Hmmm. . .

Pumpkins

So back where I left off about our pumpkin day. Henry spent most of the morning screaming and being defiant. He is either my sweet silly boy or my screaming (loudly) wild boy. He requires patience, patience and more patience. Last night at the dinner table he was making all of these silly noises and faces, so I looked at my husband and said "is this normal?" He just laughed and said "I remember doing that." Again, is it normal? Did I mention that he magically appeared in the kitchen after I had put him in his CRIB for a nap yesterday? I was really hoping to keep him there for a bit longer. Of course back to the crazy morning, after he woke up from his nap, it was "yes, mommy" and "ok mommy." My sweet boy was back. Claire had a great time cooking with Duncan and playing with Fiona. We also had the opportunity to go to a little pumpkin patch and have lunch with friends. We are blessed with such wonderful friends and family.

Duncan was cooking with Claire.

The look on his face exemplifies his attitude of the morning.

Sweet little Fiona

Very excited about pulling off the stickers.

The concentration

Henry and Claire

Having lunch with friends at the pumpkin patch.

Henry (on the escape), Claire and Owen

Thanks Pop-Pop!

We just returned from the most wonderful lunch at Cobalt Grill. Henry and I picked Claire up from school and met my dad and Chris. Can I just say that the sesame seared tuna over pad thai noodles was simply amazing! I wish I had taken more photos, but did not even think about it until we were leaving. This is when Henry and Claire decided to demonstrate their musical ability. I will also say that this was such a breath of fresh air after the morning we had yesterday with my sweet little boy. Stay tuned as there will be more to come on that crazy day.

Thanks Pop-Pop, we love you!

Fall Happenings

How can you not just love fall?! By far my favorite time of the year, especially being at home with the kids. We have been having such a great time. Fall festivals, many parades and fun times with friends and family celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. Not to mention pumpkin cakes, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin bread and of course, pumpkin ale. I just wish this season would linger a bit longer.

Henry and Chris at one of the many Neptune parades.

PDS Fall Festival

This is as good as it gets in regard to photos

Roasting marshmallows

mmm, mmm

Summer Pics

We had such a great time this summer with family and friends. Here are just a few pictures.

The Jungle Gym with our friends Evan and Lauren

She's got "the look" already

Drip castles

My silly, silly boy

Spending time with Granddaddy

First Day of Pre-K

Today was Claire's first day of preschool and she was "very exciting." Needless to say, she was exhausted when I picked her up from school. We are looking forward to another great year.

Down

Well our computer is currently down thus the lack of posting. Thankfully my sweet niece loaned us her laptop. We have been having such a wonderful summer. Lots of time spent with family and dear friends. Henry even had his first sleepover last weekend with his cousin and we recently visited with friends in town from Colorado. God continues to show us His glory on a daily basis. I hope to be able to post pics soon.

Reality

So this has not been the best day, week, etc. I will spare the pictures this time. Let's just say the icing on the ol' cake was when Henry squirted 409 into a fresh, made from scratch, batch of pancake batter. Claire's response "Mommy, why didn't you just stop him by saying please don't do that." Yes, I did see him fiddling with it, but wanted to hurry and finish. Some days, weeks, months are just better than others. Please do not respond with why was there 409 on the kitchen counter, why were you allowing your son to touch it or why aren't you using something environmentally friendly to clean your counters.

A Thousand Words

Summer (part 1)

The Aquarium with Auntie Rebekah

Chris and Fiona

The Cousins

Picnic at the zoo

In the aviary with Daddy

We have been having a great summer! Lots of time at the beach, pool, zoo and aquarium with friends and family. I can't believe it is nearing the end of July. More pictures coming soon.

weekend

Once again, not too timely in posting. Having said that, we had the best weekend. Saturday morning we went and got coffee (we were out) and let the kids play on the playset at the Hilton for a while. Then when we got home, our guest of honor for the day arrived. Yes, Duncan came to spend the day with us. The kids had such a great time. After rest time, we went to Kai's birthday party and ate lots of yummy goodies. Finally on Sunday Claire had another birthday party at Jungle Golf and asked that Daddy take her as she does not get to spend much time with him. Whew, it was busy, but lots of fun.

Claire and Henry playing after Kai's party.

Celebrating at Jungle Golf

Interesting form!

Having fun at the ice cream party.

Might as well go all out and have a Dum-Dum too!

So cute!!

He's not too sure about the aloha seat

Fun in the pool

Loving Wife and Mother

There is a link in my blog list for Denise's Healing Journey. Unfortunately this wonderful woman lost her battle with breast cancer yesterday. She leaves behind a devoted husband and four beautiful girls. If you happen across this blog, please pray for the family and for that peace that surpasses all understanding. Thanks so much!

Zoo

Today was another great day at the zoo with family and friends. Apart from several scrapes and falls, we had so much fun. The rain (deluge) even held off until we were driving home.

Stopping for a picnic and some shade.

Henry thinks the fountains are so funny!

Claire and Fiona

Claire and Sam

Those fountains are still so funny!

The bathing beauty Sam

Mr. Crazy Hair

Party

Today was officially the last day of preschool for Claire. We had a wonderful end of the year celebration at one of the student's home. The children had such a great time swimming, playing and eating delicious food. We were so blessed this year with incredible teachers and fantastic new friends. It could not have been any better and boy will we miss Mrs. C. and Mrs. M. next year!! Of course, Claire had to remind me that on her next birthday she will be 5 and the tears just started flowing (mine, not hers).

These kids are all about food!

Mrs. C. trying on a swim mask

Mrs. M. excited about her platter the kids made.

The beautiful scrapbooks made for the teachers.

Claire and her best buddy Austin.