Happy Halloween

We took the boys out trick-or-treating last night and had a blast. Tate told more than one person he only wanted red candy, it I'm not careful by Easter he will only pick up red eggs too. Ian was content to relocate his treasure inside then outside of his bag and didn't understand why we needed to keep going. We managed to make it around our block in about an hour flat... Maybe that's being generous to our speed. Anyway the kiddos had fun. We have a ward trunk-or-treat tomorrow and I'm hoping the boys will be more cooperative for a picture together.

 The faces my children make when they taste freedom after being inside all day.

 Ready to get to work.

 Our neighbor let the boys go crazy.

 He's so funny! He would have been content on a large grassy area with 4 treats in his bag. He would have roamed, dumped, filled, and repeated all night long.

 Keep your eye on the prize.

What happens when the boys are inside and ready to dig in; Ian wants to play and Tate gets down to business!

A Weekend Away

 Last week at Josh's MRI appointment the oncology head nurse told us about a cancer couple retreat this weekend. Free food, hotel, and a stress free weekend was more than I could pass up. So here I sit in my hotel room, soccer on the TV in the background, my phone and computer easily accessible, and I wonder what my kiddos are doing. It's so strange being away from them. We are so thankful for good friends willing to take them for us. I had forgotten what it felt like to truly just relax. The things you take for granted I guess. Being away does give me time to catch up so here is the captured highlight reel of the week.

 My boys with their BFF's. Tate and Emily... Best memories ever. Oh the adventures these two have. Emily has taught Tate to pretend and his imagination is golden. I find him hilarious.

 Ian and Will. They are learning mutual tolerance as they play in the same vicinity with brief interaction when necessary. They both share very well; a trait that comes easier with older more powerful siblings.

 It is now cold enough in the mornings that I dug out the hat bucket. Ian was modeling them for us. The best was when Tate followed him around trying to make the monster hands flap as Ian ran for solitude.

On Wednesday we carved pumpkins with Katherine. The kiddos love her, and for good reason. We have to have wing men to even attempt doing such fun things. While we carved Ian got to explore the pan cabinet unmonitored, something I normally don't allow. It lasted all of 15 minutes.

Tate's favorite part of carving, since he wasn't allowed to wield a knife, was sticking the pieces back into the pumpkin like a puzzle. His joy was doubled when we put candles inside to make them glow. He would have gladly sat there in the dark all night fishing the battery candle in and out of the pumpkin.

Since mothering never stops I opted out of carving because I didn't want to start and have to finish after the kiddos were in bed. Instead I went with a little pinterest inspiration and melted crayons on mine with a blow dryer. I was actually a little exhilarating and therapeutic. I recommend it if you are looking for some affordable fun.

 

Tate's painting. The other side of the pumpkin is brown, due to smearing all of the colors together. He did enjoy the strange paint feeling on his hands for a while and then he would have gladly shared it with his clothes if he hadn't been relocated to the sink. 

On Thursday we went to dinner at some friends. On the way there Tate informed us that his battery was broken. In his state of ravenous hunger he insisted on snacking in the car to fix it. Though I denied him that pleasure he fixed his battery during our pasta filled dinner. He even told our friends that he might be a little weird sometimes. I don't know where he picked that phrase up.

I must admit it is a little magical to be away with the man I love for a little break. We may have to do this more than once every 4 years in the future!

Blissful Fall Break

This last week has been WONDERFUL!!! I feel like a new woman. Josh finished finals and passed 80% of the classes he took; my man is amazing. He also had another CLEAN post op MRI, and we celebrated by going on a kid-less date! AND, the week just keeps getting better, I did my first official photo shoot. What makes it official is that it was for someone else. My kids are just practice and I rarely get my real camera out for them because for some reason they want to maul it. I need to get it out more but I find it to easy to get lost behind instead of parenting as I should.
My favorite thing this week has been chatting with Tate. He has his own spin on some words that I don't ever want to forget, like how fun it is to clalor together. Tonight after telling me and Ian goodnight he said, "Goodnight myself." I love this funny little man.
And the weeks worth of pictures.

Tate has discovered his new favorite game - steal the hat. It brings us hours of giggles, entertainment, and messy hair.

"Ian's chair is comfortable." I wish I had such a comfy chair, that all my food was magically delivered, cleaned away, and I could throw what I didn't want. Kiddos have it made.

Celebrating our good news at the park on our date. It was a beautiful night. I wish this weather lasted forever.

Leaf bagging is our new family hobby. We do it almost daily. Ian also enjoys getting in on the action.

The favorite part of both Ian and Tate - stomping down the leaves. 

We were given another car so now both boys have their own wheels. Ian just needs to figure out how to make it go, or lift his feet. Tate tried to push him and Ian ended up stuck under the car. Oh brothers!

Again, naps are noteworthy. This kid sleeps in the strangest ways. But I am thankful for every time he does.

Ian's First Birthday Bash

 Ian got a ball pit and it has been a blast for all of us to enjoy! There are so many possibilities.

 We went to a pumpkin patch on his birthday! It was so fun. It was amazing all of the things that there were to do!

 LOVING FREEDOM!!

 This slide joggles your brain.

 The train ride was not quite up to and comfort standard for anyone of my size, but the kiddos loved it. Tate would have gladly ridden it for hours.

 We fed sheep.

 Tate rode a pony.

 They played in the corn.

 And the highlight was the bounce house. They did not want to leave. It was nice that no one was in there with us so we could have a party!

 Someday they will both look at me for a picture!

 Happily feeding himself. He gets offended if he does not get a spoon, fork, or utensil if everyone else does. 

 Tate napped. I am recording every time this happens so I can always have hope it will again someday.

 The candle in his carrot cake. 

 He enjoys most food like this, not just ice cream: utensil in one hand, food in the other. Tate still struggles with the same concept so I'm not to worried.

 He loved it so much he had 2 cupcakes. It was a fun little party with our Iowan family!