A few weeks ago Grandpa came over and helped Jeff build a deluxe sandbox underneath Eli's fort/swing set. It took about 5 loads of sand in the tractor to fill and has already provided hours of entertainment. Thanks so much Grandpa for providing materials, labor, and love! Now onto the roof for the fort.
We have had several opportunities to go horse back riding lately and Eli loves it. We often help out in the barn with the kids doing chores and this was a great way to end a morning of grooming horses and scooping poo. Eli would put it this way, "PEED JEW MAMA, POO POO!"
A few weeks back we attended Plainview days. It was sort of a fall festival in the nearby town. It was Eli's first time seeing a parade. He quickly learned that if he waved he was rewarded with candy. Before long, he was waving at everything...even the horses. It was fun to witness the parade through the eyes of a child.
The ranch was blessed with free arm bands and parking to take the kids to the State Fair this past week. After many rainy days, God parted the clouds and the sun shone through. It was an absolutely amazing day. Many of the kids, including Elijah, had never been to a fair before. They weren't disappointed. There were plenty of rides, fried food, animals, and shows to enjoy. Everyone had a great time and we are so thankful for the people who made it possible to take this trip.
Jeff and I were also blessed with some time away this weekend. Meredith and Amos volunteered to take Eli for the weekend so we escaped for some R&R. Oaks Manor Conference and Retreat Center is located in Northwest Arkansas among the beautiful Ozark Mountains. They have a small cottage on the grounds that we stayed in at almost no cost. We enjoyed the beautiful grounds complete with mountain views, prayer gardens, hiking trails, and pond. We also did some hiking at Lake Ft. Smith State Park. The Lord was gracious to us again and granted a reprieve from the rain. It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend!
As you will see in the photos, Elijah continues to grow at an amazing rate. He is more little boy and less baby every day. He is still as busy as ever. He is also great at mimicking now. We really have to watch what we do and say!
I hope you are enjoying your fall as much as we are and are remembering to count your blessings because God is so good!
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