I Finally Pulled The Plug!

I finally did one of the most dreaded things I've been needing to do with my 2 year old the other day....I took Parker's binky away, for good. I've tried in the past, but given in with all the crying and begging that went along with it. BUT, not this time. I told myself I wasn't going to give in and Jeremy has agreed 100%, so there you have it! It hasn't been easy. Tonight was especially hard. His binky is what soothes him to sleep, along with his bear he sleeps with. Without that binky, it's been tough to get him to go to bed. I know the next week or so will be tough, but I figure, he'll get over it and my goal will be a success. So, I know he's way too old for it, but he's so attached! That's why it's taken me so long. It's been one of those things nagging at me in the back of my mind for the past 6 months, at least. Anyways, I'm sure he won't be scarred for life and things will be ok. Right???

He's much more handsome without it, don't ya think?

6 Month Check-up

Collin is 6 months now, almost 7. I took him in recently for his 6 month check-up to find out he's an amazing 24 lbs! It's the truth. What 6 month old baby is this big??? Anyways, he's still not rolling over, which is fine for now, but he needs to be soon. If he's not, by 9 months, his doctor says she may have him do physical therapy! For not rolling over? Seriously? Well, this has put me into crazy, "you must roll over!" moods. I've been giving him a ton of floor time, hoping it helps. One thing the doctor suggested was to put him on his boppy for tummy time, thinking he'd use his arms more and eventually use them to roll over. Ya, we'll see. The problem is that since he can sit up now, he HATES to be on the floor lying down. Hates it! Especially tummy time. So, every time I lay him down he starts screaming within 5 minutes, or less. What a stinker. Wish me (him) luck! Here's some pictures I've taken of him on his tummy the past few days.

Hanging out with the Bro.

Not so bad, right?

Still ok with things...

Yikes!

October In A Nutshell...Part 2

Well, we've now made it to Halloween Eve. We went to my brother and sister -in-law's ward halloween party that night. We went last year and the kids really enjoyed it. It was full of carnival games, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, and dancing. Fun for all!

Sam got these lovely teeth from the fishing pond.

Parker attempting a throw at the bean bag toss.

For those of you who pay attention to small details and remember...Parker is wearing last year's costume. He has this cool Superman one that he, himself picked out and he refused to wear it! He wanted to be a dragon...again. If I only would have known. It was way too small and kind of looked silly, but what do you do? It's just a costume, right???

Taylee and Sam being cute, as always.

On Halloween we woke up and went to the firestation that's just down the street from us. They were having a "Haunted Firehouse". The actual firestation was haunted, while the garage part was full of activities for the kids. Face painting, pumpkin carving, and food. Parker LOVES fire trucks and stations, so it was really fun for him. And, no, the kids did not go in the haunted part. Just peeking in was enough for them.

Collin before we headed out to the firestation. Notice his cute bottom teeth!

It was finally time for trick-or-treating! The kids were so excited! First, we went to some houses in our neighborhood that we've been eyeing all month. They had lots of fun decorations and spooky things going on. We had to check it out! I took them out while Jeremy stayed home in his pirate costume and gave out candy to the kids who came by. After our neighborhood we went to our ward's trunk-or-treat. It was fun. A little too dark, with lots of kids = chaos. Oh well. Still fun. We decorated the back of our van to be "piratey", if that's a word. We then came home to our stash of candy and got everyone to bed. Jeremy and I stayed up late eating lots of their candy and corn dogs. Wierd, I know. We also watched scary shows on tv. I'd have to say, overall, it was a really fun Halloween. I expected rain, and we had none! Who would've thought!? It was great. I hope everyone had a good holiday!

My garden fairy

Here's the roaring dragon. Scary, huh?

And, our quarterback.

The best I could get of all 3!

Our stroll down the street for CANDY,CANDY, CANDY!

Hanging out in our trunk after a round of trunk-or-treating. I think they were burnt out.

Too much!

Up, way past his bedtime...

October In A Nutshell...Part 1

October got pretty busy, which led to lack of blogging. Too much to blog and too little time! And, not to mention our computer went crazy on us. Anyways, here's an update for those of you who wish to know about our month...

It started with a M's game! Great time, but VERY cold! It was just Jer and I and some friends. It was really nice to have a night out.

Jeremy and some buddies went on a hike on Mt. Rainier. No, not to the summit...That's to come later! This was just a good hike to get them pumped for the big day!

We had a fairy birthday party for our Samantha, who turned 5, as well. I already posted about that, but that's just one more thing to add to the month!

We made it out to the pumpkin patch with some family. It's become tradition, as we all get that feeling of fall. I love this patch because it's exactly what I think of when I think of a pumpkin patch...On the vine, in the mud, out in a field. You cut them yourself and bring them back on the hayride. Very fun! This year was great weather, just a bit muddy and wet from the days before. We found a great pumpkin and everyone had a great time. We topped it off with a stop for lunch at a yummy little burger joint.

Happy as can be!

They love their cousins!

"Too heavy"

Cheese!

Good picture, not so great lighting... Don't know why?!

Our family just keeps getting bigger every year, I feel like.

On our way out the kids craved some corn on the cob.

We got a fun halloween gingerbread house from my mother-in-law. The kids begged me to do it with them the morning after we got it. So, we did. I just let them go at it. It looked great! Too bad I didn't get a picture of the finished product. What was I thinking?

That same night we carved our pumpkins. I watched and held Collin, while Jeremy took over the carving and gutting. Lucky me! The kids wanted a try too, but only 1 try. They were content with watching. Poor Jeremy carved 3 pumpkins. He can't wait until they're old enough to really get in there and do it themselves! What a dad!

We also made LOTS and LOTS of treats this month. They included popcorn balls, apple pie, sugar cookies, pumpkin cookies, cinnamon bread, an attempt at caramel corn (didn't quite work out like I planned), and cupcakes.

More of October to come!

Out of Service...

Our computer died! Yes, so sad! Jer and his buddy are going to be working on it tomorrow though, so I hope to have some new posts out soon...I'm on Jeremy's work computer right now, so unless I figure out how to edit pics on here we're definately out of service for a few more day. We've done a couple fun, festive things the past few days though, so keep an eye out!!!

He's A Sitter!

My little man is officially sitting up! He just turned 6 months this past Saturday and has yet to roll over, but...he can sit! Silly, I know. Oh well. He's good at laying on his back and scooting himself around that way. He just pushes off the floor with his feet, and scoots. Not a very practical way of getting around, but it works for now. But, he loves to sit and loves to play. This is his favorite activity lately, just digging around in his basket of toys and examining them all. It keeps him busy for quite a while.

In other news...he's been a bit grumpy. But, for good reason. He got 2 teeth in just 1 week. That would make anyone grumpy!

Fairy Party!

Sam wanted to be a Garden Fairy for her party!

Samantha had her fairy birthday party this past friday. It turned out really well, with LOTS of girls in their fairy wings. We made fairy wands, played a couple fairy games, ate cake, and opened presents. We had a little time at the end, so we watched some of the Tinkerbell movie. I think everyone had fun...I know Samantha did! Everyone looked so cute, and played the "fairy" role very well. Here's some pictures of our night!

Making their wands.

Playing "Fairy Freeze" while dancing to When You Wish Upon A Star.

Sam's fairy cake. Thanks to my talented mother-in-law, this cake came to be. Thank you!

Blowing out her 5 candles!!!

Cake time!

And, of course, presents!

Here's the birthday girl, with all her friends! FYI...all these girls are in our ward/her primary class except 1. So many girls!