Enjoying the Fall

The weather has been a little unpredictable around here.  We have been trying to get out and enjoy it though when we can.  I just love this time of year!

We love jumping in piles of leaves.  Lucky for us we have a ton :)

We love to go on "nature walks" either around our neighborhood or parks around us.  I printed off a couple of nature lists to make it a game for the boys.  They really like marking things off their list and seeing what else they can find.

We did a little pumpkin painting. 

Great day for a picnic at the park.  Of course we had to sport our Royals gear :)

Hopefully we will still have a few more weeks before the cold really sets in.  

Family Halloween

Halloween is not my favorite holiday, however after having children it has become more enjoyable to me.  With my children still young and very influential I have gotten to guide them in a costume choice that I think would be fun to do.  I have always stuck with their interest at the time though so it wasn't too difficult.  I like trying to coordinate their costumes and have been successful at that so far.  Who knows what next year will bring.

This year we added Laney to the crew so it took a little extra thinking.  We came up with a Toy Story theme with Woody, Buzz, and Jessie.  It turned out quite well if I do say so myself. 

The boys loved the outfits and wanted to get in them right when we woke up on Saturday.  Laney didn't hate it.

Laney's first Halloween.

Luke had a school party that he got to wear his costume to.  I always like to try and do a trunk or treat in the weeks before, but we didn't get a chance too.  We were able to go to Matt and Jana's church one on Saturday though to make it a full day of costume wearing and candy collecting.

For the evening we had planned to go trick-or-treating with Mitch, Christy, and Keeley.  They always have the idea of full family costumes so Erin and I had to join in the fun.  We added Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head to the group. 

We had a great time trick or treating.  The kids caught on quickly.  They loved going to all the houses and were excited for all the candy they got.  We are set for awhile.

Washburn Hall of Fame

10 years ago I played on a team that had an unforgettable season that ended with a Division II National Championship.  My life has changed a lot since that day, but I can still remember those final games like it was yesterday.  A couple of weeks ago we got to relive those days once again as we were inducted into the Washburn University Hall of Fame.  Our entire team was there to celebrate, reminisce, and laugh about all the stories and memories.  It was great to visit with all the fans and supporters we had, and catch up with all the families that were there through it all.  We got to bring our own children back to the place Erin and me met.  (I remember my parents taking us by campus and telling us all sorts of stories, its only fair we do the same to our kids.)  Luke's big question was if we won all the games.  He was disappointed when I had to tell him we did lose two games that season.  I couldn't have asked for a better weekend with all these special people!

Lawson's Birthday Party

Lawson's birthday fell on a busy weekend for us so we decided to kind of do it in two parts.  I figure why not just stretch the celebration out longer, what kid wouldn't want that :)  We did a little get together with a few friends at the park on Wednesday evening.  The weather was great and the kids all enjoyed running around and eating cupcakes.  Then on Sunday we had family over to celebrate with us.  We are so thankful for all the people that could help us celebrate our little three year old.  He is one loved little boy!

Had to have birthday donuts!

Zoo full of animals :) Lawson doesn't like not being able to see.

Laney is 11 Months

Is it possible that our little girl is one month away from being ONE!!!!  She is a busy little thing always getting herself into something.

11 month photo shoot:

• At her appointment a couple weeks ago she was just under 18 lbs.  She is at 62% in height and 13% in weight.  
• She wears 9 month and some 12 month close just depending on the piece of clothing.  Still in size 3 diapers.
• We have been adding shoes to our wardrobe this month.  With the cooler weather and her wanting to stand by herself all the time its a must.
• She has started wanting to walk along furniture with more of a purpose and standing up to things, but the thought of walking away by herself is not happening.  She will take a few steps if holding her hands, but knows crawling is more efficient for right now.
• She loves to eat!  She still takes 4 bottles a day of formula and eats meals and snacks between.  She eats basically anything we do and is always willing to try new things.
• Sleeping good through the night and still takes 2 naps on most days.
• Has 9 teeth now. A big one on bottom finally came through.
• Laney loves getting into cabinets and drawers.  She likes to help "clean" them out.
• She seems to almost pose for pictures.  She loves to smile.
• Laney will wave hello and goodbye or goodnight.  I think she is trying to talk in response too, but not really words coming yet.  Just loud noises.
• Laney has also throws tantrums when she throw herself on the floor and cries for help.  This is usually if she is tired and doesn't want to crawl or everyone leaves her from the room.  I know her tantrums won't always be cute, but right now this one makes us laugh.
• She gives great hugs and loves to cuddle still.