Painting the Perfect Pumpkin

Carving pumpkins has been something Brad and I enjoyed together every year since we have been married. Well, every year until we became parents. This year we forfeited our carving so the boys could paint. I still miss carving our perfect pumpkin face, but this was a lot of fun. Maybe next year we will find the time to do both.


Daddy showed them how, and Andrew dove right in.


"Look Daddy we are painting"

Nathan enjoyed painting his hands and stomach as well as his pumpkin. But he soon requested to have his hands cleaned before he would continue.

For all you photographers out there. Yes, we know this picture is not in focus, but it was to cute to keep to ourselves.

Pondering his artistic talent.

After a few minutes of finger painted the boys tried brushes.



Andrew really loved using the brush.

After the pumpkins were painted it was off to the bath. Daddy pushed them in their chairs down the hall to the bathroom. (I always enjoy watching Brad and other Dads problem solve things involving kids. Dads definitely have their own style of parenting.) Both boys usually like their baths, but for some reason they don't like it when they are messy. Maybe they don't understand the point of the bath. They both were very upset and after shedding several big tears each daddy jumped in and joined them. They began to calm down and finally sat down in the bath long enough for us get them all clean.

Picking out the perfect Pumpkin

They start by checking the place out before diving into the pumpkins. Soon Andrew was running up and down the isles.
Daddy helped them find some little pumpkins. These proved to be much more fun than the big ones.

They worked together to stack pumpkins into towers. Nathan loves to make towers out of everything.
Checking out his amazing work.

The boys found a little dog, which of course was a lot more fun to play with than pumpkins. They could not get enough of the dog, and we thought we were never going to be able to pry them away from it. Some how we convinced them to say bye-bye and they went back to the pumpkins.


This kid lights up my life.

Andrew tried to take on the big pumpkins but quickly threw/drooped it down.

Ha Ha Haaaahahah! This kid always makes me laugh.

The wagon was the highlight of the day. They loved being able to work/play together as they pushed and pulled it around.

Getting tired out.
Time to pick out pumpkins. Brad and I helped them out a little. Since they couldn't pick them up it was hard to motivate them to choose one.

It was a fun day. The boys did not want to leave. But the fun is not over. Next step... Painting the Pumpkins.

Aunt Erin Came to Visit

This weekend my life long friend, Erin brought her family for a visit. I say life-long, because while she and I did not meet until college, I can't fathom ever not having her in my life. With four kids running around and two more on the way we can't sit and chat for hours at a time. But I love simply being able to live life together, even if it only for a few short days. She is an amazing mom and I love taking all the tips I can from her.

Sunday morning we took the kids to the park and let the men watched the Michigan game.

Ooooo Ahhhh Water!


Water and sand make mud. YUCK!! I tried to show Andrew how to wipe his hands on his pants, he wiped them on mine instead.

Nathan and his friend Jack getting sprayed.

Monkey #1
My little observer.
Climbing is hard work.




We know water comes out, but Mommy won't show us how to do it. (They found the button but did not have enough finger strength to get water to come out.)

Dear Great Grandma

Great Grandma,

We miss you already. We told Mommy we wanted to send you some hugs and kisses so she posted these pictures for you. We thought you might miss us already. We hope these help a little. We know they are not as good as our real hugs and kisses but they will have to do for now. We can't wait to see you in November.

Tons of Hugs and Kisses,

Nathan and Andrew

Go Michigan!!!

It's Game Day!!!



Running for a touchdown.

Got my Game Face on!


Playing with Daddy's phone

Running down the field.

Proud Mama

Tonight I had the amazing privilege of hearing Nathan read his first story. No, we are not doing the Teach Your Baby To Read program. No, he is not a genius of outstanding literary skills. He is just my precious little boy, normal in every way, but in my eyes he's amazing.
While Andrew and Daddy were busy tackling each other Nathan and I were reading stories. After Mommy finished reading Where is Baby's Mama Nathan decided he wanted to read it. He turned each page and flipped open the object to see where baby's mama was hiding. Each time he said "No No" because baby's mama was not there.
To everyone else this is normal toddler behavior. As a teacher I know that these small developments are nothing big, but play a role in kids learning to read. As a mom, I get to enjoy each little moment and treasure it as a huge milestone.