Fall is in the air...

...and what better way to celebrate than by carving a pumpkin?  Last night Lindsey and I hosted our Sunday school class for a pumpkin carving party.  It was so much fun!  I counted about 27 people crammed into our tiny house at one point, but no one seemed to mind.  We had so much fun eating, chatting, and of course carving!

My pumpkin--monogrammed of course!

Lindsey

Sweet Catherine...this was her first carving experience!

Finished Pumpkins!  Catherine, me, Bradley, and Graham

 I am so thankful for the sweet fellowship of DYP.  If you live in Birmingham and are looking for a Sunday school class, we would love to have you!

Group Picture

Sweet Auburn....

....the Loveliest Village on the Plains.  What a way to describe the place that has so shaped my life!  Yesterday I went to Auburn for the AU/UF game.  I always love going back, especially during football season!  Fortunately I scored a great ticket with my good friend from high school and his family, and got to enjoy the company of some of my all time favorite girls!

After a quick trip down 280 and a lot of catching up, sweet Lindsey and I arrived just in time to tailgate on the Quad with Chaney, Callie, Caylen, Mal, and Erin.  It's always so fun to be together, no matter what we're doing.  This time we got to see lots of husbands/families/babies, etc. which is always exciting!  Believe it or not, amidst all the talking and visiting, I took a total of about two pictures.  Someone has one of all of us...hope they send it my way soon!

Tailgating with Caylen and Chaney

I headed into the stadium just in time to see the Eagle fly and the band perform.  The Eagle definitely is still my favorite part.  It's a tradition that never, ever gets old!  Auburn played well found a way to win, which is always good, but the people watching was probably more exciting than the actual game.  As much as I like football, I tend to watch more of it on t.v. than in person because there is always so much going on in the stadium that I'd rather see!  One hot dog and a diet coke later, and I was good to go for the second half!

I also had a great time catching up with Brett...I'd gotten used to seeing him all the time when he did a short 3 month stint in Birmingham for work, so I was overdue for a visit.  Thanks for the ticket/parking hookup!

War Eagle! 

It's not what you think...

...Contrary to popular belief, I am not now, nor will I ever be an Alabama fan.  That being said, some of my nearest and dearest do pull for the Tide, and I do love a good tailgate and football game, so I will admit that I did go to Tuscaloosa last weekend and I did have a good time.  It was not the first time, and I doubt it will be the last, but don't look for me to be wearing crimson.  Don't worry, I already have my ticket for next weekend's Auburn/Florida game, so let there be no question about my loyalties.

Tailgating on the Quad

This weekend was especially a treat since I got to go with my dad.  I am the product of a divided household and a mother who hates going to the ballgame, so Big Rich and I took the opportunity and did it up right.  We had great tickets courtesy of a friend on his honeymoon.  We hit up all my friends' tailgates and walked around the Quad and downtown Tuscaloosa.  The game was actually a lot of fun and I even conceded to having my picture made with him at the Bear Bryant statue.  Oh the things I will do for that man...please don't tell anyone....

Us and the Bear...good thing I was a girl, lest he had named me Paul Bryant

There were a few moments I did have this overwhelming desire to be an undergrad again.  Think about it...when else in your life do you really have little to no responsibility other than going to class and making decent grades and someone else is footing the bill?!?!  And there's just something about live music, tons of people jammed together, school spirit, and dancing that makes me want to do it all over again.  I wouldn't do anything differently, but if I just had one more semester.....oh the fun that could be had!

Wade, LRS, me, and Graham before the game...maybe my favorite part

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Christopher Columbus for his sense of direction, or lack thereof, in providing me with this exceptional mid-October Monday holiday.  It's been a perfect day of laziness, lunch and an afternoon of fun with RB and G, and a little solo shopping at the Summit.  When you find a better day, get back to me.

Speaking of AU next weekend, I can't wait to see some of my favorite people in the whole world.  All my Alpha Gam friends will be together this weekend.  I can't wait to see everybody and cheer for the Tigers.  It's just like we never left when we're all together...lots of talking, lots of eating, and lots of laughing!

Sweet Alpha Gam friends

Hope you've had a great weekend too!