Fall Fun!

As many know, fall and winter is my favorite time of year!  I'm not a huge fan of hot weather (unless we are swimming), but I LOVE the crisp, cool air and holidays in the fall.  This year is no exception, and we were able to enjoy a lot of fun times outside together.  You may notice a recurring theme of a  little cowboy in a few pictures - Clay generally has at least some part of his cowboy gear on wherever we go (boots, hat, blue jeans, etc.).  We will get to Halloween later, but yes, he wanted to dress up like a cowboy this year.  Surprise, surprise!

 We went to visit Great-Grandma in Lake St. Louis.  They were having a country-western day, so of course, Clay wanted to wear his cowboy gear!  It was great to visit and enjoy the day! 

 In mid-September, my Aunt Marleen passed away and went to heaven.  We miss her very much, and she was so loved by so many friends and family.  To give my cousins Jason and Becky and Uncle Bob some time alone, we brought cousin Jack (black shirt) to visit the farm one Sunday.  Clay idolizes Jack, so he was beside himself with excitement.  Jack seemed to enjoy the day working cows and playing in the hay barn with the other cousins who came over - Andrew, Sam and TJ (not pictured).  The boys were extremely dirty and sweaty, but I think everyone had a lot of fun!  The uncles certainly had plenty of help that day!

 I asked for a silly face...

 We have had so much fun going to Mizzou football games this year!  The first game was the Gold Rush game, and I had a hard time remembering a game as hot as that day.  We started out strong, but only made it through halftime.  Papa and Clay were both ready to go (as were the rest of us), but we enjoyed watching the Tiger victory!  We have actually had pretty good success staying through at least the third quarter or later during the rest of the games.  It's tough to really watch and keep a 3-year old entertained, but he loves cheering on his Missouri Tigers!  He knows the M I Z Z O U chant pretty well, and breaks down cheering at random times away from the football games.  Most recently, he started in the middle of the grocery store.  Good thing we live in Columbia where people can appreciate a true fan!

 The helmet car is pretty cool!

 We like to dress up and have fun at home!  I think this was a serenade to the tune of "ABC's."

 We went to a field day at one of the University Farms (South Farm) to enjoy a day of agriculture.  It came as no surprise to us that Clay was excited to put on the big, long glove and check out the cow's insides.  Eww!

 

 He is also getting the hang of milking cows (and goats).  Clay likes to take advantage of any opportunity to work with animals.  We love our little farm boy!

 

All that agriculture and fresh air sure wears a cowboy out!

 Yes, that is my son riding his bike with a Spiderman costume and cowboy boots!  Who says Spiderman can't wear boots?  The best part was walking down the sidewalk with Clay while he was wearing this costume.  The neighbors can't help but smile and laugh!

"Mom and Dad, look how strong I am!"

 Clay and Annie are still pretty great buddies...

..but as Dan and Clay both agree, they are "the best buddies ever!"  It is so much fun to watch these two giggle, play, and wrestle together!  Sometimes  I'm not sure who is having more fun.  Don't worry, I get lots of time to do the same.  If only we can convince Clay that I'm not really his "wife."  Love these boys to pieces!