Family Photos

  Well, it's that time of year again. Everyone heads off to the studio, a random field, or some interesting landmark to take the yearly family photo for the holiday card. I had this wonderful image in my mind of having so many fun family shots with different poses, individuals of the kids and then some of them together hugging each other. Just google "family photo" - you'll see what I'm talking about.

...but yeah, it just didn't end up that way. Hubby and I loaded up the kiddos and headed to my mom's backyard. Why? Because it's easier to change the kids diapers there. (No, my 2 year old has not even started potty training yet.) I fixed the hair bow, straightened a collar, brushed some hair, and then set out for what was supposed to be a simple and sweet (read short) photo shoot. My mom and sister were the appointed photographers, and I APPLAUD their patience. Seriously. Over an hour later were were all sweaty and tired and still not a "perfect" shot in the bunch.

  First of all, Ava just did not want to sit still for the pictures. She was wayyyyy more interested in playing with all the kitties in the backyard. (Yep, poor planning on my part.) The few times we managed to get everyone still and in one spot, actually looking at the camera, Hubby or I managed to mess up the shot by ordering the kids to smile, or reaching across one child to hold the other one in place. It turns out that Ethan is a little photo ham though. We made a nice little family of three for pictures while Ava was off playing with her favorite kitty. We had absolutely no luck with getting any shots of the kids together though, Maybe next year. We finally admitted defeat and decided to make do with what we got. Then I went home and took some more trying to get a few decent ones of the kids. That didn't turn out so well either. While there were no perfect shots, we did get a few decent ones. I'm not going to share those with you, because they will be part of the holiday card/newsletter, but here are some of my favorite "less than perfect" pictures.

  By the way, a big THANK YOU to my mom and sister for taking most of the pictures! Neil and I helped out a bit when we could, but we just could not have managed without them.

Slide!

Granny took Ava, Ethan, and me to the park yesterday and Ava was able to do the slide ALL BY HERSELF. She went up the stairs, crossed the bridge, and slid down the slide. Over and over and over again. And again.

*love*

It always warms my heart seeing Ava and her Daddy playing together. I love that he will just sit down and color pictures of princesses with her (and get covered in glitter in the process!)

Can you see the family resemblance?

Ethan Hates Peas!

So we decided that peas would be Ethan's first real food. I'm not counting that nasty rice cereal, because let's face it - that is NOT food. I'm pretty sure he did not enjoy it.Getting even a teaspoon or two into him proved to be a very difficult undertaking. He also has the attention span of a gnat. He was much more interested in playing with his bib, toys, spoon - anything but taking bites.

Once again, I'm reminded of how different Ethan and Ava are.While she wasn't in love with peas, she ate them really well. Eating for her was all business - bite after bite with no distractions until she was done.

By the way, both sets of photos were taken at about 6 months old for each baby. Ethan looks so much older than Ava. And way more bald!

October Highlights

Busy Busy Busy! Too many things went on this month to tell you about, but these were some of the highlights.

Delightful Delicious Disney!

We went to a church event with dinner and dressed up Disney characters who sang songs. Ava got to meet Snow White, Sofia, and Ariel.

More importantly, she got to have an ice cream sandwich all by herself.(note Ethan in the background. He did not get his own ice cream.)

Uncle James and Elise!

Uncle James and Elise came for a much needed visit. The kids (and their parents) were super happy to see them again.

Trunk or Treat!

We also attended "Trunk or Treat" at our church. A new and fun experience for all of us. Grandma and Grannie came along with our little family.

Pumpkin Patch!

The Pumpkin Patch almost didn't happen this year, but we managed to fit it in a couple of days before Halloween. Even though they were low on pumpkins, most of the pumpkin scenes and characters were still up. Ava's favorite was obviously Elmo and the rest of the Sesame Street gang. Ethan was just happy as usual. This was a much different experience from Ava's first pumpkin patch trip where all she did was cry!

Halloween!

And last but certainly not least, Halloween and Trick or Treating! This was obviously Ethan's first Halloween, but also the first Halloween for Ava to trick or treat, and the first Halloween that their daddy got to spend with us. Here's a better look at our costumes. Ethan is Superman, although with his bald head, Lex Luther might have been a better choice. Neil was Batman. How could he resist that outfit? Yep, its a grown up size stretchie sleeper. Not just a costume - read : "he can wear this anytime he wants." I was Little Bo Peep and Ava was my adorable little sheep. She loved her costume so much. Even though the hat made her sweaty, she would not take it off.

Hope everyone had a great October and a Happy Halloween! I know we did. :)