It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Thanksgiving was a success! We traveled down to Portland and enjoyed a wonderful dinner (prepared by the Piper's) with the Piper's, Grandpa Steve and the Seminarios. Here is the embarrassing part where I tell you I forgot my camera so I have no proof of the amazing time we had. You will just have to believe me when I say Lucy is adorable and the kids had so much fun playing with each other. Henry and Oscar had a great time together too and expended a lot of energy!!!

We came home Friday night late and the kids slept wonderful (thank goodness because Henry was 2 naps short and definitely showing it!) We awoke the next morning and decided to take a trip to the tree farm to get our tree. We got a noble fir this year and it took Henry a while to find one he liked. We had a great time and for those of you who know me well know that a day at the tree farm is like a day at the spa to me, I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

father and son bonding!



bringing the tree in


he is quite helpful


on the hunt


heading out


We got the tree home decorated it and put on our new ornaments. Henry chose a fire truck and our family ornament this year is a bakery shop with Santa inside. Henry loves to play with them and it marks yet another set of ornaments to mark this time in our lives.

our family ornament

Today we visited Santa and it went perfectly. Henry worked on his list this morning so he would have something to show Santa.


We were the first in line and that made us all happy. Henry was a bit quiet with Santa but warmed up quick. Reese wasn't too sure but as long as she had Henry in sight she was fine. She even put her hand on Henry's lap during the pictures as if to send Santa the message that they are a package deal. Pictures went well and they are going to be on our Christmas card so stay tuned...

waiting for Santa


ready to show the list


The house is decorated and the new stockings are on their way. My next adventure is making my advent calendar full of books and activities for Henry and Reese, wish me luck!!

Crawling and Riding

Reese is officially crawling like a big girl. No more army crawl but a full fledged real crawl!! Here is a video before tubby.



Here she is into everything




she is pulling up to a stand


Our afternoon bike rides are getting better and better as Henry gets faster and also is able to ride in a straight line so we stay out of the street. Our daily rides are the best part of all of our afternoons.

he loves it!!


happy to be in the backpack!


Here is my little rider.




Pajama day at school was so fun!!! He took forever in his drawer to pick the perfect pair! He just loves school and he has stopped crying when I leave. He is actually quite happy to say goodbye so he can play.



We also went to Portland this past weekend to celebrate Cousin Lucy's first birthday. We had a blast and Henry and Reese love their sweet cousin. Lucy is so wonderful and she and Reese had quite a fun time playing together and stealing toys from one another. The birthday was a hit and Henry loved playing with all of the toys Auntie Anna and Uncle Andy had just gotten on an IKEA run!! Today is Lucy's real birthday...Happy Birthday Lucy!!!! I forgot my camera but I got a few with my phone.

Sweet Lucy



Reese wanted to drive to Portland.


Henry entertaining himself on the ride down.

Happy Halloween

We had a great day and night for Halloween. Spent the afternoon at Microsoft trick or treating at the stores, decorating pumpkins and having fun.

We headed home filled the kiddos up with some dinner and then headed out for trick or treating around the neighborhood. With the Hubert's gone and me an arm down we decided to hit the streets as a family this year.

Henry loved it and his trick or treat got louder at each door. HE even gave a comment to each person. He told the lady who gave him skittles that he loved skittles all day long. I just love how he always has to get the last word in.

We gave him a handful and let him go crazy. Saved a couple pieces for him throughout the week and gave the rest to our trick or treaters. He didn't even question us on this and I loved it!!

Lots of fun was had by all. Reese made a cute dog and loved watching all of the kids. Henry let everyone know he was prepared to save them and their cats!

Halloween was a success!!

Watching a Halloween show with his loot after a long night of trick or treating!


First door of the night!!


with his pumpkin


sweet little fire dog



The fire chief and his dog

Little Bits of Life

Happy Halloween! Today is filled with lots of fun and I promise to take many pictures of the fire chief and his little fire dog. Until then I have a picture catch up to do.

Bear with me, I broke a little bone in my elbow yesterday while I was changing Henry's sheets so I am going to do just short little explanations.

Henry always pretends to be Bill!


We have been taking lots of bike rides in the afternoon to enjoy the awesome fall days we have been having. Here are some fun shots.







Henry and I ran a race this past weekend. Henry did a 300 meter race with a bunch of kids and he did great and loved it!!! They chased Batman.

pre race pose!!!


stretches with Batman



The finish


Also Henry's class had a Halloween party and I went to help. It was great and I just love his school!

Frosting cookies with friends



Reese came to help


Today I learn how to wrangle 2 kids with one arm...so far so good!!! Happy Halloween!!

Titi, Papa and Two Trips to the Pumpkin Patch.

Long time no blog! Many excuses...busy, sick, traveling, etc. Here is a little catch up. My parents came for a visit and we had a wonderful time. The kids loved their time with Titi and Papa and were kept so busy with projects and lots of yummy cookies.

Bill and I left for the weekend to attend a golf tournament to remeber our friend Tom who passed 2 years ago. It was an amazing weekend filled with lots of laughs and fun memories, I think Tom would have been proud.

The night before we left both kids got horrible colds! My parents took amazing care of them and neither child seemed too excited to see us when we got home! Henry got lots of rest and had no problem letting my Mom know he needed to take it easy. Reese did well too and found a soft spot for my Dad which was very sweet. They were indulged just like they should be and very sad to see my parents go! They also brought their puppy Belle who became Henry's new best friend!

