Pumpkin coloring

Well now that we had our pumpkins, the next step would be to carve them right? Ha! I think my kids + knives = disaster. So we did something a little different. They got to pick their favorite face, and I outlined it in sharpie. They then colored them in in sharpie. Well, Eve did. Graham had washable marker, but he had no idea, so it's ok. They are both very proud to display them on the front steps, and show everyone who comes by. 

Pumpkin patch with Eve's PreK class

We got to do a traditional fall activity with Eves preK class. It was awesome that they invite the younger siblings, because all Graham wants is to be one of the big kids. Every single morning he throws a fit after we drop her off, he just wants to go to school so badly. 

We got to see a puppet show, feed the animals, tractor ride, build a scarecrow, and pick a pumpkin. They had a huge play area and of course, a big corn box. 

Canadian thanksgiving

Canadian thanksgiving tradition lives on! April, Candace, Ashley, Romney, and their darling baby girl came to stay at our place for conference weekend/Canadian thanksgiving. It was so great to have company stay with us again, and we truly think of them as family. It was so nice. Eve was really sad to see them go.

Boys will be boys

So Graham had his buddy Johnny come over. There was now weather, two boys, a pool, and no bathing suits. They both had different solutions. One gets wet in his clothes, one gets naked. Different strokes. I love that Graham is such a free spirit haha

Smarty pants

This girl. She's so smart, she amazes me. For morning scripture study, we were reading and discussing te story of Alma the younger. After we talked about it, she perked up and said with such gusto, 

"so he's like the grinch? Because in the grinch, he doesn't like Christmas, and he's really mean. But his heart grows and then he loves Christmas!" 

It was a shock at first. holy cow! She is completely right, it is just like the grinch. We were then able to have a great talk about how a change of heart can happen to anyone, even Alma the younger, and the grinch. I love her, she's such a mature soul, and so so so insightful. 

Sleeping beauty

Sleeping beauty. She has such a wild personality, and is so busy busy busy, it's so refreshing to see her like this. So peaceful, so still and quiet. Angelic. That's the best word to describe a sleeping baby. My baby. 

Aaaand then she wakes up. And the crazy fun begins. 

Pool days in October?

We love the nice North Carolina weather! It's October and we are still having our own pool days. The neighborhood clubhouse pool is closed as of October 1st, but that won't stop us. Nothing beats a hot afternoon than a kiddie pool and Popsicles. 

Physicals for the babies

Well it's physical day. We are a little behind due to the 2 month detour we took to canada. But all was fine. Graham at 2 was 36 inches long and over 30 lbs, te same Eve was when she was 4. He's a big guy, but always has been, hes my little athlete. He was a champ and didn't even cry with his shots. 

Greta, on the other hand, didn't handle the shots or the finger prick very well. Poor baby. But she's nice and healthy, 21 lbs and 30 inches. Nice and long, and some nice hubby thighs. She's so yummy. 

Nights out with Daddy

Braden's new job is more demanding for the time being, which means long hours during the week. So sometimes we go into downtown charlotte and take Braden out to dinner. We will bring treats and grab some takeout, and go hang out at a park near by. One perk of living in the south, many many more park days due to beautiful weather! There's a beautiful park a few bloks from Braden's office with this amazing waterfall, lighted walkway, giant chimes, and more little things to play on. It's become our favorite spot. And we love gettin to play with Braden whenever we can. 

First Day of PreK

PreK. Pre-kindergarten. As in, one more year and I completely lose my first born to the public school system. What?! When did she get so old? She's way more than ready to go, way more ready than I. She was so excited, she had been counting down the days for weeks until she gets to go to school. She knows her material, and is a social butterfly, I knew she'd be fine. 

But somehow that didn't keep me from crying. As she was getting ready to get into the car with Braden, I couldn't help but cry. Have I done enough? Does she know I love her? Will she be ok? Will the kids be nice to her? What could I have done to better prepare her? 

But then, a miracle happened. After she gave me a thumbs up, she wiped away my tears and said, "it's ok mom, it will be so fast to when you can come and pick me up." I was reminded that she's ready. She's so grown up inside that tiny little body, she's amazing. As she and Braden pulled away, she teared up a bit, because she would miss mommy. But that soon faded when she got to show dad her cubby and classroom. 

Crazy haired baby

She has fabulous hair, when it behaves. But 90% of the time it looks like this. 

Project #1

This became this. I've always loved woodworking, shop class was my favorite in high school. And unfortunately, is the last time I really worked on a building project. But I've always enjoyed it, working with my dad, and being semi-handy with tools. And, since I apparently wanted an entry table that was way too specific to be found in a store, I made one. It was awesome, and such a fun project! My little helper never left my side.

Things I learned: measure twice, cut one. Apparently that is a real thing. Glue and clamps are you best friend. Use the correct nails, don't just get rid of random ones you found in the box. And Braden has a thin for women and power tools, Who knew? ;) 

Hoarder or planner?

She hoards her pacifiers, or maybe she's just planning for the worst...such as one falling out of her mouth or something. Well, she's prepared. 

Sept 19, 2014

Happy anniversary to my main squeeze. 6 years and 3 kids later, and he's still a dream boat. Love him to the moon and back, and thrilled he's mine for eternity. 

Greta and her swings

Nothing makes this girl happier, than swings. I am absolutely, obsessively, in love with this happy baby of mine.

Older Siblings

Older siblings are so great. They help out mom, are more independant, can do things for themselves. They also help with the younger ones, they give selflessly to make you smile, just because they love you.

And some make you work for it. Either way, Greta loves them both.

Car Wash

Yeah, Graham was pretty into it. 

Greta, not so much.

Just a few

Moving here this late means we were wait listed at our preschool of choice, but we received a tender mercy. A little girl moved so Eve got to start preschool October 1. Until then, she made he best of our half unpacked box situation. 

Graham is still our little wild daredevil. 

And Greta, she's still the happiest baby ever. 

Tiny Dancer

Eve started dance again, and she's in a new class. She is now taking ballet and tap in the same class. They teach tap in the beginning to help them wih rhythm, but Eve is really starting to favor the tap portion. We will see how it all shakes out, but for now she "loves ballet, but LooooVEs tap dancing". You'd never guess by the look on her face. 

Bam Bam

Since graham was a little baby, my family has called him bam bam, for obvious reasons. So when at a birthday party, he foun this huge bat used for the piñata, I couldn't resist. He looks just like him. 

Anniversary Weekend

Braden gets one "protected weekend" per month, which means that he can safely turn off work phone, and relax. So for our anniversary weekend, we had a perfect balance. Friday night we packed up and went camping. It's still pretty nice here at night, so it was a nice enjoyable camping experience. We ate endless s'mores, chatted, and got to snuggle the kids by the fire. The next day, we did my side of the anniversary fun, babysitter, hole in the wall Mexican food, and shopping at homegoods. Perfection. He endured it as best he could. That's what marriage is all about right? It was perfection.

pool days in September? Yes please!

We have zero complaints about the weather here. Still rocking he low 80s in September. So we had lots and lots of time to go to the pool. We usually have it to ourselves during he morning, so we don't have to worry about making too much noise with our screaming and giggling.