Thursday, November 6, 2014

Halloween! and Fall Leaves

Halloween is loads of fun with little ones, especially when the neighbors have their awesome pre-trick or treating party AND Emily visits!!! 


A scary Nijago character, a beautiful Jasmine, and Winnie
wanting no part of his hood.

Little Man longing for the party across the street... "just a few more pics, Matthew, and we can go!" 

"NOPE!  Hood is NOT gonna happen!" 

They love handing out candy as much as they enjoy trick or treating for it.


Out in the neighborhood for our annual play in the trees...






Enter Sandman!


Such happiness!









"If you can do it, I can do it, too!"







Andrew checked out a book from the library on how to play football and perfected his spiral by the instructions alone!














































Tuesday, October 28, 2014

October

October began with a Memorial Service for an acquaintance's baby, who died at 39-weeks gestation.  Realizing that only one of my babies was delivered after that time was a sobering thought.  So very much for which to be thankful.  

Priceless giggles were then necessary...NEVER gets old.


Fall mantles make me happy.

SOOOO proud that he hair looked like mommy's - sometimes, it's the little things that make the biggest impression.

Enjoying the bonfire at the Ochs' without a care in the world, except, perhaps, how many s'mores we were going to let him have.  






Obsessed with trains literally overnight...and through the night...

One of the first weeks of preschool, Matthew is actually (at 21 months) sitting STILL listening to a book.  School is truly a miracle.  

Taking care of the girls' things as they play tag in the courtyard before school.


Ring toss at the preschool Fall Festival----this kid will do ANYTHING for a lollipop!
An age minimum for the HUGE bouncy slide???  I think not!




Just a typical morning, with multiple kids in the crib....too bad we can't keep just one in during nap and the early morning hours:(  

The end of the month brought with it the sad reality that our next door neighbors and near daily playmates were moving.  Margaret and Annabelle (only 6 months apart) were best buddies and loved swinging together.















The week prior to the move, Andrew had a really tough time....crying and declaring that he didn't want the neighbors to move and didn't want us to every move...or anyone else!  On moving day, sweet little Miss Margaret's emotions caught up with her brother's when she realized Annabelle wouldn't be living next door.  Oh, how it pains a parent to see their children hurt! 

Saying goodbye to Cocoa before loading her up.

Last game of the football season.....Matthew is a trooper, once again.  Margaret's tolerates the morning dew and sun.  Andrew enjoys his victory and Coach Leon's awesome end-of-season party, complete with personal statements of achievement for each child.  Gotta appreciate a solid coach in the YMCA.


 






HENS!  A symbol of unconditional friendship.

What a great year for the Orioles, ever better seats (courtesy of Aaron) and a blessing that these three can get together when they "need" to most.  32 years of friendship and counting.    


What a beautiful night IN celebrating Bread and Wine, by Shauna Newquist.  So fun that Emily could join us for book club this month!