What's Up Wednesday ~ August 2017 Edition

Hey gang! It's September!! Did ya know that? I sure didn't, until my mother in law sent me an email trying to find a date to celebrate my birthday and I was all "uhm wait, does that mean it's September already?!" Like what in the actual heck. How did that happen so quickly?!

I'm back today to share another round of What's Up Wednesday -- the bloggers that host the linkup moved it to this week due to a Hurricane Harvey donation drive ... and I'm not complaining because I certainly didn't have it all together last Wednesday to make a post. Moreover, I obviously haven't had to together since March which was the last time I participated. Sheesh. But anywhoodles, we catch up and answer these questions ....

What We're Eating This Week: Gosh, I'm really trying hard to get back to routine. Cooking meals, less summer snacking, getting the kids on a "normal" schedule now that we're back to school, but I'm not gonna lie I'm having a hard time sticking to it. We've gotten into this awful pattern of eating out (thanks to the move, the renovation, and summer) so I'm trying to cut back on that as much as possible. We actually sat down at the dinner table last night for the first time in weeks (our quick and easy dinners we always eat at the island), said grace, talked about the highs and lows of our day, the whole to do. And honestly it was really refreshing. The kids are back to school so they have things they want to share, and it's just good QT with the fam. We're also working really hard to develop little man's palate (and it is SUCH a battle). So we've made a deal that when we sit down to dinner as a family he's required to try one new item. Last night's requirement (we actually snuck in two) corn and mashed potatoes. He didn't LOVE the corn but tolerated it - which I count as a win - and he legit gagged when he ate mashed potatoes. His sweet sister that had been loving them all dinner then proceeded to follow suit (for attention) and it ended in the entire family laughing until we couldn't breathe. Ha! Seriously though - mama's of the world - HELPPPPP. Give me ideas for dinner, lunch, snacks, all the things to get my kiddo to eat. #HopelessMama

What I'm reminiscing about: Some recent fun date nights with my hubs. We've had a lot of fun events lined up lately and it's been good to spend some time together. We've hit up concerts, nights out with friends, simple wine nights in the kitchen, a neighborhood party, some fun drinks before dinner, etc. Nothing over the top, but fun nonetheless.

What I'm loving: THIS WEATHER! Fall is in full swing here in the Bluegrass and I couldn't be happier. The cooler evenings make our neighborhood walks a breeze ~ I'm rocking my jeans and not the slightest bit uncomfortable ~ I'm wearing sweatshirts like it's my job. There have been some gloomy days but the kids are loving stomping in puddles in their rain boots and I'm loving snuggling up after school in a big ole' blanket with them. Ahhh, all of the greatness. Fall is the best. Ever. Ever. Ever. 

What we've been up to: Mostly just end of summer, back to school business and some Labor Day fun. We went to the Kentucky state fair and ate all the food and rode all the rides. 

We had a viewing party for the Solar Eclipse:

And just some fun back to routine days. 

What I'm dreading: Honestly, I'm already dreading November. We went to Nashville last week for the my 3 month check-ups - but got off easy this round because we didn't have any scans. They did take one mole from my chest, but that's pretty much par for the course these days. November is going to be a HUGE visit (PET scan, CT scan, MRI of the abdomen, MRI of the brain, blood work, derm visit) THE WORKS. And there are a couple of really subtle spots they've been watching for a long time and we think this visit will kind of determine a decision one way or another (if they've changed). Sooo ... while it's still a while away - I'm dreading it. But here's a look from last week - my teammate came with me and we had good reports :) 

What I'm working on: The house ... STILL. We're actually doing the landscape right now and they should be wrapping up this week - YAY! The landscape was gorgeous in it's day I'm certain, but it was A LOT and looked like a LOT of work - so I wanted to bring it back down and make it a bit simpler. More grass, less landscape beds, etc. So we're almost there. Furthermore I'm finally feeling the itch to decorate this home (sort of ). I'm honestly still kind of maxed out from the renovation, so I simply have just avoided all things decor focused (which is usually my favorite part). But, last Friday I had a little itch to decorate a wall, so I climbed Shane's shoulders (really though) and finished a gallery wall. :) yay! I hope to share some photos soon.

What I'm excited about: This weekend! It's our anniversary and the Bengals opening home game of the season - and let's be honest football season in general. I live for a good tailgate, fun watch party with all the dips, all of it. Mister Bennett's first soccer game of the season is this weekend too! So much fun packed into a couple of short days! The boys are excited it's football season too - they headed to Indy last weekend to watch their Cards bring home the W over Purdue. 

What I'm watching/reading: Game of Thrones. I did it. I jumped on the band wagon. And I'm binging it. I'll be honest, it's not as great as I was hoping. I really really like it and I'm going to keep watching - but for all of the hype I am a teensy tiny bit disappointed. However - I'm super into the Mother of the Dragons! Haha! I think she's so great.

What I'm listening to: I'm listening to China Rich Girlfriend on audible and Trolls. Will my kids EVER not want to listen to Trolls? Shane came home last week and couldn't stop talking about the new T. Swift song and I'm looking at him going - Taylor Swift has a new song? HA! 

What I'm wearing: MY FALL CLOTHES. No more needs to be said. And blankets! We love snuggling under good blanket!

Mister Bennett is wearing cowboys gear and any and all other costumes because he totally loves dressing up and getting into character right now. 

Lainey is wearing nail polish  and loves to show it off to just about anyone that will look at her "fingah" and she also rocks perfectly tousled tendril curls everyday fresh out of the bathtub #hairenvy

What I'm doing this weekend: Like I said, soccer, football, anniversary celebration, Cincinnati - all great things. Trying to decide where we should make reservations Saturday. 

