BOO!

We had such a great day. Sam really got into Halloween this year and he had so much fun. Mum Mum and Pop Pop came over to go trick or treating with us. Oh, my dad has gone from Sam calling him Pa Pa to a very definite Pop Pop!! Enjoy the photos of my precious ballerina and brave fireman:)







A little Halloween fun for the adults after the kids went to bed!!

Old MacDonald

Today we took Sam to Green Meadows Farm. He was really anticipating today and was talking about it all last night and this morning. We almost stayed home because the weather looked iffy but we couldn't break it to him that we weren't going. It actually turned out to be an ok day- no rain!

He loved seeing and touching all the animals but was cautious for the most part as usual. They had tractors and a fire truck he could sit on and both were a huge hit. I took at least 100 pictures today but will try to only post a few:) I will put more up on my flickr site.

Oh, Harper stayed back today if you are wondering why there are no pics of her...

Visit

My Aunt Janis and cousin Kim have been in town the last week from Rochester, NY. It was so nice to see them and they got to meet Harper and spend some time with Sam. They came over to see the kids and we all went out to lunch without the kids so we could really talk and catch up. The only sad thing is that my cousin Wendy was not here with us.

Upstaged

A couple years back my mom bought us a Halloween witch from Publix. Every year we hang it from our balcony and this year Sam was a part of it. He loved it and was so happy with his "itch" out front.

Our neighbors came by last night to show us how they decorated their balcony for Halloween. They also wanted us to check it out and make sure it would not scare Sam. We went outside and this is what we saw:




The two "scary man" as Sam calls them were custom made. They are incredible. The look like they should be at Universal Studios for Halloween Horror Nights or something. They make our witch look... well see for yourself:



Needless to say, Sam could really care less about our witch now.

Relief

We had our first family of 4 photographs taken take at Leu Gardens by Amy Smith today. I always feel a bit of anxiety around picking out clothes for everyone and getting us all dressed and out the door. Luckily the weather cooperated and we had a beautiful day. Too bad Sam didn't want to cooperate! He really wanted to do everything but sit and have pictures taken. He eventually came around:) The age he is at right now can be interesting with the new and ever growing independent streak!


I am sure she captured some great shots as usual. She is so talented and her work always turns out amazing. I will be sure to post the link when she gets our gallery up. I am already planning our next session for Harpers' 1st birthday.

Strawberry Lover

Love

5 Months Today

I have seen the most change in you the last month. You are rolling over and starting to sit up. A bit more green is starting to peek through in your eyes. You are so long with the cutest chubby little thighs. I can hold you on my hip which is one of my favorite milestones making things a bit easier for us. You are so alert and observant always with a huge grin on your face.

Your personality is laid back and calm and you are also such a happy and content baby girl. You are interacting more and more with your brother much to his delight. We wake him up in the morning and you love lying in his crib with him. He tickles you and the two of you giggle and giggle.

I know in a blink of an eye you will be playing and running alongside Sam.

I love you baby girl.

RIP Stevie the Cat

Photo taken 10/3/08


Up until a week ago nothing seemed wrong with Steve. He was busy trying to escape out the front door, constantly in the middle of everything and watching the world go by from our kitchen table. We noticed some trouble breathing which was initially diagnosed as asthma. Further testing revealed a mass around his heart. He came home Friday from the vet. We had to put him to sleep today. We knew his time was limited but had no idea he would be gone so soon.

Anyone who has come to our house has a great memory of Steve. We adopted him from animal control 4 years ago. He was such a dog...always around, waiting at the front door for you to come home. He was 100% Russ' cat. Russ will miss him greatly as will the rest of us. What an enormous loss - he was a special little guy we loved to pieces that was such a big part of our family.

Fall

Fall is hands down my favorite time of year. Even though our temperatures are still in the mid to upper 80's here it is a reprieve from the summer 90's and it feels like fall to me. I just got back from Pier 1 and I picked out some great fall decorations. I am excited to put them up and I am already looking forward to Thanksgiving.

After much deliberation Sam decided on his Halloween costume. He had first decided on a lion- he crawls around the house roaring like a lion most evenings. The only problem was it was a very heavy costume. Try explaining to a 2 year old he would be too hot! He then spotted the firefighter and he was sold. Not original but he loves it. The costume came today and of course he had to try it on and was not ready to take it off... EVER!

Here is your sneak peek...



Now that, my friends, it a cute firefighter!!

Football!

Since football season has started this year Russ has been taking Sam with him to meet his friend Steve to watch the game. They go for about an hour or so after Sam gets up from his nap. Steve does not have any kids of his own and adores Sam... the feeling is mutual. Sam gets to hang out with the guys, eat some chicken fingers and cheer along at the game. So far Sam is able to call a touchdown and first down with a little help from Russ. Here are some pictures: