"Do You Know You're Dressed Like a Chicken?"

Cock-a-doddle-doo! Yes, I've dressed the boys up as chicken/roosters this year for Halloween. Of course I chose their costumes, especially since I've figured this is the last time Will will let me make the decision. They've been told they were going to be chickens for the past couple of weeks, but the other day when Will was asked what he was going to be for Halloween he said, "a policeman". No idea where that came from, and it was the first I had heard about being a policeman, but once again I was reminded that my child has a mind of his own. We're planning to meet up this evening with Cousin Matt, Aunt Marcie and Uncle Dennis. We'll try out this trick or treat thing in their neighborhood - I'll let you know how it goes.

Will's First Field Trip

Pumpkins, bunnies and a house filled with nuts - what more could you ask for?! I had the pleasure of participating in Will's first field trip last Wednesday. Destination - pumpkin patch. We had such a nice time. It was a bit chilly, but the sun was out and it warmed up. We went for a tractor ride, picked out our pumpkins (I learned that Will prefers the green ones), met and fed animals, walked/rolled around in the nut house (similar to the play areas with all the balls) and had a nice picnic lunch. What a great time we had! At one point during the day I was teary-eyed with appreciation that I get to do things like this. I think one of the greatest parental pleasures is getting to experience everyday activities, but through my child's eyes. What a great day!

Project Update

So many people have been interested in the progress of our project house. I've included a "before" and "now" picture. I'm excited to say the exterior portion of the project is close to being done. The house is being painted this week. Once that is completed we'll be able to start focusing on landscaping and them move inside and start work in there. As for the exterior major work included trimming back the large trees, removing existing landscaping, all new windows, installing a second story dormer, new roof, some new siding and painting. We're optimistic that the whole house will be completed by February and ready to sell.

Weekend at the Farm

This weekend Doug and I were in Seattle for our annual MSU reunion. We had such a nice time visiting with all our friends. We lucked out and were able to see Ellie and Jordan's amazing and beautiful new home which has a stunning 180 degree view of Lake Washington. We stayed in downtown Seattle with Mat and Danielle and saw the Seahawks lose to the Vikings on Sunday. The perfect ending to such a fun weekend.

And as you can see from the pictures, the boys were busy this weekend as well. Tractor rides and decorating Grandpa's birthday cake. The boys helped Grandma feed the horses and sheep or so Will tells me. They had such a great visit!

Safety First

For those of you who do not have children, my goodness the amount of comic relief they provide at times is astounding. Jack LOVES Will's bike helmet - plain and simple. Anytime he sees it he drops whatever he's doing and runs over to put it on. Then realizes he hasn't yet figured out how to make the clasp work so he'll find someone to secure it for him and will be on his way. Running after Will, sitting on the sofa, even posing for pictures - which I thought I'd go ahead and share.

More Pictures

I especially like the series of kid photos, of course we were trying to get a group photo, but the group had other ideas!

Pumpkins

Today we had the greatest day! This morning we met the Hovdes and Knights out out The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island. The rain held off while we took a hay ride out to the patch, then searched for the perfect pumpkin. I think we may need to get Will out into nature a bit more. He can be a bit cautious about new situations and he wasn't very thrilled about having to manuver around all the pumpkin vines. We've never been there before and it was beautiful, I felt refreshed just being out there. I've include a couple of pictures of us at the patch and then the boys after we returned home.

So Big!

Here are some recent pictures of the boys. I see them everyday and I think they're looking so different, but after looking at these pictures they also look so old! Jack's starting to catch up to Will (size-wise), though he's still a head shorter. The boys are playing together much more. Basically anything Will does, Jack is right behind him.

PS Jack has learned to say "cheese" for the camera.