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!

Adam turns Two!

Yesterday was Adam's second birthday. I shot this video the night before. He had a great day full of hugs and kisses and park playing. I will post more pictures of his celebration after his mini-party this weekend. We like to celebrate all birthdays over a several day period.

Family Pictures 2010

We should start off by mentioning Hannah scored her first soccer goal this weekend. Grandma and Papa were there to see it and she is very proud of herself. Somehow she went from hating soccer to wanting to play indoor this winter. I am secretly hoping she changes her mind soon before we commit/fork over the money. It is actually soccer's fault that we scheduled our family pictures on Sunday instead of Saturday this year and if you were in St. Louis this weekend, you know how mad I am at soccer right now.

Our hair trial day was Saturday and it went great. I am neither motivated or inclined to style my children's hair on a regular basis, that is why I practiced. I think they looked adorable.

We played outside for most of this gorgeous day (Saturday). Hannah scored her goal, Layla and Adam played so well....the day was awesome.

Adam is very busy these days mowing the sidewalks. I'm sure our neighbors appreciate all of his hard work.

Sunday morning dawned dark, raining and cold. Figures. It's been 90 degrees every day and sunny, so why would we not think it would be 50 and raining for our 1 hour per year of family photos? We dolled up and headed off for our family photo shoot anyway (no cancellation - photographers can't actually control the weather.)

I knew it was going to be awesome when I couldn't get a decent shot of these three.

The Botanical Gardens themselves are beautiful even in the dreary cold. I am hopeful my son sat still (and maybe smiled) for a picture or two. I can't be positive, because I was trying hard not to be mid speak in every picture.

Hannah was great and willing to pose and smile whenever asked. The girls are sporting their sweatshirts since it was so cold, but they are still cute.

Adam didn't sit still for one minute. Stuff to climb, things to jump off of, he's very busy you know.

Rare shot of me. I washed, combed and straightened my hair. I was dressed in something other than sweats and put on makeup. This is bound not to happen again until next year.

Layla was done with the family photo shoot about 35 seconds after arriving. She was tired of walking and cold. Thank goodness Grandma was there to carry her.

Adam frowing a decent fit. He is no longer digging the garden.

Dad to the rescue.

Oh look - the photo shoot is over and Layla decides to give us a pretty smile.

I hope they turn out ok, but if not - they will be a reminder of the stage our family was in right now. Someday we are going to get everyone to smile and look at the camera at the same time. Until then, we line our walls with whatever we can get. Next year, maybe we do pictures earlier in the season? I'll think about it again next July.