So it's been a hot minute since my last post. Today we are celebrating the finalization of our adoption and it's bringing back so many memories of that time for us.  Just going to do a little update on the Efird fam.  Lots has changed in past 11 years!

Brent and I have been married 19 years now! For a couple of babes that didn't know anything in 2000 we sure have learned a lot! haha. A post for another time.  Paxton was our last kiddo. We have loved getting to watch our three babies grow up!

Xavier is now 18 and in the Army National Guard and a freshman in college.  He is studying aviation.  Graduation was hard for this momma! Letting go is never easy but he is such a good kid. Not that there wasn't stress caused to this mom, but I'll take his over what I know others deal with!

Naia is now 15. This girl is such a joy! She's smart and sassy and loves Jesus. I couldn't ask for more.  She is involved in band and sports. We are constantly on the go for performances and games! I cannot wait for her to start driving! I miss having an extra driver in the house!

Paxton is now 11 and in 6th grade middle school......Yesterday he felt it was necessary to explain the term "It's so Gucci." to me. I'm old Pax but not that old! This boy loves baseball and not just any baseball but he bleeds Cubbie blue.  Like doesn't own red clothing because someone may mistaken him for a Cardinals fan....

This is our life. We wouldn't change it for the world.  Maybe I'll start writing more often again. I love looking back to see what was happening in our family!

Field Trip to Heifer Ranch

Turkeys everywhere!

They were beautiful.  At the end of the field trip some of the kids found out that these turkeys would be killed to provide food for local families......

They roamed around us like puppies.

The kids got to learn about how Heifer sends livestock to different countries to provide families and communities with food and milk.  Naia even got to milk a goat!

I don't remember what they do with the camels, but these were very friendly and the love apples!

Did you know that their hump actually stores fat and not water?!

A Fall Hike and a Cold Night

My Rock! This was the biggest rock that he could climb! He claimed it as his own.

Until he found this.....the rock bottom of a creek bed! One solid piece for as far as he could see! He officially wins!

After a long hike, we finally found it! The Glory Hole!

Naia loved it! She and Xavier climbed down to get a cloesr look!

We had a good rain the night before, so we even got a waterfall!  It was beautiful and the water was icy cold!

Kids playing under the cave.

Brent really wanted a picture right in the middle but the water was way too cold to get much closer than this!

And tonight it's supposed to get down to 20 degrees.  I made a big pot of Bear Soup tonight and brought my puppies from outside inside so they would be nice and toasty tonight as well!

And this is how Paxton prepared for the cold night! Adorable footie pj's and a toboggan!

And without!

Deer Camp

Naia Papaw and Paxton at deer camp. The little kids had to take turns staying at camp. Naia went hunting and shot at a 12 point but missed.  Paxton got to take the bb gun in the deer stand and lasted about 20 minutes! He was afraid of the height!  Papaw was a trooper though!

This is the so called "road" that led to the camp. 3 miles up the side of a mountain....No wonder the lights in my car came on from a loose gas cap.

This is Paxton before he left for camp. He had to wait all day long for his turn! He was dressed and ready to go pretty early that morning!

 

I never saw Xavier at camp.  The time I was there he was still hunting. He ended up getting his first legal buck. A 6 point! He was so proud! 

All Things Halloween and Fall time related; a belated post

Paxton had his first field trip last week. He went to the pumpkin patch. Isn't he adorable?

Here he is on the hay ride with one of his friends!

 

Cutest Sunflower ever!

 

They got to learn about mining at the pumpkin patch. Here he is sifting sand to find his treasure.

Pumpkin carving with this boy is never dull!

I didn't even have to touch a pumpkin gut this year! They all diligently cleaned out their own pumpkins and then Brent helped them with the designs.

Paxton very carefully saved as many seeds as he could because he wanted to roast them.  We doused them in butter and cinnamon and brown sugar and he thought they were pretty yummy! 

Finished products.

Naia with her baby Toby while he's dressed up as Elmo.

This is Paxton talking about getting a mustache. It's just funny!

He was sick on crazy hair day, so he stayed home in his jammies all day with a faux hauk.

This is mustache day! The kids celebrated homecoming week and drug free week at school this week. They loved their staches!

These are my new glasses! They make me look very school marmish and I love them.

Trick or Treat.

We can do it.

Bon Jovi

I know it's blurry but it's the only pic on my phone of Bon Jovi. Had a blast at the concert.

Apparently when Paxton asked to take my pic and I was goofing off for him he made this video! Too funny!

This is Brent and me before the concert. Do we look ready to rock?!

Baking

 I love to bake in the fall.  I can't wait for it to get just a little cooler here so I can make soup and chili and pumpkin breads.  Yummy!

Yesterday I was really in the baking mood so I whipped up a homemade pumpkin pie and homemade chicken pot pie! Love homemade crust! So delicious!  Isn't that crust just perfection?!  Oh and it tasted oh so good. Melt in your mouth good!

 

Tonight we are going to light up the chiminea and roast smores.  Love this weather and time of year!!