Growing up was too fast...

From the outfit to the ponytail, and of course, the gun, this little girl is growing up way too fast......  

And before you call Social Services...it's a BB gun...calm down, people.  

Who gives a toddler a real gun???

Pumpkin patch

When Brent has to work on a Saturday, he gets a day off in the middle of the week.  I knew immediately this would be THE day to take Emma to the pumpkin patch.  Last year, we went to Ganyard Farms on a weekend day, and while it was fun, it was WAY TOO CROWDED.  I hate crowds, and I know it makes Emma a bit standoff-ish too.  This year, we decided to go a bit further out into the country to Hill Ridge farms.  It's about an hour away, but a pretty ride, and no one's ever accused me of being afraid of a good drive:)

We had a great time together as a family.  It's one of those days I will remember with a big smile - just my guy, my girl, and a lot of sunshine and fun.

Emma begged for a pony ride.  When it started, she commensed to screaming for "daddy."  So I let him hold her around the ring, and I took the pictures.  This "daddy's girl" thing gets a bit old.  Emma seems to forget that I'm the parent that takes care of daily (and spoils her.....)

Emma also loves a train ride...or hay ride. We took some family selfies....I love how Emma says "cheeeese."

It could not have been any nicer out there.  We were blessed with a beautiful day.

The bouncy thing was by far her favorite activity there.  We did it twice....she loved it and was fearless (much to my dismay).

On the hayride, we ran into some friends from Raleigh...here is Emma and sweet Molly.

Emma also went down the giant 80 ft. slide.  I went first with her, and Brent filmed it.  I can't seem to upload it now, but you can hear Emma at the top saying "no! no!" and me telling the guy that works there "yes, yes, we are ready!"  (like any parent would do...force their child into something!)

We came home and Emma and I went to Lowe's for some fall plants!  Her determination to help at any and all costs is cute...although frustrating when I'm wanting to get in and out quickly!

I love decorating for seasons, and I felt a bit behind this year.  Emma helped and I was pretty proud of our accomplishments that day!

Pullen Park

I remember going to Pullen Park as a kid, so when my dad mentioned going over the weekend while my aunt and uncle were in town, I jumped at the chance!  It was another beautiful day....we have been so blessed with this weather lately.

Emma LOVES the swings....

She also LOVED the train ride.  We rode it twice...and if we had been there longer, we would have rode it again.  Don't let the bewildered face below fool you....she loved every minute on the train.

The boats....not so much.  Like amateurs, we got the boat that had the motor in it.  So, it vibrated and made a lot of noise.  As soon as the ride started, Emma started clammering to get out.  Thank goodness it was only a $1.

The carousel there is gorgeous.  I can't say I enjoyed it so much, even though Emma did.  The round and round and up and down made me a bit queasy:)

It was an awesome afternoon, and I can't wait to go back.  It was such a clean and nice park, and surprisingly not that crowded for a weekend.