Pumpkins, tractors and "costumes" oh my

Does going somewhere two years in a row count as a family tradition?  I'll go ahead and just say yes.  We headed to Ruth Lake's Pumpkin Patch this past weekend and Mason was so excited about the tractor ride.  This year we all got on the tractor and headed to the pumpkin patch where Mason very quickly picked out a pumpkin to take home.  He then rushed back to get on the next tractor... We all enjoyed this family time; even though Mason still seems on the fence with costumes.  He still doesn't want to dress up and although he doesn't mind others dressed anything that could be slightly scary he does not like.  He has a school Halloween party, parade and sing along this week so we will see if I can get him to dress up.  Although I enjoy all things fall I'm not a lover of Halloween so I guess he takes after his mom.

Last Year's Pumpkin Adventure

Mason Turns 3

Rockin out on his Birthday

Mason turned 3 and boy did we have fun celebrating!  I was planning on skipping a birthday party this year and just have my parents, sister and fiance help us celebrate.  However, as Mason's birthday approached I realized he would actually enjoy a party and all the attention that comes with a bday celebration.  I called up some family last minute and invited them over for pizza and cake.  Luckily, the gang was available and made this the best birthday for him yet.  Three weeks later he is still talking about and asking when his birthday is.  I want to give a HUGE thank you to those that made it and helped us celebrate Mason's third birthday.  Family is so special and having everyone come break in our new home for such a joyous occasion was really special.  Time and time again I get to say how lucky we are. Everyone helped pull off a great party in less then a week for a very special boy.  

So to the important stuff....Mason turning 3!  He is weighing in at 39 pounds and is 3 feet 4 inches.  He has a larger than life personality!  He is friendly to every person that passes by; always greeting people with a smile.  Mason is extremely articulate and smart which leads to full blown conversations with him along with many battles of the will.  He is very stubborn and strong willed which can lead me feeling challenged at times.  He remembers everything....do it once, say it once he gets it and remembers it better then the rest of us.  It amazes us all and leaves us in awe of him.  He has grown to love his sister and his new found love has landed him on top of her sometimes more literally then I would like.  But I find him trying to make her laugh, concerned about her when she cries and crawling beside her on the floor.  He loves getting out and about and having visitors over to play.  Mason isn't potty trained yet mainly because he refuses to wear underwear.  Let him run around without pants and he knows exactly where to pee.  He still takes one nap a day which can, if I'm lucky, be for a few hours.  He is the sweetest boy we know and are so lucky be his parents!

 Likes:
- Play doh
- painting/arts and crafts
- cooking (mixing things in bowls/making a mess)
- being outside
-trucks
- reading books
- going to nana & papa's
- juice boxes
- snacks
- his monkeys
- signing/music

Dislikes:
- washing his hair
-loud noises
-being told no
-sharing
-rides
- people in costumes
- socks
- banaids

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy

  















Mason's first bday
Mason's second bday

Ava's 10 month update

Getting so big!

It's hard to believe we are approaching the one year mark; it will be December 6th before we know it. My Ava girl has my heart and I'm so thankful to be her mama.

 Ava is so so sweet and cuddly! She is obsessed with her brother,even though he loves taking toys away from her. However, when they do play together my heart melts and the house is filled with both their goggles. Mason is her protector already; he often asks "is this big enough for Ava."  We have tried to work with him about dangerous toys etc on the floor now that she is in the move. She is army crawling all over the place which results in her clothes being dirty 99% of the time and the amount of sweeping we do has double (which is hard to believe). 

Ava loves being part of the action and has developed a little temper (she makes it clear when she isn't happy or doesn't like something). This month her eating and sleeping has improved (knock on wood) and she seems to be coming into her own.

Ava can still fit in 6 month clothes but we are now buying 12 month outfits.  Girls clothes are adorable and it is so hard to not go crazy shopping and dressing her up.  She is in size 3 diapers and has a head of hair to die for.  She chases after Mason all day long, growls, waves and loves to throw things from her highchair. She loves meatballs, turkey and ham and has finally warmed up to avocado.  I can't wait to see what new adventures will bring to our sweet baby girl.  

She is such a stinker and just can't keep her hands or eyes off the paper!

These two: my hands are full but so is my heart!

Mason 10 months