October 2014

It's hard to believe that October is over and we are half way through November already! I feel like we were so busy with fun stuff that I hardly had time to even take pictures. Some highlights:
* Daddy's birthday
* family pictures
* a trip to the science center with the whole family.
* Night Eyes at the zoo.
* Dinner at Uncle John's and Aly's.
* Riley has been attending Brava and loves it!
* I was lucky enough to volunteer at Riley's fall party at school.
* Halloween and Trick or treating!

Here's our fun in pictures:

Cole Carlson: 1 Year, 10 Months

Our little Cole buddy is growing so fast. He is such a neat little boy and we love him so much. Here's what he's been up to this past month:

- He is still a little peanut. There is no fat on this little boy. He is in a size 5/6 shoe and swimming in 18 month pants and 2t shirts.
- He eats like a bird, and definitely likes to snack more than eat a meal.  He likes his fruits and veggies more than anything.
- he is still obsessed with balls. He points them out everywhere and plays with them as much as he can.
- He loves balloons, which he calls pops!
- He loves bubble gum and always asks for "bubble" when he sees it.  Of course he eats it so we don't give of to him very often.
- he is talking so much now. Not full sentences, but sometimes two words together. He has the sweetest little voice and definitely makes himself heard!
- he is so friendly and gives out hugs to everyone.
- he is starting to notice trucks and big machines.
- he points to every red car and yells "Daddy!" Over and over.
- he has been teething for several weeks. We haven't been able to take his paci away just yet. He only uses it at night. We notice that he chews his clothes and puts his fingers in his mouth the more we take away his paci.
- he is a total Daddy's boy. He loves him and wants to be with him always.
- he holds a marker better than his sisters already. He loves to color alongside them.
- the last couple weeks he has been a terrible sleeper. I'm hoping its because of teething!!

Harper's First Field Trip

Harper has been loving school and had her first field trip. I was able to help out and bring Cole along on a nature walk a few blocks away from the school. We had a great time and the teachers were so kind to let Cole join the kids for snack!

Brookview Carnival 2014

Riley's school held their school carnival lat week. I had the opportunity to volunteer and help set up the carnival. I loved being involved and am considering accepting the offer to join the carnival committee for next year. The kids had a blast moving from one room to the next and playing all of the games. We came home with a lot of little trinkets, spin art, painted hair, a cupcake won at the cake walk, and balloon animals. The PTO sponsored the carnival and provided pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, apples and drinks. And to top it off, Riley's name was drawn for one of the raffles...a basket full of art supplies!

Cole Carlson: One Year, Nine Months

Cole is another month older! Another month closer to the terrible twos! I kind of think he's actually already there. He has quite the feisty personality. I don't think our family fits the typical birth order personalities with this boy. :)

Here's what he's been up to:

- he is talking more and more. He can communicate most things. He uses single words.
- he loves to be outside following big kids around, trying to ride a scooter, or pushing his lawn mower.
- his favorite toy: a ball. Any kind. Any size.
- he is starting to notice trucks and cars.
- he hates to share.
- he still loves his sleepsack. We sometimes have to fight it off of him.
- he has put up a fight with giving up the paci. Hopefully soon we will tackle that one.
- he is wearing size 18 month clothes a size 6 shoe.
- he's become quite the little dancer.
- he is my little cuddle bug.
- we had our first experience with hands in the poopy diaper. Yuck!!
- he has the cutest little facial expressions. Lots of them!

He is in to everything and makes us laugh every day. We are so happy we have our sweet little boy in our family!

Kindergarten Fun!

Riley's teacher, Mrs. Schrodt, keeps a class blog and uploads pictures. Here are a few from the first few weeks!

Harper's First Day of 3 Year Old Preschool!

Harper had her first day of 3 year old preschool at Westview Church Preschool last week. She was so excited to go! She goes from 9:30-11:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I was excited for her to go and interested in finding out how she does in a school setting. So far, so good.

I guess my brain was telling time to slow down as I wrote the year on her little sign as 2004!!! Cole hasn't quite figured out what to do when Harper is gone!

She has had three great days so far! Today Ms Julie told me that she has the sweetest and innocent little personality. I chuckled a little as I thought about how she drew on the wall, locked us out of our bathroom, hit me, and screamed bloody murder just yesterday!! I'm glad she behaves at school and it gives me hope that she will actually grow out of her terrible two's some day! ;)