Henry and Titi


Reese and Titi


Papa and Henry building a smooky (spooky) house


Henry and his best friend Belle


After my folks left we were all very sad and still a bit sick so we hibernated. Other than getting the mail we spent Monday and Tuesday being lazy bums! By Wednesday we were in desperate need of some fresh air and activity so we got moving...here is the proof!

Reese's first "car" shopping cart trip, she may be crazier than her brother!


Reese is now totally mobile and into everything. She has been working on it for about a month and for the past 2 weeks has been officially a nuisance! She isn't traditonal crawling but dragging herself everywhere. She snuck into the bathroom the other evening when Henry was in the tubby. She went all the way from the front room to the bathroom. Not a dull moment in our house now!



Through Bill's work we entered Henry in a pinewood derby race. He and Bill made a car and then got to race it. Henry won a trophy!



the trophy!!


We went to the pumpkin patch. This was actually attempt #2. On the first try we got there and got to the patch and then Henry threw a tantrum and we went home. The next day went much better!!

found it!


like herding kittens!



so sleepy


photo opp!


carving pumpkins!!

A Day In The Life Of A Firefighter

Now it's time to catch up with Henry...if you can catch him! Henry is growing so quickly and each day I see a change in him. Whether it is a new word, movement, like, dislike he is always changing and growing.

He absolutely loves to do anything physical. He runs, jumps, climbs and is pretty uncomfortable just sitting still.

This illustrates the whole can't stay still thing!




Running with me at the track. He almost ran 1/2 mile without stopping in his pajamas!!




He still does little kickers and is loving it. He is in a class now where I am still there but participating less and less and he learns to play with his friends and coach without me. He is doing really well at this and is the only kid in class so far that is not begging for mom to stay and help, he actually lets me know quite often that my help is not needed or desired!

This is funny because for the past 2 weeks he has cried when I have left him at preschool. Heart wrenching for me and such a learning experience for him. Yesterday the crying only lasted a moment. I know that because after I left I waited for a parent to come out and asked if he was still crying!

When I came to get him I noticed he was running around the playground with a sweet little girl. The teacher informed me they had quite the connection and actually had to be separated a couple times because they were hugging so much and so tightly she thought one of them would get hurt. As we were leaving she told Henry she would miss him!

First day of school interview. He always clams up at camera!



So as he grows he is full of opinions and declarations. He loves to tell us what to do and when we are doing something wrong. He absolutely will not tolerate being helped. He also loves a good yell and is super in touch with his emotions. Bill calls him little Katie because of his knack for controlling situations and liking things just so. I call him little Bill because he can never find anything and is always making a mess! He truly is a mix of both of us!

This is the look I get for interrupting baseball game to take a picture.


He is also the sweetest creature ever! He loves to snuggle and is so full of conversation. He never hesitates to tell us how much he loves us and when he is feeling happy the whole world knows and can't help but be happy too! He is the funniest person I know and I can credit a lot of my laughing to his antics. He has good timing too with his funny bone and seems to be able to read situations and bring comic relief at just the right time. When he is on, he is so compassionate and kind. The other day I said I was frustrated to myself in the kitchen and in came Henry with a big kiss for me to help. He is also constantly helping Reese when she is sad.

Hamming it up at Red Hook!

He loves to be outside and is kind of like a caged animal if he doesn't get out. 80% of his day is devoted to pretending he is a firefighter ( I so wish my grandpa could have seen that!). He loves to help cook and equally loves to make a mess. He sings quite a bit at home and has begun free styling his own songs such as mac n cheese is awesome (he hates it by the way!) He adores our dogs and cat and is learning to be gentle with each growl of fear from the dogs. He is starting to eat new foods.

Favorite "fire pole"


A rare still moment while watching the tube in his fire costume.


He still hates sleep at night and either wakes early of stays up too late in his bed constantly calling us in with crazy requests. The other night he actually asked Bill if he could bring him something to cheer him up...what??? Funny thing is that he loves naps and takes them willingly.

I could go one forever but the big guy is now begging for someone to play fireman with and duty calls!!

Catching Up With Little Miss Scooter

Thought I would devote a whole post to each child this week to catch up on what they are doing. We'll start with the little.

Well Reese has been scooting all over the place for the last week! It's not quite a crawl but she is managing to get herself anywhere and anything she wants which has been crazy. I kind of miss my little still content baby. The new mover and shaker Reese is into all sorts of trouble and is now stealing her brothers toys and pulling his hair which has been an adjustment for us all!



Some quality sibling time. If she sees him she will scoot to him.


She also is hilarious and always yelling or laughing or doing this sniffing thing which is cute and strange at the same time. She constantly keeps me laughing.



She is finally loving my baby food and is into all sorts of stuff. She loves beets and bell peppers and will eat anything mixed with a sweet potato. Each night we sit and have family dinner and she just loves it and often stares at Henry and yells, like she is having a discussion with him.



She also loves to wear sunglasses!!



She is full of smiles and has a great ability to bring a sense happiness to our somewhat crazy house. She is sweet and rough at the same time. She loves to pull hair and faces which can hurt, but her smile and giggle quickly replace the pain. She also hates snuggling and would rather be outside, running errands or bothering her brother and his toys.

Henry's Toys!!!!


So Happy


Sunglasses that she loves to wear!


She is sleeping through the night now which is amazing. She will still wake once in a while but usually puts herself down again after a little bit of yelling. She is a morning person and loves to be up by 6am most days but is known to sleep until 7.

She is a doll. You may have noticed that I do a lot of laughing in these videos and that is because she makes me so happy. I could watch her do nothing for hours and still laugh.