Procrastination

Never accomplish today what you can put off for six months.  I'm finally finishing up some canvases for some friends I began this summer.

Leaf Pile

Feed the Birds

Pine cone birdfeeders on a warm December afternoon

Dabo's Pizza Party

Our Tigers are #1 and on their way to the playoffs for the national championship.  Dabo threw a pizza party for his 20,000 closest friends so, of course, we went at the last minute.  There is nothing like a slice of cold pizza but it was also fun.  

Family Pictures

We are either too busy or too cheap to get professional pictures of our family.  I always think about it too late.

So, for a second year, we set up the tripod and a timer and shot pics until we got one that would do.

The boys warmed up the camera for me the night before we took our pics.  This happened to be Halloween Eve and they wanted to pose with our jack-o-lantern.

So, when all was said and done, I was grateful we got some where most everyone was smiling and/or looking at the camera.  Later, I realized that after careful framing of the shot and semi-careful color coordination of outfits the front door was open in every single frame.  

In 20 years, it won't matter.  Family pictures don't have to be perfect or Pinterest worthy.  One of these will still make a decent Christmas card and at least this year no one is crying.  I call that a win!

Diggin' this party

Last month, we were invited to a birthday party for one of Elijah's school buddies at the local rock quarry.  Brooks and I didn't even know there was a rock quarry nearby let alone one that would do parties.  

This was by far the coolest party we've ever been to.  The guys who work there set up a party room for the kids complete with a slide show including lots of videos of things blowing up.  Then, we all got to drive down into the quarry where the kids took turns riding up and down the quarry road in the enonormous trucks.  I'm sure there were potential liability issues all over this thing but it was amazing.

The kids got to play with rocks, dirt and lots of water at the bottom of the quarry.  Perfect for a bunch of little boys... and adults.

On the way home, Elijah asked if he could have his next party at the rock quarry.  The answer was no but we sure enjoyed this fun, creative celebration!

Tricky Trickets

All ready to trick-or-treat last weekend (or tricky trickets according to Simon).  Yoda makes a third appearance in the Williams house along with his buddy Luke Skywalker.  Simon was supposed to be an Ewok but after wearing his costume to nap one afternoon, he declared, "No Wicket!"  Anybody want an Ewok costume?

We love the Ravenscrafts and the Gourdins!  We were able to enjoy dinner and the end of a Clemson game at our house with these two fun families after the downtown festivities.

After trick or treats, Elijah, LA, and Claire turned the couch into a truck and got some work done.  After dinner, Brooks took Elijah around the neighborhood to top off his candy bag. Poor Simon came down with a fever when we got home and had to stay home.  Other than this, it was such a fun night for everyone!

Expert

Elijah's class studied the letter "E" last week and talked about being an expert.  This was E's answer to how he was an expert.  Brooks and I just laughed and laughed.

Free Riding!

This kid (maybe involuntarily) is training wheel free and riding like a champ.  E is never one to jump into new experiences on his own.  I love his face in this photo-  Joy!

A Fun Evening in Falls Park

What a great evening hanging out with these guys.  Brooks was being a goofball with my camera phone and Elijah and Simon were full of energy and questions.  This is a sweet memory.

Art Class

Talking about the relationship between self-portraits from the past and selfies of today with my middle school art class.  So, of course we had to take class selfies.  These are pretty cool kids even if their teacher is a little questionable.

Let that be your last... Cake.

So, my mom got a coupon for a free cake mix and then gave it to Elijah (I think to just get it out of our house).  Elijah begged and begged to bake that mix.  I gave and made it worse by buying icing to go with it.  E chose chocolate for himself but since his brother isn't a fan, vanilla for Simon. 

When it was all said and done, the cake looked like this...

I just had to laugh because it totally reminded me of this Star Trek episode...

If you ever watched Star Trek, you know what I am talking about.

And don't worry, my kids are totally absorbed in Star Wars but I have no plans to make them Trekkies.

Waiting

Waiting on the parade to begin for our local Apple Festival.  My parents graciously joined us to help me keep my crazy kids out of the road.

I love the laughing faces in these photos.

Blackhawk

Our friend Sam, who flies helicopters in the Army, called us last Sunday out of the blue.  A friend of his was flying a Blackhawk across the country and planned to stop in Clemson to refuel.  Sam invited us to bring our boys to meet his buddy and see the helicopter.  The boys were not super excited about it but Brooks and I were psyched!  

We got to watch the helicopter land and then walk out and see it up close.

The crew graciously let the boys get inside.

When the helicopter was fueled up, the crew loaded up and we got to watch it take off.  This was such a fun experience and a gift to us and our boys!  We are so grateful for these guys and their willingness to allow us to see and experience this helicopter.  Thank you, Sam, for thinking of us!  Thank you, Jordan, for being to gracious to us and our boys!  We enjoyed meeting you and look forward to spending time with you when you and Sam come back to Clemson.