Three Belles and a Beau: Goodbye, Summer!

Although the schools here in Henry County begin, insanely, at the swelteringly hot beginning of August and the "lazy days of summer" have seemed over for going on a month, we still mark Labor Day as the official "goodbye to summer" (even though it's still not the official beginning of fall?). For our family, this means the first UGA football game, cooler mornings, and a Bowers Lane block party. It has made for a nice weekend at the Thomas abode!
We began our weekend on Friday by relaxing together at home. First thing Saturday morning, Trav started working on some overdue projects around the yard while the girls and I (well, really just I) worked on getting the house picked up. At noon, we hunkered down to watch the Dawgs in their season opener against University of Louisiana-LaFayette. It was kind of nice to just be watching the game together as a family... weird, but nice! Next weekend we will be back in the regular tailgate/friends/family football pattern, and I can't wait! After the game, we went to Home Depot to pick up some complimentary garden items and worked the rest of the evening on digging, planting, and watering. After the girls went to bed, Trav and I fired up the chimenea on the deck and enjoyed the chilly air and a little grown up conversation. It was nice!!!
On Sunday, our wonderful neighbors, the Barnetts, hosted a block party at their home and pool. We always have the best time with them and they throw the best soirees! Our neighborhood is only about halfway completed, and there are around 15 families living here at present, so we all pretty much know each other and enjoy getting together. It's nice just going across the street and feeling like you are going out. Just this year alone, we've welcomed 5 new babies - and our best neighborhood friends, the Stanfords, will add to that number when Ella Ruth makes her arrival in November. It was fun sitting around talking to the other new mommies... it reminds me that I am not the only one who struggles to take a shower on a daily basis!
We live in a semi-rural area where roadside stands and cow pastures are regular scenery and it's not uncommon to get stuck behind a John Deere on your way home from work in the afternoon. So, yesterday, while we were at the party, a man on horseback came riding down the street. He was just out enjoying the early evening's beautiful weather... and he ran into our throng! Of course, the kids were enthralled and all ran out to see him and his horse, Sunshine. He graciously invited the kids to ride Sunshine around the cul de sac - I know that poor man did not plan to entertain our children for the better part of an hour, but he did. Caroline rode twice and Emily even took a spin on her first equestrian adventure. Her Grandma would have been so proud! We had plenty of food leftover from the bar-b-que and sent our new friend home with a big plate and big thanks! It was a lot of fun!