A Thompson Fall: Roast S’mores

A little rain couldn't keep us from roasting s'mores on Halloween Eve! Thanks to City Bonfires we were able to enjoy the fall treat inside our kitchen where we stayed dry. The kids enjoyed roasting a few marshmallows and then mushing them into the chocolatey graham cracker for dessert. Always a fun way to end the weekend!

 

Salem Lucille: 5 Years Old

 Dearest Salem Lucille,

My sweet baby girl you are 5 years old today. It seems like yesterday I was finding out that I was pregnant with you; then your gender reveal of being a baby girl; and then your amazing birth & entry into the world. Time has flown by and you have grown so much since those first precious moments.

                                                           

You’re a rainbow baby in every sense of the world. For that I’m always grateful. Your smile is contagious and your zest for life in unparalleled.

This year you began Junior Kindergarten at SMM. You are proud of everything about your new school~ the uniform, your teachers, your lunch box, your classmates, etc. You love to learn and see soaking up every bit of this year. 

                                                             

You’re at a new dance studio this year and continuing to love it! Your instructor is my former dance teacher, Ms. Dale Meyer. She is teaching you jazz and you’re also doing hip hop. You’re quite good and a quick learner too! I can’t wait to see you perform at your dance competitions this spring. 

                                               

You started gymnastics this fall and love being at KGA with Coach Kilah. You beam with pride as you learn a new skill and have been collecting your gym bucks like mad each week. 

You’re truly flourishing in so many ways. Your personality continues to grow and evolve daily. You talk like a teenager in some ways and then cuddle up like my baby in others. Your hugs still wrap around my neck and leave my heart full.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

 

40 Before 40: Take a Hike {Locally}

When Ryan & I began dating, our courtship was spent hiking all around California. We learned a lot about one another on those long hikes. We learned a lot about ourselves as well. So when wanting to enjoy the simple things in life as my big birthday approaches, hiking seemed a natural choice.

Kentucky has so many options for local hikes. They might not be as steep as those out west, but their beauty is equally matched {if not more}. We enjoyed entering Daniel Boone National Forest and seeing the gorgeous Cumberland Falls. Skipping rocks on the water one day and chasing rainbows on the water. 

The next day it was time to hike Eagle Falls. The trail is a mixture of man made & natural paths. Rails guarding some areas while others are exposed to the cliff sides. Natural rocky terrain made into stairs and huge rock formations that serves as climbing perches.

It truly was a gorgeous hike that set me back into those early dating days.  A moment with the Earth, the Lord, and the ones you love!

 

40 Before 40: Take a Day Trip to Kings Island

My entire childhood during summer swim season was capped off by a trip to Kings Island with the team. The coaches and parents would drive us up in the wee hours of the morning and we would ride the thrillers until our hearts were content. Then we would eat all the sugary sweets before heading back to Louisville. 

Part of nearing 40 is holding on or revisiting all of the things that I have enjoyed over nearly 4 decades. Remembering the nostalgic moments and sharing them with my own children, new friends, and extended family. 

Taking my children to Kings Island for the first time in a memory that I'll always hold dear to my heart. My youth restored through their eyes & their smiles as they too soaked in the thrill of a roller coaster!

                                       

A Thompson Fall: Take A Hike

Our fall break was spent in Cumberland Falls and the beauty of our surroundings warranted a hike through Eagle Falls. With beautiful scenery and a trail mixed of natural & man made paths, the kids & adults enjoyed seeing God's Creation. Hiking in Kentucky is the perfect fall activity!