What I'm looking forward to next month: Ahh September, I've got a birthday coming up, our anniversary, Bennett's soccer begins, I've got some fun family sessions on the books, and I'm hoping to score some tickets to a few shows in town! I'm also going to start thinking about this little lady's count down to two celebration. We've got a while, but I've got some ideas swirling and I'm excited to host her little party. I think second birthday's are so fun because they start to really understand it's all about them. 

What else is new: That's about it really. Back to school mainly and starting into our new groove. This little guy has also grown out of nearly all of this clothes so we went last week and got his some new threads. 

And that's about it gang! Hopefully I'll see ya back here at the end of next month - same time, same place, K?

Preschool Playdate ~ Pumpkin Patch

Another year, another play date at the pumpkin patch! Like I mentioned last year Bennett's little preschool arranges a playdate for all the kiddos and the moms each month and it's a great time to get together outside of school with all of his little buddies. Again, this year we headed to Gentry's Farm in Franklin, TN and had such a great time!

We stopped for the obligatory pumpkin truck photo.

And then, just like last year we headed to take the tractor/hayride first to see the grounds and all of the new baby calves. There were 23 this year! And this year our best buddies were with us of course.  Heyyy Jack and Brooks - and Henry too!

And their mamas, Andrea and Lynn, obviously! 

We just love them so so much!

We played in the little houses.

And Bennett of course found a way to include a nursery rhyme ... Jack and Jill and a pail of water! Duh.

We headed through the spider maze and made sure to not make the bell jingle (it jingled a lot do not be fooled).

We headed through the straw maze and down all of the slides over and over.

We drove the tractors ... and had some serious conversations.

And we played in the corn pit and made sure to have blue shovels.

Lainey took a stroller snooze while we ate lunch.

And finally, we picked out the most perfect pumpkin from the patch.

It was a great, great day at the pumpkin patch! Thank you preschool for putting together the most fabulous playdate!

Life Lately ~ Photo Dump!

Good ole' life lately. Sorry for the silence round here gang. Things seem to constantly be so dang busy. Fall is off to a great start and things around here and just a hustlin' and a bustlin'.

School is back in full swing and my heart is breaking that soon Bennett won't get to play with his beloved friends. His little preschool has been one of our biggest blessings in Nashville and I am so sad to leave. The teachers and staff have warmed my heart so much over the course of the last year and a half. They have helped us with Lainey during doctor's visits and surgeries. They have instilled love and learning in my son when momma needed a break. And they have placed some of the best friendships in our lives. We've found a little preschool for Bennett in Louisville, and I am certain God will place us in the right spot once again, but this school and these people will forever live in my heart.

Speaking of the move ... We closed on our home in Louisville! We are going to be doing a GIANT renovation before we move in (much much more to come on that topic as it becomes available), but the home is officially ours and we're in the process of working with residential architects and our builder to make it a long term home for us. We have moved, and moved a lot (I'm looking at you rolling your eyes Laura), but I have a feeling this home will be in our lives for a LONG time. And ironically, I'm a little excited about that. Katie, in a home for more than two years? No way....

Bennett spent a good amount of time at Sissy's house with Emmie and Brody last week and little mister simply HAD to have a toy like his favorite cousin, Brody. So his beloved Sissy sent him a Batman and it has not left his side. Day made!

We also wrapped another round of a Lil' Sluggers session and everyone was awarded their medals!

And this past week we headed to Radnor Lake with Brooks and his momma, and STAR SIGHTING! We saw and talked to Connie Britton! That's her running behind Brooks! Lynn wouldn't let me ask for a photo because she says that's the unwritten rule in Nashville you don't bother the famous people, and why the stars love it here so much. Bah Humbug. In true Katie fashion, I talked with her briefly and awkwardly, but Lynn and I can keep that hysterical interaction to ourselves! HA.

And ... FALL ALERT! I spy with my little eye, weather cool enough to warrant chili for dinner! Yahoo! And a white pumpkin because I'm great at photo staging, bahaha (obviously I'm kidding).

Cuddles with our beloved Maggie - it's been a while since she's made an appearance around here.

Halloween Costume building is in full swing as well. Ya'll already know about my love for homemade costumes. And with the passing of my grandmother this year, it's carrying even more meaning than ever before. More to come on this topic too, but I can promise it'll lead to a few laughs.

As much as we're ready for fall, we're trying to squeeze every last ounce of summer we can into our days and nights. And that of course includes impromptu visits to Bobby's Dairy Dip for chocolate dipped cones and butter-finger swirlies. Which really are the best nights of all.

We headed to Germantown again this year for Nashville's Oktoberfest. And our besties came with us!

 Blue icies for the win!

 And Lainey snoozles for the win too!

And this year we Oktoberbest-ed a bit differently, and spent the majority of our day in the kids zone letting the littles bounce bounce bounce!

 Even Lainey played along!

 With supervision of course!

Beers and babies, ya'll!

And guys. I've got to admit. My Thai Esane obsession is out of hand. I think the realization that I can't order this anytime I want when we move is freaking me out, because any chance I can get I eat it. Why hello extra winter pounds that are coming on way too early - I don't care. I'm eating it until my husband loads me in the moving van.

Bennett is starting to actually watch most of a movie now-a-days so snuggling and screening is a nighttime favorite. All the heart eyes!

Bennett and Lainey are also into Jam sessions that make me laugh.

And taking 400 stuffed animals on car rides, because that's not excessive at all.

We're also into napping together on the couch.

And last, but certainly not least, PaPaw and GoGo were in Nashville for some meetings and paid us a special visit!

Hip hip hooray! Another year of family photos are in the books! Last year's were fun because they "included" Lainey, but this year they REALLY included Lainey. I can't wait to see the final shots!

Welp, that's about it gang, that's a little bit of our life lately!