Halloween

Kari was so excited to go trick or treating this year, and she got Joel to be excited about it. He knows all about candy, so that's all she had to say. Kari didn't even know what candy was when she was Joel's age. That's what having an older sibling will do for you! Kari loved being Cinderella, and Joel was happy to be a monkey with a "mana" (banana). Once again, I am a fan of trick or treating in downtown Gresham, during the day, and without traffic to worry about. We ran into many friends along the way. Fun times.

Carving

This year both kids got in on the pumpkin carving fun. I love watching our kids enjoy things like this.



































Kari showing us the "goop" she was brave enough to touch this year.





AAAHHHHH!!!


They're talking and yelling into the pumpkin because they discovered it makes a fun sound.

The proud artists with their camera faces on.

Great Grandpa and Grandma Visit

My grandparents were down visiting from Alaska this last week. It was great to see them, and fun for the kids to have their great-grandparents around.

Grandma did a craft with Kari (two of them actually), which she absolutely LOVED. Kari is very proud of the ornaments she made.

A little this, a little that

Here's a look at some of what the kids have been up to lately.

Playing in Grandpa's leaves.
Enjoying the sunshine and crisp fall air
Working with Daddy
Helping
Hanging with Grandpa on the floor

We have a first name

Our baby girl's name is going to be Aubrey. I wrote on the baby blog about the fact that Greg and I finally found a girl's name that we both really like, and after mulling it over for a couple days, I like it even more. Now we have to decide on a middle name...

It's a...

Girl!
Yes, we had our ultrasound today, and we are having a baby girl. Kari is ecstatic! We're very excited, too. :)

Up the nose

We had our first item-in-the-nose incident today. Joel thought it would interesting to see if a piece of his Kix cereal would fit, and it does! My guess is other children have wondered and tried the same thing. Kix really are the perfect size. Luckily, after about 10 minutes of my futile efforts, he was able to "blow" it out without too much trauma. Kix up the nose didn't feel so hot. I hope he remembers that.
This is after we got it out.

Under the weather

Things get a little loosy-goosy around here when mommy's not feeling so good (just another sinus infection--should have opted to have the sinus surgery when the doctor gave me the choice back in May). I'm not sure how many goldfish he consumed before I caught him with the big carton, but he was quite pleased with himself.

Greg made dinner with his two assistants last night, while I rested on the couch. After listening for a while, I had to come peek. Kari was feeling so important. "Helping" with a grown-up task is one of her favorite things to do. Joel had the floor (and chairs) doused in water by the time they finished.

Pearly Whites--Visit #2

We are happy to report that Kari Lynn had a successful visit to the dentist yesterday. We were very proud of her. She even made it through the x-rays, gagging and all. If you read this blog six months ago, you may remember Kari's first visit didn't go so well. We gave her the same incentive (dinner at "Old McDonalds," as she calls it), but this time we were able to go!

Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

We went back to the same pumpkin patch we went to last year, and once again, had a great time. We didn't get lost this year, though, and Joel was able to enjoy the experience a little more than he did last year. Just for fun, here are some links from last year's pumpkin patch visit-- corn maze, lost in the maze, choosing a pumpkin.

More fun inside

This was Joel's first experience with watercolors

Kari worked very hard and very carefully on her artwork.

Watercolors are non-toxic, right?

Around the house

Joel just discovered how to make the sit 'n spin work properly. Kari is patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for her turn.

This is what happens when the mother is out and Daddy's in charge.

I told Kari we could go play outside in the backyard since it wasn't raining at the moment, and she squealed with delight, and said, "It's a special day!" I think we've been inside too much this week.

Nice litte visit

Monday afternoon and evening we got to see my cousin Cheryl, her husband Philip, and their one-year-old boy, Brayden. They had a 7-hour layover here in Portland on their way home to Alaska from California, and so we picked them up, visited for a while and had dinner all together at my parent's house. It was great to see them and to finally meet cute little Brayden.

The boys played with this ball blower toy for a long time!

Kids Cooking (mess-making)

We have been busy in the kitchen the last few days. Gotta make stuff with all those apples we picked. So far we've made apple pie, apple "compote" (Greg's creation that goes on pancakes--it was yummy!), applesauce, and apple cake. We're not sick of apples yet, and our house smells really good. The kitchen's been a bit of a mess with my two helpers involved, but that's ok. They've had a lot of fun.

Drawing in the Rain

Yes, she is licking the chalk--not sure why.

This one cracks me up, wish it wasn't blurry.

Apple Picking

We went to Hood River to go apple picking today. It was windy and cold, but it didn't rain on us, and it was a beautiful drive. Our apples may have a few bruises on them due to the throwing into the box, but that's ok. We had a great time. Thanks for the idea, Jen. :)
I have to add that I have a great hubby. He knew how much I wanted to do this and, even though he sprained his ankle yesterday, he willingly and enthusiastically came on this outing with us. Thanks, Greg! I love you!