Halloween 2011

For the past 3+ weeks, W greeted people with a, "Hi!  I'm a fireman!" -- all spoken in an excited, boisterous (read:  loud!) voice.  His fireman dreams came true over the almost week of Halloween festivities.

We attended Papa and SheShe's ward trunk-or-treat, our ward trunk-or-treat, went to Dave's office, visited the real firemen at the fire station (post coming soon), plus did the actual trick-or-treating on Halloween.  As expected, W had no problem picking up the "Trick-or-treat, please!" routine, so he had no trouble acquiring more candy than I know what to do with.  We are on sugar overload just due to how much is in the house, let alone what's been consumed.
I have to admit, these two are the cutest fireman and pumpkin I've ever seen.

 {carving the "mama punk" and "baby punk" pumpkins with MaMom}

{baby punk}

{Mary Poppins and "baby punk" Lizzy}

 {W and his friend Alex}

Photo Series: W becomes a fireman

W's life became exponentially better on Halloween.  Aside from getting more candy than any child needs, we made a stop by the local fire station.  W will never be the same.

The firemen were over-the-top nice.  They were so flattered and accommodating to us and our unannounced visit.  They were thrilled to see W in his fireman costume and they were so impressed by its "authenticity."  The firemen showed him around the fire engine and their fire suits.  Then -- then!-- they pulled him up into the front seat of the fire truck on one of the firemen's lap, started it up, and let him drive it out into the station's driveway.  He honked the horn and pressed the foot pedal siren.    

 And if that wasn't enough, then they pulled out the fire hose and let him shoot water.  Really?!  

W was beside himself.  He had no words.  He just followed directions and stared blankly.  I think he was in shock.  But once he got back in the car and came to, he went nuts.  It was the greatest thing that has ever happened to this little two-year-old boy.  He still hasn't stopped talking about it. 

EVR: Seven Months

Lizzy girl turned seven months old on Halloween.  Her current status:

• nearly crawling; should be any day now, but I'm not encouraging it
• getting to sitting position on her own
• lots of dental activity; all four teeth on top are coming through, plus another one (for total of three) on the bottom (gasp!)
• moving, moving, moving; she can't seem to hold her legs still, but prefers to kick, kick, kick at all times
• smiley as can be
• inhaling with excitement (I need to get this on camera)
• weighing way too much to carry around in her car seat anymore
• eating more green vegetables in last four weeks than W has in his entire life
• loving foods; eats yogurt, peas, beans, fruits, rice crackers, breads
• pulling hair, pinching skin, grabbing on to everything
• jumping/bouncing up and down
• pointing toes, curling feet and showing just how flexible she is
• saying lots of mamama/dadada/wawawa/bababa

Love you, baby girl.

Thies Farm 2011

We went back to Thies Farm Pumpkinland this year.  W was more up-to-size this time.  He thoroughly enjoyed the tractors,  hay bale obstacle course, and the zip line (although a bit nervous at first).   Last year he had a meltdown about 20 minutes into it.  But this year he was a champ...until he was barreled over by a girl coming down the slide.  Total wipeout.  Lots of tears.  Both survived.
We also picked out some pumpkins while we were there.  We came home with several wacky looking gourds, a 26 pound pumpkin, and a "baby punk" for W that he had been requesting for days.
Here's to Fall!

 {waaay to bright for pictures}

 {thumbs up}

EVR: Six Months

Lizzy turned six months old on Sunday.  Time is flying at warp speed.  Here are her stats:

Height:  28 1/4" (97%+)
Weight:  18lb 12.5 oz (92%)

• She is still the smiliest girl I know, though we have yet to get a good laugh out of her (still!).  She is certainly a girl, though, because she can turn rather serious rather quickly.  
• She's sitting up all by herself...all the time.  Lying on her back is a drag, so if not sitting up, she prefers to be on her belly where she can push herself around backwards around the room.  Yes, she's already somewhat mobile.  Yikes!
• Her hair is coming in thick and still as blonde as can be.  
• And those eyes?  Still blue.  
• She continues to be enamored with anything and everything W does.  Perhaps that's why she can't quite seem to ever get away for a good nap.  This girl can't nap to save her life!  
• Nighttime is tricky, too.  But we're working things out.  
• I have learned that tickling the back of her neck and shoulders sometimes does the trick of calming her down to sleep.  It's like instant relaxation for her.  
• She's well into the "everything must go in my mouth" phase.  In fact, right now, she's sucking on my arm/shirt.  
• She loves pears, peaches, applesauce, whole bananas and sweet potatoes.  We even sneak in some bread, too.  
• She loves to chew on Sophie the Giraffe's leg.  
• We love the few hours of time she and I have together each week while W is at preschool.  It's so fun to play with this little girl.       

L + C Wedding

I had really high hopes of pulling together a decent post to document my little sister's wedding.  A few weeks after the wedding came and went.  No post.  And now it's been about six weeks and...still no post.  My older sister is a much more responsible blogger than I -- her pictures are much better, too.  See her posts here and here.
Anyway...
That August wedding day was perfect.  Beautiful bride.  Dashing groom.  Lovely weather.  Wonderfully sweet and spiritual ceremony.  Such a fun party/reception; not to mention, the reception look incredible.  Incredible!
So here's my picture documentation of the day (totally untouched, because that would take another six weeks to pull together).  I'm learning that corralling two children and trying to take pictures are two totally separate jobs (read:  nearly impossible).

 {the new Mr. and Mrs.}

 {sisters}

 {pre-reception}

 {cousins}

 {the cutest two-year-old boy there}

 {country, vintage decor everywhere}

 {"Mad Lib"-like advice card for guests instead of sign-in book}

 {cake}

 {popcorn}

 {first dance}

 {parents}