The Itsy Bitsy Spider

Homecoming Queen

Join me in congratulating my niece, Megan, for being crowned Homecoming Queen at her high school. I can't imagine a girl more deserving of the honor. We love you, Megan!

Harlinsdale Farm and Other Saturday Fun

Saturday was a day packed with fun for the Seaton family. I was up and ready to go to the garage sales in Fieldstone Farms at 6:45. The sales started at 7:00, and I was bound and determined that I was going to get there early. Jack had other plans. He slept until 8:00! The little stinker was up early every morning last week except the day I wanted him to get out of bed. Luckily, John and Grandpa Marion still found what we were looking for, a train table. 

After finding the train table, Grandpa, Grandma, John, Jack, and I headed to a park in Franklin called Harlinsdale Farm. Harlinsdale Farm has an interesting history. It was owned by the Harlin family until a few years ago. The Harlin family is famous for their involvement in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. They owned Midnight Sun, the first repeat World Grand Champion and a horse whose blood still runs through many of today's champion Walking Horses. The Harlin family sold the farm to the city of Franklin a few years ago. On Saturday, Franklin held a kids day on the farm. They had mules to pet and miniature donkeys to ride as well as a hay ride and train ride. Jack enjoyed petting the mule, but the line was too long to ride the donkeys. I don't think he was big enough to ride anyway. 

Jack especially enjoyed the train ride. He has a keen interest in trains right now. If we are playing outside and he hears the train, he stops what he's doing and tells me about it. We look for trains when we're in the car. He shows me trains he finds in his books or catalogs. He loves to play with them at Peekaboo Playtown. This was his first ride. He enjoyed it. 

We hustled home after spending some time on the farm so Jack could nap and we could go to a birthday party. The party was at Bounce U, a warehouse full of inflatable jumpers. Jack was timid at first, but before long he was bouncing like all the other kids. His grin that stretched from ear to ear was so cute.

Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner and some target practice. Jack is enamored with his grandmother, so he enjoyed showing her everything there is to do at our house.

After our busy Saturday, it felt really good to spend Sunday relaxing at home. I may not get off this couch again tonight!

Boots!

Boots are tough and manly. Just ask Jack. He got his first pair today, and he's been excited about them since the moment he laid eyes on them. Boots has been the word of the day at our house. I think I've heard it fifty times in the past four hours. I teased Jack all afternoon about taking his boots off. He fervently shook his head each time, saying in toddler talk, "No way, Mom!" 

I seriously thought I bought these cheap little boots just to complete his Halloween costume. Instead I think they have probably become Jack's footwear of choice. As we were heading out the door this evening to spend some time outside, I told Jack he needed to put his shoes on before we could go out. Again I saw the head shake as he took off for his bedroom, yelling "Boots!" as he ran to get them. How can I fight that enthusiasm? Put on your boots, little man. 

"Boobie" Launch

The first thing you need to know is that Jack calls balloons boobies. It's one of those things that's sort of embarrassing, but too cute not to share. 

On to the story behind these photos. John has a friend who runs a hot air balloon business in the Nashville area. When John found out he was launching today, he asked Logan if we could go out to watch. Grandpa and Grandma met us there. Seeing the work that goes into launching the boobies balloons truly was a cool thing to see. Jack was certainly interested in the process. However, when he saw the flame and heard its roar, he ran as fast as his little legs could carry him to safety (Mommy). 

I used to say that I would like to try riding in a hot air balloon. Then I figured out that I am afraid of heights. Today's launch renewed my interest in balloons. I think it would be cool if John and I took Jack and Luke up in a balloon when they are much older. For now, Jack and I will watch for "boobies" from the ground.