alma mater.

The past two weekends, Stephen and I have had the opportunity to go to both of our college Alma Mater's - Baylor and LSU - to watch a good football game! They were both special trips. Going to Baylor was special to me because it was my first game in the new McLane stadium. {And can I just say it was GORGEOUS?} Going to LSU was special to Stephen because it was the LSU vs. Bama game. aka the most celebrated college football game. Ever.

Two different colleges. Two very different expericences! I never realized the differences until visiting both campuses back to back. Haha.

The weekend befor last, we drove to Waco Saturday morning for some Baylor Homecoming tailgating and football. We met up with the Chabots and Lauren's family. Hannah drove in from Louisiana and met us there, too! Lauren's dad ended up having three extra box tickets so we got blessed with the best seats in the stadium! McLane seats 45,000... which is much less than LSU coming in at around 101,000, but it sure is prettier!

The stadium opens up to the Brazos River and a nice view of campus.

We had such a fun time!

Last weekend we went to Baton Rouge for a little bit of Tiger Football. Stephen insisted on leaving at 8 a.m. from DeRidder so that we would have plenty of time for tailgating. I'm so glad he insisted because traffic would've been awful otherwise. We had to park far from the stadium which was fine with me because I got to see the LSU lakes & some of the beautiful Louisiana homes.

We met up with friends and Stephen got to see his cousin, Reed, who is currently attending LSU. Hannah was there, too! Stephen was the happiest person in the world. He sang LSU chants the entire way to Baton Rouge. I don't know who he loves more LSU football or me... probably... LSU football. The game was fun, but also very aggrevating because the refs called some terrible plays. And... Bama took the W which was the worst part. I'm still glad we went though! Thank you, Stephen, for taking me!

LSU lakes.

In front of the Bell tower.

We snapped this after LSU kicked a field goal with 1 minute left. We thought we had the W in the bag..

Two great weekends at two awesome colleges. I am so thankful to have had such a blessed college experience. Baylor will always hold a special place in my heart - I love going back to my Alma Mater!

october highlights.

I think I've decided October is officially my favorite month of the year. The weather is absolutely perfect and there are so many good football games (thanks, Stephen) -- because of those two things everyone is just happier!

Here are a few highlights from the tenth month of the year:

• My mom text me the throwback picture earlier this month and said "Happy Fall!" I haven't posted very many throwbacks and thought this one was too cute not to post. That is my sister and I in about 1995.
• Stephen and I watched the very exciting Baylor game against TCU. It was such a great comeback for our Bears, I wore my green and gold to church the next morning.
• My nephews had a joint birthday party, Slade celebrated his 5th and Holt his 3rd. I cannot believe they are already that big and adorable!! Happy birthday, boys!
• Stephen and I went to Shreveport last weekend to celebrate our friend's, Chelsea, birthday. I managed to not take any pictures (because I didn't keep my phone on me). The only one I took that wasn't of dogs was the one above of Stephen making his own rice dressing! Happy birthday, Chels!
• Jesus shows up everywhere. You just have to look and listen for Him :)

Not pictured:

• Stephen and I went to the local winery again and enjoyed an outdoor concert complete with a lawn chair, brick oven pizza and wine. Again, I did a terrible job of capturing all of this.
• Last night we had a double date with L Rut and her new guy from Louisiana! It was so much fun. I think Stephen may have met his match.

Happy Halloween, y'all.

arboretum adventure.

This past Sunday, Stephen and I took advantage of the (tad bit) cooler weather and sunshine and finally made a visit to the Dallas Arboretum. Yay for marking things off the bucket list! I had been wanting to go since last November -- Skye and I almost made it on Thanksgiving, but I remember the food coma hit too fast!

The really fun part about visiting the Arboretum in the fall is to get to see and experience their Pumpkin Town -- literally...I'm talking pumpkin houses. In the small town, there are more than 60,000 pumpkins! Unfortunately, there were large amounts of small children running around in every direction and about 200 moms snapping their Christmas card pictures too. It was hectic, but I did manage to get a few pictures.

The Pumpkin Town was the only part of the Arboretum that wasn't peaceful, haha. Everything else was so pretty and quiet! All of the landscaping was very well kept. Hopefully one day I'll have a green finger...

Louisiana House-Birdhouses! 

Stephen freaked when he saw the sailboats... like a kid in a candy store! Can't wait for those lessons in the future!

It was a perfect day & we both loved seeing every part of the Arboretum -- the pumpkins were my favorite... I don't know if the rocks, trees or sailboats were his:). I'd love to go back when it's even cooler for an outdoor concert and a picnic on the ground!