Halloween Cuties!

Halloween again, seems like I was just writing the blog on "Get Candy" last year. This year it's more like "yea, we're not sick anymoe and we can leave the house!" But, they did bring home loads of candy that will be rationed out daily.

The fairy, the dinosaur, and the monster.


Jefferson and his pumpkin, note the happy tongue (not on Jefferson)


Perfect in purple, a little girls dress up dream


Seeing who got what, Jefferson tries to get his fair share, he'll have to wait for next year, although he did try his first bite of chocolate.


Another successful year, here's to dressing up, asking strangers for candy, and eating it all before Christmas!

Jefferson's Happy Tongue

I have a theory. Let's start at the beginning. People everywhere comment on Jefferson's tongue hanging out all the time. They think it's funny and cute and probably wonder if he's half puppy, just kidding. What I think though is that it's the way he shows he's really happy. In all our pictures of him having a good time, there's usually a tongue out in one of them. Let me show you.

Playing in his room: happy tongue


Standing in his crib: happy tongue


Cruising on the couch: happy tongue


In the tub: happy tongue again!


There's plenty more photos of this, but you get the picture. Maybe we can add a verse to the old fave kids song, "If you're happy and you know it, stick out your tongue"! So glad I have a happy baby.

Bowling for Real

We're so used to bowling on the Wii Sports or Wii Sports Resort; but we rarely do the real thing. Sometimes, though, it's nice to get the whole family out of the house.

Being Ben's first time and Hannah's second, We had to teach them the basics. After strapping on those stylin' shoes, you have to find the right ball. Unfortunately, Ben tried to grab Stacey's heavier ball for the last frame and pinched is finger between the ball and the rail.


Then you have to get your fingers into the holes and hold it with both hands keeping the holes underneath.


Then you run up and roll it (or throw it) forward (not up).


So much for rolling it underhand...


The next step is watching and concentrating, willing the ball to go where you want it to. Talking, hand gestures, and moving your own body left or right helps, too.


Finally, the celebration!


Everyone had fun, although we're definitely better at the Wii version... much better.

Firsts for Ben

This is Ben's week. Tuesday was his first official day of preschool, and after all the prep talk, he was comfortably ready. Jefferson got to go to, but preschool is not for babies as I learned!

In front of the doors with his "Heart from Home"


Purple sand is a huge hit with three year olds.


Ben's other first for the day: swim class. I had to keep reminding him to keep his body on the ledge, mommy wouldn't be there if he decided to take a dunk. But he listened very well to his teacher and had a good time.


Some other things Ben has been busy with: Rainbow class at church Wed night, Mini-Me in Motion at the YMCA, gym class with mommy, and playing with our friends of course!