Halloween 2011

I've been meaning to post for weeks! But so much has been happening, and now I have some great new pics from Halloween to post. Here's a list of our latest adventures, and then a look at what we've been up to these past weeks, including a Babymoon, a trip to Gainesville, trick-or-treating, Halloween crafts, and school Halloween parties. Yes, yes, of course I am still studying like crazy, too. We've only got four and a half weeks to go in this semester. And of course that means final projects, papers, and portfolios - and, a new baby!!

1. My parents came down to visit so Shawn and I could check out Helen, GA and then enjoy a bed and breakfast at a beautiful lodge in the middle of nowhere. It was awesome! We had lunch a cute German bakery, walked around Octoberfest, then headed to our lodge for a tour and an afternoon snack, which included hot apple cider. After an afternoon of relaxation and then dinner, we enjoyed Earthquake cake for dessert at the lodge. So good! Breakfast the next morning was just as delicious, too. Seriously, all we did was rest and eat. Definitely the perfect babymoon.

2. Once we came home, I got to spend some time with just mom and dad in between studying and teaching. It was great getting to have some one-on-one time with both of my parents. A rare and wonderful treat in such a big family! I miss them so much now, but I am thankful for all of the time together.

3. Last weekend, we headed back down to Gainesville. We had dinner with the Natasha and Irene, and it was awesome to get all of the kids together and catch up for the night. I definitely have been missing my G-ville girlfriends!

4. We stayed with Julie and Carlos and their boys, and hung out all day Saturday, too. We had such a great time! Riley and Christian are adorable together, and Adrian tags along and tries to do everything the big kids do. We went trick-or-treating in Newberry until Adrian melted down and Riley fell asleep. Then we hit the road to return to GA.

5. On Halloween, I got to go to the kids' school for their Halloween parties! So much fun! The kids looked adorable in their costumes, and it was fun to see them interact with their friends and teachers. Good times!

6. School continues to go well. My students submit their third papers this week, and I give my second presentation in one of my classes. I've been submitting stories like crazy, too. Keep your fingers crossed that something will get published soon! I've had some really nice rejection letters and requests for more work, but I am looking forward to seeing another story of mine published online or in print.

7. I am almost 32 weeks already. So far, I still feel really good. I try to work out at least twice a week. I am measuring really small, but the baby is right on track. I am trying to savor as much of this pregnancy as I can: all the kicks, the growing belly, even the muscle aches and discomfort. It will be over before I know it! I might not enjoy how I look pregnant, but I really love being pregnant. The whole experience continues to amaze me!