Saturday, November 2nd

We were all looking forward to our homeschool group's annual S'mores Bonfire event at the Phillips' home on Saturday evening.  The rest of the day was spent at the gym, around the house, making food to take and otherwise relaxing before we headed out!  It was such a fun time, and as always the Phillips did a lovely job hosting.

We were some of the first to arrive, so the kids ran around greeting everyone who showed up after.  Lincoln was taking a quick lemonade break.

Their scenic backyard - Jim and Waverly securing our seating near the fire ;-)

Judd and Lincoln on the trampoline - love these two goofballs, and what sweet friends they are!

My kids are obsessed with climbing the sprawling fig tree in the Phillips' back yard, and of course its even better when the leaves are all off it (bug-wise, according to them! hehe).  Scarlett~

The two traditional swings were taken, but Scarlett was undeterred and used her long arms and legs to hoist herself up on the handle bars.

The weather was so perfect!  In previous years, it's been a bit too warm or freezing cold - and really, when thinking of a fun bonfire with s'mores you want it to feel crisp but not uncomfortably chilly and we had just that type of evening.  Waverly was enjoying her perch on daddy's shoulders :-)

Waverly LOVES other babies!  More than any of my other kiddos at this same age, which I find interesting and adorable.  This is her little friend Miner - I think he is right at a month, possibly six weeks, older than her.  She always wants to touch the other baby - clothes, hands, face, whatever!

A few of the kids were ready to eat and set up on the fireside deck.

Several of us moms were down the yard a ways (near the play set) just chatting when we glanced up and noticed that *every single dad* in attendance was up near the back porch, huddled together.  I found this hilarious - like a junior high prom, the men and women did not mingle, lol.  That wasn't true for the entire night, but it was still funny :-)

So much excitement - baby bear was tuckered out.

Amanda P.'s aunt, Linda, was there to help her get food out and whatnot (playing the "Gram role," as I would call it, haha) and she made the hot chocolate up for the group.  Scarlett told me in no uncertain terms, "I really like your hot cocoa, mama, but Aunt Linda's is way better."  Thanks a lot! ;-)  Olivia and Victoria huddling up with their warm drinks.  It definitely got much colder when the sun finally went down!

Our sweet friend N, eating a perfectly squishy s'more!

We toughed it out as long as we could, but eventually Waverly grew uncomfortable being outside in the cool air, despite the layers.  I headed inside with her and we discovered we weren't the only ones opting for warmer quarters - Waverly's other little friend Caden (about six weeks older) was comfortably hanging out on the sofa, where I plopped her so they could stare at each other and try to put fingers in each other's mouths, lol.

Back home, everyone was full of good food and drinks and worn out from the fun evening :-)