A Tractor Barn Partaaay

On Sunday, we celebrated my cousin JD's 16th birthday at my dad's "Tractor Barn." If you don't know what a tractor barn is, then you don't know how to party in style...

... or you are too classy to ever own an oversized shed and name it a "tractor barn."

One of the two.

^^ Here she blows. Told you it was fancy.

We had hot dogs and s'mores cooked over the bonfire and just hung out and enjoyed the gorgeous day! It was the first real fall-like day and I was loving the crisp, cool weather. There is lots to do out at ye old tractor barn, so everyone can find something to do to entertain themselves!

^^ Here's the hubs playing some pong. {Can I insert a side note here? I would like to praise my husband for his willingness to cheese and take pics for the blog. He started out grumbling about having to take pictures all of the time/document our every happening, but he has really turned a corner in this department. Now he is the one to remember: "Do you need to take a picture of that to put it on the blog?" Presh. Just presh.}

^^ The boys throwing the 'ole pigskin around.

Btw... Recognize that green truck from anywhere???

^^ Some of our engagement pics.

Back to the tractor barn party. Here is the tractor barn self-proclaimed sheriff...

^^ Don't worry, there's no gun in the holster. Fortunately for us, he's not licensed to carry.

^^ Jonathan's precious sister, Avery, is our youngest cousin on the Stevens' side and she's the one that I get to take care of sometimes! She was busy snoozin' in the truck while the rest of us were partying it up. Isn't her pumpkin sweater/jeggings/tiny toms combo the cutest?!

^^ Football players. I guess Ty and Jack won??

It was a great afternoon spent with the family! I thank the Lord often for the wonderful families that he has surrounded me with - both on mine and Ty's sides. What a blessing!

A family who runs together...

On Saturday morning, all of the DeClues {minus yours truly} took part in the Care to Learn 5K Panther Run in Springfield. Here's my justification for missing out, however utterly pathetic it may be: 

1. I really did plan to join them in the run. Beginning back in July, the whole family began training and taking part in the popular app, Couch to 5K. I only got 3 weeks in - about Couch to 1/2 Mile - before I left for vacation {the mother/daughter cruise - recap post found here} and found myself 7+ lbs heavier after returning from the binge fest trip. Needless to say, my heavier self didn't feel too motivated to start back where I had left off in the training app.

2. However, I didn't remain a total loser in the fitness department; I began working out around the time school started with a personal trainer {and am still currently working out with her} and I feel like I have gotten more in shape and physically fit. But for some unkown reason, I recently attempted to run again and I found myself still gasping for air at the conclusion of uno mile. Forget 3.1...

3. So, I wasn't going to run with them, but I was still going to go and cheer on my awesome and committed husband and family! Yay! Family day! And then I awoke to this...

^^ Ok, maybe the sky wasn't as intense as this exact picture, but I think I could have taken one pretty similar...

4. So, I supported them from the comfort of my cozy, dry bed. Here's a pic that Tori posted:

^^ Got to love the commitment of this crew!! Go DeClue Crew!

After a nice, relaxing and rainy morning at home I was excited to see my bestie, Jackie, who was in town for the weekend!!!! We were having so much fun reuniting for a day, that we forgot to take a picture!! Fail. Here's a pic of us from a while back:

^^ This is us at my bridal luncheon last summer. Love this girl to pieces.

No Springfield trip is complete without a run to Target. Or a picture in a turkey hat.

^^ I texted this hilarity to my parents... Because that's what every 23y/o does on a Saturday night... My father replied: "Oh man! You better gobble one of them up, Morg."

^^ Dinner date to Hinode. The best. And yes, that's my empty plate that you see. Whoops.

I loved getting to see Jackie this weekend! She lives in NW Arkansas, back around our old college stomping grounds. I am anxious to get a chance to make a weekend trip down to see her and be in NWA again! Love you, Jax! SO glad we got to hang out this weekend.


On Sunday, we got to hang out with more friends!!! Clint and Abby came over for some food and football and it was great getting to catch up with them.

The crazy/bizarre/coincidental/hilarious thing was that we were identically dressed. We were both feeling the lazy and comfy look, apparently. And red long-sleeved shirts with a pocket on the left side. And grey sweat pants. And matching husbands {minus Ty's ballcap} in grey shirts and jeans. Great minds, right?!