A fall photo shoot

Afton grabbed the rake from the garage yesterday and started tackling the leaves...I though to help me clean up the yard, then I though she might be making a jumping pile, no...She told Abel "I'm going to make a pile, then you sit in the middle, then Mom will take pictures of you." So I let her do the photo honors!

Abel happily participated

Here's the great pile of leaves

Then she moved on to posing pumpkins.

Double portraits!

And even Abel got a turn.

Finally, I got the camera back and got a sweet picture of my eager helper.

Fall Fun Photos

Picking out pumpkins...the rule you have to carry it yourself.

A sweet, still moment on the climbing rocks.

Afton's newest photo smile.

Abel's eyes open smile!

Photos from the Week

Afton and Abel love to ride on the penny horse at the grocery store.  My Mom made them a penny jar so they can ride the horse as much as they want after grocery shopping.

This is how Abel likes to wear his shirts.

Afton had her second Primary Program last Sunday.  She had a nice big reading part since she is a reading girl.  I was bummed she was sitting on the opposite side of the chapel, but she was probably more focused not being able to see her family all the time.  And I love her dress!

Nana comes for a visit!

We've been spending the last week with my Mom! We took her to Pearl Street, a fun pedestrian-only area in Boulder with lots of musicians, climbing parks and a great candy store!

We went to the pumpkin patch.

Went up to Estes Park to see the golf course elk and spend some time in the mountains.

I haven't cleaned my kitchen or folded a load of clothes in 9 days. Patrick and I went on two dates! Afton and Abel have a jar of 200 pennies for riding the penny pony at the grocery store! We were all spoiled and had a super fun time with Nana in town!

Afton in K

Afton is really loving kindergarten. She loves recess, writer's workshop (where she writes about what she has been learning) and all her new buddies. She loves when her turn to do the calendar comes around...and loves singing the days of the week and months of the year songs all the time.

I was a classroom volunteer last week, and enjoyed seeing her in action. Afton's teacher keeps her challenged, giving her writing worksheets when other kids are learning how to write a letter, and harder math assignments (ABC or AABB patterns instead of just AB). And Afton get to go to 1st grade once a week for reading time. I'm very happy about this and Afton is excited to get a new experience. I'm so glad she has a teacher who helps keep her challenged and working hard!

This Never Happens!

The kids wanted to wait up for Patrick to get home from Germany, so I put a movie on to give them some quiet time. And 20 minutes later, this is how I found Abel. This has only happens two other times in his non-stop life! Bedtime will be a disaster, but these moments are always so sweet.

Now I have to go wake the sleeping monster.

Afton in soccer action

These are for the grandparents.  Notice how Afton isn't afraid of getting in there and getting the ball!

kids get the camera

Patrick and I don't usually show up on blog photos.  During conference, the kids took turns snapping photos.  Lovely photos of me with awesome hair and Patrick getting his arm chopped off by Abel.

We had such a fun family weekend.  Hanging out at home while watching conference.  We were all sad to see Patrick leave for the airport this afternoon.  He's in Germany for the week!

Fall Walk

It's finally cool enough to go for nature walks. Buzz Lightyear had to come with Abel this time.


And Afton made good use out of her weekend thrift store find. I'm so glad she thinks it's fun to hunt treasures with me!

We found lots of leaves to use for home school projects. And just to admire.

Abel needed to get up close to nature.

Thanks!

Thanks for all the happy comments on my pregnancy. Patrick and Afton have been telling the world so I thought it was about time for me to share the news with friends who cannot see my growing behind and my tiny bump.

We're excited to have another surprise baby- meaning we won't be finding out the sex again. This a a great way to drive family members bonkers! And are very interested to see who/how this baby will look like, since Afton and Abel are opposites.

I feel super, a bit tired, but that could be because the kids are taking turns waking up at 3 am. Loving the boobs, the tiny kicks and my very reasonable weight gain this time around (5 lbs!!)

And no, Patrick, I'm not taking down the baby tracker.

explanation

Look to the right and you'll see what good excuse I have for not keeping my family blog more current.  

Abel, the sweetest thing

Abel is such a sweet boy. He is always ready to give a surprise squeeze. One of my favorites things he does is ask, "Mommy, are you happy?" or "Is Afton happy?" He is hardly demanding. Rather, he asks so sweetly if he can have a bite, a turn, or a movie to watch.
And his silly side is great. He isn't intentionally funny, but says really funny things all the time. It's just in his thought process. He'll look at me, thoughtfully, and say, "I don't like your hair." or something really random like, "Do you see my robot switch?"

Abe and I are doing a little preschool time each day. He loves doing the calendar, the computer and dancing time the best. And he loves telling people about the letter of the week. Abel is so great!

NEW PICTURES!!

I'm not even sure who is still stopping by since I have done a lame job of updating this blog lately. I have a really good reason...but you'll have to stay tuned for an explanation. For now, here are some cute kids in jammies.

Abel was so silly when I took these pictures the other day. He gives these lick kisses when you are not looking. Gross but funny. He and Afton get in really good play grooves with their made up chasing and running around games. At night, they "whisper" back and forth until one of them drops. They really are best buds!

Weekend Update

I know, I know...the weekend was days ago. But ours was really fun so I'm still posting about it!

Afton had her first soccer game. She's great at stealing the ball and giving serious power kicks. She loves all the running!

Luckily, Patrick came home to help me with the 3 cousins staying with us over the weekend. We went on a hike, saw some deer and pulled our hair out.

And my favorite guy is in town for at least 2 weeks!!! Hooray!

The good pizza

we had the good pizza for dinner tonight. as in two medium's for $25. but the mozzarella is real and the crust unbelievable. and it's the only number i have memorized besides patrick's

why? my kitchen looked like this after a day and a night of cupcakes, giving a baby shower and teaching an enrichment class.

my favorite part of the day- pizza with my cuties. it was calm and easy and at home.