Swimming in October? - Don't mind if we do!

It was 88 degrees and sunny on Sunday so we talked Grandma and Papa into warming up the pool for us. The water was also a very toasty 88 degrees and it turned out to be a lot of fun. We are so glad we decided to go - cranky two year old and all. He probably had the most fun!

The kids (including Matt and Papa) had a great time swimming. It was a bit chilly to get out of the water, but we enjoyed our last swim of the season and are looking forward to next year already.

Pumpkin Patch...Then and Now

2006: This was our first trip to the pumpkin patch. Hannah was not quite two and we had just found out we were expecting Layla. I am shocked that I only have a couple of pictures from this day. Times sure have changed!

2007. Layla was 4.5 months and still in the midst of her worst reflux. Hannah was almost 3. Layla cried and puked the whole time, but we smiled and played with Hannah who loved every minute.

2008. Adam was barely 2 weeks old and slept the whole time in his little sling. Layla was 16 months and Hannah was almost 4. We were tired, but the girls had fun and were adorable!

2009. Adam was newly walking (just turned one) Layla was 2 and Hannah was almost 5. This year was tough to get everyone to stay together. Layla and Adam both wanted to go do their own things. (notice I resurected the red fleece from two years prior? - yes, I still have it and yes, I still wear it fairly regularly)

2010: It was a great day at the pumpkin patch! The kids (2,3,5) had a grand time and were very good. We got there before it opened (that's how we do it) and stayed until 10am (right as it started to get crowded). The girls rode horses, they all rode the barrel train and everyone got pumpkins and suckers. Next year we might get brave and try a new patch not so close to home. Hopefully we get another gorgeous day!

Birthday week.

The past week was Birthday week at our house! We like to celebrate all birthdays for at least a week - maybe longer depending on where the birthday falls in the week compared to when I get my act together to throw a party.
Adam had a wonderful birthday full of McDonalds cheesburgers, park playing, hugs and kisses. We had Grandma and Papa over for dinner (raviolli) and some cupcakes.

We got to presents and Adam kind of got the opening thing down. He got a super cute tool set, clothes, and a tiny ATV. I am normally against little kids on ATVs because of the very high chance they will get hurt (or worse), but this little gem promised it goes a thrilling yet safe 2 mph. Adam loves it and happily rides it back and forth in the basement. Now if only he could learn to stear.....

Layla hopped right on (she can stear) so it's fun for all people in the house weighing less than 40 lbs.

We let Adam eat his cake "first birthday" style because it's cute and he was going to do it regardless, even if we gave him a fork. For the record, it was a cupcake not typically eaten with a fork anyway.

Hannah decided to grab up some attention by dressing in Adam's full construction worker gear. She's so sweet.

Sunday morning we packed up and went to Grants farm. It was chilly, but beautiful and we had a great time.

Adam was not thrilled with goat feeding. He stayed a minimum of 5 feet back and just watched those greedy goats.

We watched a little elephant playtime and were treated to an elephant peeing (first time ever for me.) Nice.

We rode the teeny tiny carousel.

We saw, but did not feed, this llama and some camels. The giant signs that say "We Bite" really make this activity not fit for my family. Who views these signs, placed inches from the animal feed machines, and says "Look honey, these animals bite! Let's let them eat the kids hands for fun!"?

We retreated to the beer garden for some snacks for the kids and refreshments for mom and dad. Don't worry, we picked a delicious breakfast beer for the tasting.

We were home in time for naps and preparation for the bigger party that evening.

Adam knew it was his party and he knew he was in charge. We just let him do what his little two year old self wanted to do and he had a blast. Want to open a present early - go for it, want to go outside and leave your guests inside - cool. It's your party!

The rest of the kids eventually went outside for some energy burning off. This is Kole (Hannah's probable first boyfriend) and Kennedy (can't see her - she is squished). They all played nicely and no one got hurt.

We did an amazing off-key rendidtion of Happy Birthday.

Adam blew out his own candles - big boy.

More presents.

Adam and baby C checking out the helicopters. Adam is obsessed with airplanes and helicopters. I'm thinking a future as a pilot?

Monday we took him for his 2 year appointment and he did great. He is 37 inches tall (95%) and weighs 27.2 buck naked (25%). Tall and skinny is how we make them. He didn't fuss once during his exam, but screamed like a champion during his shots. He recovered quickly and is done with doctors until he is three (or until his next raging ear infection which is likely to occur this month.)

Happy Birthday week big man!