Business as Usual

It's business as usual in the Baldwin-Williamson household. Doni is as cute as can be - especially when he gets excited. His favorite thing to do is kick his legs. When he's happy, he will kick those legs like crazy. Giving him a bath is a raucous occassion - it's like sitting in a jacuzzi. Rudy is still a crazy little Monkey. He wants all the love in the world - and I have no problem giving it. Gracie has been doing so well in school and is taking responsibility for her actions and it's just a wonderful change. I'm hoping it's a long-term change. For the first time, she's actually proud of herself because she can focus and work on things. Frankly, I don't know how she is keeping up with school work (she has about 3 to 4 hours of homework a night). We are currently preparing for Halloween (I can't wait!) and Gracie's 12th birthday (Nov. 2nd).

Fall Celebrations

Well, it's Halloween season, and that means it's "Apple Patch" time (as Rudy calls it - it's NOT a pumpkin patch). We went to Carters Mountain 2 weeks ago for apple cider donuts and an apple cider slushie. It was warm, so there were more people on that small mountain than I have ever seen. Rudy's favorite part was beating on trees and pumpkins with a stick. Then, last weekend we went to Graves Mountain Lodge and had a great time. Once again, it's been warm, so everyone and their brother was there. We ate Brunswick Stew and fried apples and got a bunch of Graves Mtn jams and cider. As soon as we got home, John looked for recipes for Brunswick Stew (if you know us, you know that we have close to 75 cook-books). I've been trying to make large batches of food to freeze, so I was thinking that Stew would be a good one to try. However, with John's approval, we will be making Brunswick Stew WITHOUT squirrel. I've been in Virginia for 7 years, and that's not quite long enough to justify eating rodents.

We have TEETH!

As our digital camera has decided to stop working (as of last week), there are no new pictures to post, however, this morning was a momentous occasion! Doni has cut his first tooth! Yep - it finally broke through - bottom left. It hasn't lessen his love of biting things (blankies, teething rings, toys, mommies and daddys), but at least it's on it's way out. Naturally Rudy walks up to me with a HUGE scary smile and explains that he already has big teeth. Poor monkey boy always has to make sure I don't forget him :)