Spiced Apple Cider, Pumpkin Pie, & the Pumpkin Patch

I have been in the "fall mood" lately.  Trader Joe's must love to see me coming because so far I have left with pumpkin bagels, pumpkin pancake mix, spiced apple cider, and pumpkin pie.  I think it is the changing leaves-I love the changing leaves in Oregon this time of year. I need to get out there, brave the rain, and snap a few photos before winter arrives all too soon.

We braved the rain today and headed to the pumpkin patch. When you tell a four-year-old that you are going to the pumpkin patch on Saturday, you go to the pumpkin patch on Saturday. . .rain or shine. It was beautiful when we left, but by the time we arrived to the pumpkin patch, it was pouring. Caden and Brody did not seem to mind the rain, but Carter was not happy about it! We quickly found pumpkins and returned home. Caden and Carter were so excited that they got to take cousin Brody to the pumpkin patch and spend the day with him. It is so much fun watching the cousins play together!

Relaxing in the hay before the hayride.

Curls! Carter loved the hayride.

Carter with a pumpkin as big as him.

Our handsome four-year-old.

I love this photo. He has made this face since he was a baby.

Caden loves his Brody.

Brody loved the hayride, too!

Brody loves his baby pumpkin!

Through Mommy's Eyes: Letter #8 (You Are Loved)

Dear Carty,

It has been a while since Mommy has posted about what you have been up to. "Someone" keeps Mommy a little busy. You are ALL boy. . .just like your brother. You are SO busy. You usually wake up before 7 a.m. You are always ready to go to bed  before 7 p.m. Sometimes you nap. Sometimes you don't. Your parents like it better when you do. You LOVE to play with brother. You LOVE to bug brother. You have been saying a new word almost every day. You are beginning to put two words together: "all gone" and "more please." You tell brother, "No! Stop! Don't!" You give the best hugs and slobbery kisses. You don't want to talk about giving up "ba ba." We need to talk about giving up "ba ba." You love to tease and to "tickle tickle." You love to go new places and explore. You want to do everything brother does. You are growing up too fast.

You are loved,

Mommy

Nan and Mommy loved watching you play with dandelions at the farm.

Humbled, Again!

Caden's preschool sometimes posts funny quotes from preschoolers on its Facebook page. This week's post was about a four-year-old boy who was staring off into space. When the teacher asked him if he was okay and asked him what he was thinking about, the little boy replied, "I was just thinking. It's been weeks since I have gotten a good night's sleep." My first thought was, "Oh, no! That's the boy who is going to sleep his way through high school."

Later that night, while tucking Caden in, he told Colby and me that he fell asleep on the snack table at school and his friend had to wake him up. Immediately, I started cracking up because I had a gut feeling that it was my son who told the teacher that he has not had a good night's sleep in weeks. After a quick e-mail, I found out that it was my son's quote.

It is my son--the teacher's son--who is going to be sleeping his way through high school. . .

This is not the first time I have been humbled as a parent. . .and I'm sure it will not be my last. Unfortunately, I can't seem to get much sympathy from my own mom!

Our Little Preschooler

Farm Days

Caden and Carter love to go to the farm. . .any farm. This week, I have a family photo shoot at a farm that I had never been to, so the boys and I decided to check it out. They loved the animals. . .the bunnies, the donkeys, the baby bull, etc. They also loved the FREE hayride. Since Daddy wasn't able to go with us, Caden can't wait to show Daddy his new farm. I love lazy farm days with my boys.

Caden (4-years-old) & Carter (14-months-old)