Look mama, no hands!

It all started last Thursday when we went to our first story time at the library. Mason got so excited by all the 'big' kids around him, he squealed and then stood up. I think I might have squealed too. He only stood for a second, but since then every day he has been standing for longer periods of time. It's usually so brief that I can't run and grab the camerain time, but today at the park I already had the camera out. There's nothing quite like Gerber baby puffs (or baby crack as some call it) to motivate him. Last count we made it to 10 seconds!

Fall is turning out to be beautiful in Tyler. The weather has been great this past week and it is supposed to staythis way for a while. Next Tuesday, Mason will be 9 months! Next week, we'll also be heading to the doctor for the first time since he turned 6 months old. I can't wait to see how heavy and long he is.

Getting down to business...

Well, it seems like it's been a long time coming, but I'm officially opened for business! Check out my new Etsy store - http://www.westdobbsdesigns.etsy.com/. It's definitely a work in progress, but I'm enjoying it and I think I'm getting better. One of the perks of having a husband that works at a college is that I get to take classes for free, so I'm planning on taking some to learn more in the next few years - like photography and graphic design. Let me know what you think and if you have something you need! I have a few more designs I'm adding this week too. And then a few custom cards to get to!

The makings of a little buckaroo

Last week, I set off making Mason's first Halloween costume. I didn't have a pattern to go by, other than some photos I googled, so I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. He got to wear it to our church's big Block Party (Fall Festival) last Sunday. All he was missing was his horse, though he did have some on his shoes. Mason was battling a cold so he wore his serious face the whole time, but he was cute nonetheless.

How to make a little buckaroo...

Mason's New Toy

Mason discovered a new toy, or an old toy in a new way this week and it is quickly becoming his favorite hangin' out place. You have to tilt your head to the side and ignore the mama voice in the background. ;)

Meet and Greet

Mason and I took a road trip down to my parents' new home in Austin a little while ago while Dash traveled to Laredo for his college coaching debut. While there, we all went to eat at Z Tejas Grill (yum!) and stopped by for Mason to meet the Arboretum Cows, an Austin tradition. Growing up near Austin, I have many photos with these cows... as does everyone else, but nonetheless, it's a fun tradition usually topped off with ice cream.

Table for four now ready

Our dining room/study is finished and ready for use, so feel free to stop by for dinner anytime! Now your only excuse can be that 4-5 hour drive (or 19 hour plane ride). One of the things I love about this room is the chandelier. I never thought I would have or want a glitzy chandelier, but I love this one. The windows look into our soon-to-be backyard (more on that later) and climbing vines frame the view. It's a precious room!

The makings of a first Halloween

Start with this...

And insert this...

... and I think we have the makings of a very cute Halloween on our hands. Which reminds me... where is that sewing machine stashed away??