Halloween

We had a lot of fun with Halloween this year!!! Caden didn't have school on Halloween Day, so we pretty much had a mellow day. The costumes this year were fun. Caden decided to be Batman, and Avery was Minnie Mouse. Last year I bought a little pumpkin bundle type thing that Luke was able to wear. He just rode around in the stroller though, so it didn't get shown off much.

The night was beautiful!!! The weather was perfect and we really didn't need jackets until we were about done. We went with my sisters family and her kids and it was fun to see my kids really enjoy it this year. We took our sit-n-stand stroller so Avery was able to easily get in an out, but didn't have to walk much in between houses. It was a life saver!!! She held on so tight to her pumpkin, refusing to let us dump it into the grocery bag we brought so it wouldn't get too heavy. Caden loved running from house to house with his cousins, always exclaiming he was first. He has such a competitive streak in him and it comes out at really interesting times.

Leaf Party

It's amazing how many leaves fall in my parents yard!!! They've been there for a long time and the trees have gotten so big. We went over to their house with my sister and her kids to let the kids play in the hugs piles of leaves. I remember doing this all the time when I was little, and I would build little leaf houses with my friends to pretend play. We just don't get that many at my house, so it was a lot of fun for the kids to go over there and just enjoy being kids. Even Luke got to lay in the pile...which had to be very strategically done so he didn't get too many in his face.

Pumpkin Patch

Well, we went to the pumpkin patch twice. We tried to go Saturday night, thinking that because they were open until 9:00 pm they would have the patch lit up. Doesn't that seem logical if you're going to be open, you'd still be able to pick pumpkins? Well, we rode the hay ride around and when they got to the pumpkin patch, the driver jokingly asked if anyone wanted off. Everyone around us chuckled. Apparently we were the only one's who didn't know there weren't lights. Well, at least we got out of the house and enjoyed a free hayride. We did get the kids some donuts and did a hay bale maze.

We made it back Monday and planned a little better. I was a little nervous about taking Luke out, but we bundled him nice and tight.

First stop off of the hayride was at the petting zoo and pony rides.

Luke snuggled right up and took his bottle. It was a little bumpy on the hayride drinking it for him, but he managed and fell right to sleep.

Their prized pumpkin picks. They even picked a little one for their baby brother.

Eating hotdogs, nachos in the cold and dark.

We came home to carve our pumpkins, and Caden was not too fond of the "pumpkin guts". He had a lot of fun drawing his own pumpkin face and helping his dad carve them out.

Lucas - 3 weeks

I just have to post these pictures of his chubby cheeks. He is still growing fast...up to 9 lbs now! He is so fun, although he's decided he wants to fuss at night when the kids are down and I'm ready for some time to myself. He is so great all day, mostly sleeps (that's probably the problem), but at night a different Lucas comes out. We're trying to learn his cues, what calms him, how he likes to be hold, what his cries mean. Hopefully he can be patient with us as we're trying to figure this all out.


This was his first time to church. He was so good. He looked like this the whole time, never had to get him out. Can you believe that belly...I don't think he could get any more full.

Avery & Lucas

Avery loves the time she has with Lucas in the mornings. Caden is at school, Daddy is at work, and she spends her time taking care of her little brother. As soon as she hears him in the morning, she comes running to me telling me "baby's crying". She runs to find him to either give him hugs, pat his head, or give him his binky. She is such a little mommy...always bringing him blankets, stuffed animals, dolls, pacifiers...anything she thinks will make him happy. She likes to start his swing for him if it's stopped, turn on his music, lay by him if he's in his boppy, and she always makes sure he is coming with us if we go anywhere. It's such a special feeling as a mother to see your children care for each other in such a tender, loving way!!!

Pee-Wee Football

Caden just finished his first football season. I'm pretty sure that to start the year off, his dad was a lot more excited about football than Caden was. But it didn't take too long and Caden couldn't stop talking about it. Ryan was able to be on of Caden's coaches, and it was a lot of fun for both of them. Although I think it's crazy to start sports this young (we're going to be doing this for the next 15 years....yikes!) Caden grew a lot from this. He was able to meet new friends, and gain some confidence. I look forward to many more years to come.

Time with Daddy

Ryan and Lucas got to have a little one-on-one time tonight...doing what Ryan's likes to do best - watch BYU football. Although it was a terrible game, Ryan got to enjoy it with Luke. There are many more years of this to come.

Caden and Avery are adjusting pretty well too. The soak up any alone time they get with mom or dad (usually dad). Ryan is so good to let the kids help him with whatever he is doing...regardless of how much longer it may take. He enjoys having time with them, as much a they do with him. He looks forward to every minute he has with them, and the kids definitely know they are loved to pieces by their daddy!!!

If he weren't so tired, he's probably have both kids up on his shoulder. Notice Caden with one headphone in his ear too.
Avery finding time to do her own thing...she loves dress up. She obviously has a creative side and isn't afraid to show it off.
Luke is now about 2 weeks old. I can't believe how he's grown!!! He weights 8 lbs now which I consider such a blessing. He's gaining twice the recommended daily weight and it is such a relief after what we went through with Avery. He is so pleasant and we love having him here in our home!!!