Mr. T

Our little man -

How can you not love this little face. Tanner is the best snuggler, he will frequently climb into bed and borough in next to me - and will whisper "I love you" that will just make your heart melt. He has a laugh that is infectious that just makes your heart swell. He is all boy - he runs, he jumps, he is tough to keep up with. I have no doubt we will see some soccer in his future. He is quick to warm up to new people and new experiences, and we will frequently find him chatting up some one at the play ground telling them about his latest adventure.

I tell you- it's a good thing. Because on the flip side - Tanner is fearlessly independent and stubborn. It takes a good amount of skill, patience and cajoling to get us out of the house most mornings without a tantrum or some serious frustration. He frequently does not have the patience to try something more than once- he wants it to work, and it wants it to work NOW! (this is typically when you will see toys being hurled across the room, or him turn and bite his sister)

Tanner is smart - he has a memory that consistently amazes me. He will tell stories of things that happened in the past, and we can frequently find him in his room 'reading' books that we have read only just the night before.

He is a kind individual and one that is in touch with his feelings. "I need a moment mama" .

I love him.

Gilroy Gardens

A few weeks back we had the chance to take the kids to Gilroy Gardens. Let me just tell you this place is a heaven for kids that are 3 -8 years of age. (Granted, we are big kids and enjoyed ourselves just as much)

We rode strawberries, goldfish and worms - it is a good size park for kids to explore we trees and greenery all around. While the park doesn't open til 11, we decided to try a morning trip and push the kids as far as we could in terms of nap. Everyone had a GREAT time.

Strawberries - I rode it and quickly reminded myself that I do not do spinning rides.
Sad that my kids didn't get sick but Mel and I...ugh.

We got to ride the merry-go-round

And the flying goldfish.
(this was Reese's favorite - she liked how Tanners fish kept chasing her)

And everyone got to be a fire chief for a moment.

Next we discovered the paddle boats. While we doubted our sanity about making three almost-three year olds wait in line so close to lunch... everyone did great.

life jacket - so we can be safe!

Tanner and Jeff crusin' for 'chicks'

After lunch we were off for more adventure. We ride to take a trip on the "rainbow jungle" (their name not mine)

We ended the day with a trip around the park via the train - and quickly made our way back to the car. 30 seconds later... you saw this.

yup. I'd say it was a success! Can't wait to go again!

i'm just a little competitive..

this is for you Cori

Our attempt at some sweet Axle Rose moves -



pretty cute, eh?

Mr. Pumpkin Head

When we took the kids to see Toy Story 3 a while back, their favorite part was Mr. Tortilla.

This year as they have been getting more and more into the halloween spirit - we knew they are still too young to 'carve' their pumpkins, then I came across these little faces. And what do we have ... Mr. Pumpkin Head!

Pretty funny- but at least now they can move the pieces around and make all sorts of faces for themselves.



Lots of love for the pumpkin.

Look at life from both sides now

Love me some Joni Mitchell. But this is what it feels like to look at the world from the eyes of your two year olds.

You get a little something like this:


Or maybe this:

But I think my favorite is this:

not to bad, right? (excuse the pajamas and bed head from me)

Pumpkin Fest 2010

Don't you 'witch' you could come along?

This time of year is always fun. It's a great way to mark the passage of time, and how much the kids have grown and changed. This year, if we had allowed I think we would have come home with a car-full of pumpkins. Too many 'favorites' to choose from. But everyone had a great time.

Thanks Daph for coming with us!

I think this looks like an old school Olan Mills picture to me!

Group Shot- unfortunately none of us are looking the same way!

The whole gang

Prom and pumpkins

Excited about the idea of carving all of their pumpkins!

Wanna go for a roll in the hay?

Looks like fun to me!

our little peanut

oh my Reese.

Recently, she has blossomed into a little person. She is always very aware of what is going on around her, and has the greatest desire to do the right thing. She loves pink, all things that sparkle, and will spend hours drawing, painting and focusing on creating. Often we feel for Tanner, as Reese has become the mini-mom of the house. She corrects, she bosses - and as long as those around her follow her lead - she is a happy camper.

Toddler-time thus far has not been too bad with Reese. Our little peanut - bless her - as long as you do not dictate what she can wear...( or how many times she can change her clothes in a day) she is typically a happy camper. She can be heard frequently lamenting over what is the most 'beautiful' option. She focuses, she is smart, kind and loving towards everyone around her.

She is getting so big.

I love you peanut.