connor saw this carousel he just had.to.ride.  For 50cents it seemed like a bargain to me.  Precious

P.S. A "refurbished" of this carousel is for sale at Hammacher Schlemmer for $9K.  Not sure if you have to still pay 50 cents a ride.

We returned back to Baltimore just in time to celebrate Halloween 3 times (Fri, Sat and Sun).  Since it has taken me all 2 hours of naptime to make this post (due to my slowsky computer) you will have to wait for the Halloween pictures.  But . . . they are totally worth the wait.