Last Fall flings

Oh there was a good handful of fall happenings...
Pumpkin picking with the Engstrom's


Then Halloween which included the last farmer's market where they let the kid's trick or treat, then to the park district for a tot party, a quick rush of lunch and nap and then on to the main event of trick or treating around the neighborhood. All while wearing a really cool costume. Well, every kid but Fred. Fred was not a fan of the costume, he did not approve of such clothing deviations from his standard wears. So mommy did what every good mommy would do, she tricked him. I clipped two felt corners to look like ears and pinned them to his winter hat without his knowledge. So he was a bat or a cat or felt corner man, whichever you prefer. And how did the candy go over? Well he didn't know what it was (no problem I'll eat it) but he did get a kit kat at 9:30am and then a sucker after dinner. He mostly enjoyed putting things in his pumpkin and the best get of the day, some neighbor was a Caveman and had a box of fossils (yes rocks) and little plastic dinosaurs which was the coolest as he wroared around with it the rest of the day.





I was also going to present another little treat we got was the first glimpse of who we are referring to as "Wiggly". Poor second child, I have no idea when I'll get to scanning sweet little ultra sound pictures, but they are on our fridge to help remind us, that "Oh yeah, you are in there and will be coming one day!" Say Cinco de Mayo?

And finally I leave you with a little piece of video of Fred getting to talk to our magic pumpkin. Every year we have the talking pumpkin and our awesome friend Matt stepped in to do the voice while we both walked Fred around the block.

Safety First

Fred trying to steal Daddy's bike, but knew a helmet is a necessary get away accessory.



Daddy is working on the bathroom and has been wearing safety googles, Fred not one to be left out of the act, got his own pair of polarizing glasses. After all when working with light fixtures it is important not only to make sure that debris can't fall into one's eye, but one should also be protected by unexpected bright wattage. I'm thinking now the Fred wants to help with the work, the job should get done twice as fast... or something like that.

A dream come true

I have to share these pictures from 2 weekends ago when we went apple picking. Nothing exciting since then as I have been sick but am finally on the mend (thus the blog updates, about the only productive thing I can do from the couch). These pictures just make me so happy because it is like developing a role of film from my head, or to be a little more hokey, let's say heart. Stan and I are coming up on our 6 yr. wedding anniversary. And in turning 30 this month we also realized I've known him for 11 years. It struck me just how long but how fast its all been. So when I looked at these pictures I was reminded of when he and I were dating more seriously and I was trying to figure if this was "the guy". I would have these little day dreams of owning a house and it would be fall and we would be out in the front yard raking leaves with some little boy with red hair but it was hidden by his black cap that matched his daddy's. So here on our little trip to the orchard, it struck me with the two of them together that it actually happened! They are just the best boys, a super funny little guy full of personality that I get the honor to raise and an amazing daddy who would rather play with his little buddy than do anything else. Stan constantly comes up with new and ridiculous games for Fred to play that make them both look just so silly, as can be seen in the pictures of them crouching in the orchard rows as they "hunt" for good apples - like it was a big game safari or something!

mmmmm... apple cider donuts!

It's your party and I'll cry if I want to!

So birthday's seem to be a traumatic experience for Fred. We are not sure if it has to do with cakes, candles, singing in unison, or people paying attention to someone besides himself. In August at my mom's birthday he burst into tears when we all started singing for her, when we stopped he seemed to get some control - so like any family we thought it would be fun to try again and sure enough the water works started flooding again. Then the last weekend of September we got together to celebrate Aunt Mary's, Daddy's , and Mommy's birthday, after all it is my 30th. The result of such celebration can be seen below.

I'm almost certain that's it's candles and the flame freaks him out as being a safety hazard, seeing as the other day when I had one burning in the kitchen he started signing "all done" and couldn't focus on anything else until we put it out. However, we know the perfect trifecta of candles, cake, and music seems to insure a meltdown. Can't wait for the holidays!

A boy and his box....

Stan got a new copier at work and called dibs on the box. While fun, it was short lived as it took up most of our living room.

 aye aye Captain!

peek-a-boo! I see you!

it's better when you can share with a good buddy

Noah Sitting

How I wish it was every time...


How it usually is most days...

Cousin Owen visit!

Cousin Owen came again in September and it was really fun with trips to the zoo and the farmer's market! We also just enjoyed hanging out together!