A Day of Play

The kiddos haven't been feeling super great, they both have little colds. So we have pretty much been haninging out at home. Yesterday they played so well togeth outside. Nothing like a little fresh air! Sammie has been really into riding her bike around the patio and listening to music and Cole just wats to do everything he sees his sister do. It is so much fun watching them play "together".


Here's to you!

Cole loves doing "cheers".

Rockin out to some Christmas music, writing and
drinking water from Starbucks!

Riding and rocking.

Big Guy

Cole and I had some quality play time today-Sammer took a 2 hour nap this afternoon...and of course it was the one day in months that Cole took a morning nap! It was fun though-we played out back. Cole has just figure out how to sit at the little picnic table out back so that's where he wants to be. Most of the day the sliding doors to the back were open and he would just walk out there and take a seat, have a drink, and come back in! So funny.
He is turning into such a character. He really, really loves dirt...as all boys should! And tonight he decided to grab a handful of dirt and come throw it into the house. I was in the kitchen and he and his sister were playing out back...I guess he wanted to show me what he was up to! Huh. Sammie was yelling, "Cole no, we don't throw dirt in the house!" He didn't listen...needless to say-I vacuumed before dinner:)

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's. It was very low key and very realxing. Cole and Sammie thoroughly enjoyed themselves...in different ways. Sammie played and played with her cousins and Cole decided to take a snooze with Grandpa. It is the funniest thing...Cole never sleeps on anyone, but every time he's with Grandpa-he climbs into his lap and falls asleep. It's sweet!
We have so much to be thankful for. A God who loves us and blesses us in ways we don't even recognize, children who teach us more than we thought they could, spouses who love unconditionally and family and friends who support, love and inspire us. Thanks to all of you for being a part of our lives, we love you all!



Sleepy time.

Willow and Sammer

Grandma and Sammer

Smores

Last night felt wintery so Peter built a fire and we made smores. The kids were so cute sitting in their chairs together.
And yes, Cole has a black eye. He fell off his slide a couple days ago. It looks pretty bad, be glad these pictures aren't in color-it's pretty bad:( Poor little guy is a trooper.

Painting

These last two days we have been painting our house. Grandpa Mark came up to help out, thank goodness! It was a lot of work, a couple of kinks (as always) and tons of fun for the kids. Sammie even helped paint!
There is still some trim work to do, but it looks sooo good. Thanks Mark and Peter for your hard labor!


Grandpa's little helper.
"I am REALLY strong Grandpa."

A painted mess.

After a long day of work, relaxing with snacks.
Notice that they are sitting in each others' chairs!

Our freshly painted casa.

Me and my baby

Samantha loves her blankie and Samantha loves her baby, Baucula.
Blankie is well loved. Lots of string hanging off here and there, holes throughout and now a giant tear.
Well, Sammie put blankie around her neck yesterday and said, "Look Mommy!" She then ran out of the room and came back with Baucula in the blankie and asked me to tie it in the back! She created her own little sling! I had to get a picture and SHE asked if I would take a picture of the back! Ha!
She's such a good, little mommy.

Happy Birthday Nana!

Nana has been here all week for a fun visit.
Today was her birthday. We made birthday pancakes, we all took a nap (wah hoo) and had a nice dinner with birthday brownies that Sammie helped make. It was a lovely day...and week.
Thanks for coming out Nana! We always love your visits. Plus, who doesn't love Christmas in November? I think every family should have that!
Love you~


Literally, 5 minutes into the visit....
"Nana, will you paint with me?"

Cole was happy to see his Nana too!

Playin at the park.

We went to Encanto park...it was closed,

but we played on the playground.

Looking at the geese...or swans

as Sammie called them.

Nana got Sammie a scooter for early Christmas.

She loves it, and is pretty good at it!

Sammie painted a flag at school and it was hanging in

front of her school. So we went down today and took

a picture in front of it. Hers is the one over her head!

State Fair

Today was the day we took Samantha to the State Fair for the first time. She was SO excited. We dropped Cole off at Gma and Gpa's for some quality one on one and Sammer had us all to herself...just like the good 'ol days!
We had a great time at the fair. We played some games, won some prizes, even went on 1 ride, ate some very unhealthy and delicious "fair food" and just had a great night.
The best part...on the drive home I asked her what her favorite part of coming to the fair was and she said, "All of it". We agree! We love you Sammer!


On our way to the fair...

Five seconds in to the car ride...she didn't nap today!

We drove the caboose of a little train ride.

First game of the night...fishing...she caught this fish

all by herself. We've never been so proud!

Her prizes.

The "fairest wheel" as she calls it.

How could she resist a giant pink chair?

She pulled Peter through the fairgrounds telling

him that she wanted a dessert and knew exactly

what she was looking for just couldn't remember it's name.

She ate one bite and was done with cotton candy! Ha!
Anyone want a $5 bag of cotton candy???

Happy Halloween

This year was a fun Halloween. Cole was a lion and Sammie was Snow White. We went over to Grandma and Grandpa's house and trick or treated on thier street then went home to check out our neighborhood.
We weren't really sure what to expect because Sammie is pretty shy but this year she came out of her shell. She was practically running from house to house--so cute--she'd pick up her dress and book it! Ring the bell and say "trick or treat" and "thank you". It was so great. And Cole surprisingly stayed in his costume and walked around. He held onto that pumpkin for dear life-even when it was pretty heavy from all of the candy inside. He even roared a few times!
Great memories.


Playing with their blowers from Asher's party earlier in the day.

Playing together.

My attempt of a picture of them together-not so much!

Cole the lion...he was so cute in his furry little costume!

Sammie the princess...as always! Her bucket was FULL!

Happy Halloween.