Aldridge Botanical Gardens

Today we spent a few hours at Aldridge Botanical Gardens in Hoover.

They have a really neat scarecrow exhibit this month.

Elliott loves the bunny sculptures.

Happy Birthday, Granna!

Pumpkin mania

We went to the pumpkin patch in Hayden today. Oh, too many choices!

Elliott and I were getting swarmed by bugs!

Goofing off around the house

I am lord and ruler of this whole driveway now that I've found this magic wand.

No WAY, Daddy!

Don't say my shirt didn't warn you.

Daredevil

If regular sliding is fun, I think I'll try it face-first.

Drumroll, please

The moment we've all been waiting for: Elliott in The Outfit. Aunt Pat and Uncle Bill bought it for Eric to wear to church more than 30 years ago. A few years later, his brother Noah wore it. Then Adam. Then Brett. A few years ago, Noah's son Josh brought the tradition to a new generation. Now it's Elliott's turn. (Let's all say it together: Awwww.)

Leaps and bounds

Although Elliott has been sick for a couple of days (boo), nothing but good came out of his 18-month check-up last week. He's growing so quickly! And he even stuck out his tongue at the doctor when she asked. But only for a second. Heaven forbid he cooperate too much. (Sorry for the lack of a photo. He has been IN. NO. MOOD. for any of that business.)

Weight: 28.4 lbs. (75th percentile)

Height: 34.5 in. (97th percentile)

Playground? Who needs it?

A puddle in the driveway works just as well. And, unlike the slide at the playground, you can have the whole thing to yourself.

Cloudy with a chance of meatballs

In an attempt to feed Elliott the messiest dinner possible last night, I made turkey meatball subs with marinara. Fresh cherries completed the mess...I mean, meal.

Go Bama!

Football season is finally here, and it's not a moment too soon.