Halloween and Fall Fun

Halloween was a success this year. Thomas loved it and Brady tolerated it. It is so fun to watch Thomas as he finally understands why Halloween is so much fun. I was so proud of him as he gave out candy. I think he enjoyed giving away candy more than getting it (but not more than eating it).

So Brady was the traditional Jack-o-Lantern riding in a haywagon (he didn't appreciate the hay so we left it out after the trunk or treat).



Thomas was Bob the Builder, and Nathanial was Scoop, the tractor.


They both ended up riding most of the way as we went trick or treating. Thomas tired out after the first street, and Nathanial had gone back to hand out candy, so I pulled them both around until Thomas was done.



We have a small tree in our front yard that has dropped all of its leaves. Thomas has spent hours playing with them. He rakes them, shovels them, puts them in the wagon, dumps them out, and even figured out how to jump into them. We spent many nice fall days outside in the leaf pile.
Brady didn't like them quite as much. The first few times the leaves touched him he started crying. Pretty soon though, he realized how much fun it is to eat them.







This fall has been a blast. Now that we are into Thanksgiving season, the fun indoors begins with lots of hands on crafts for Thomas.

Sweet moments to Cherish

Nap time has been a real battle in our house for about the last 9 months. But I think I have finally found something that works. Today, Thomas was told that after he took a good nap, he would get to help me make brownies for our Family Home Evening. He was super excited and ran and laid down. I went in to tuck him in and remind him that he needed to stay in bed. As I was walking out the door, he asked me to Make Brady happy and not let him spit up. When I said I would, he smiled and rolled over to take his nap.

This afternoon ,after Thomas helped me bake the brownies. and after the sugar had time to kick in, we started a name that tune game with me humming songs he knows, and I was surprised at how many he guessed with out any additional help from me. He was stumped on "I hope they call me on a Mission" and I don't think he really knew that song.

This brought up missions. I was talking with him about missions and how to prepare. When I mentioned that he would be gone for 2 years, he stopped squirming looked up at me and said with a very concerned look on his face "You're going to miss me." That brought tears to my eyes. I can't believe how thoughtful this 3 year old is and how perceptive he is of those around him.

Sssshhhh! Thomas is 3!!

So Thomas turned 3 yesterday, with not a single party or celebration. No cake or ice cream, and no presents. He doesn't even realize it. We decided that since he is so young and doesn't really understand what day March 15th is, we will celebrate a little late this year. He went in for his check up today and weighd in at a whopping 33.5 lbs (up from 33 last year) and 38 inches tall. He is right about average for height and weight, but he looks like a shrimp compared to Brady's 16+ lbs and 27ish inches.

Thomas is getting a real big boy bed for his birthday and it is still sitting in storage. So we have the bedding, but no bed. We decided it would just be easier for us to celebrate in the new house. So this weekend will be full of festivities. We will be taking cupcakes to Nathanial's office in honor of Thomas' birthday, and then having a nice dinner for him, and maybe even take him to the water park too. We will have to see.

Hopefully everything will run smoothly this week and we can get moved in to celebrate.

Still waiting

We are still not in our new house. We have been waiting on a really slow bank to approve our loan. Cross your fingers we will be closing on Thursday. We are going insane stuck in this apartment. We had some new neighbors move in on last week, and the cigarette smoke is floating up through the pipes and infiltrating our bathrooms and laundry room. Thomas is going stir crazy, but there is no place for him to run and play nearby, so we stay in the apartment a bit to much. As a result, we have a lovely picture on the wall. Brady is growing so fast he is almost out of clothes to wear. We are down to around 3 outfits that still fit him comfortably.
Hopefully we don't run into any more roadblocks and we can get out of here soon!

Move in Day is set and many other tangents. . .

So we are finally finished with the waiting (we think) on getting our house. The appraisal is done, the previous owner has agreed to fix everything but the fireplace (which isn't a necessity) so we are going full speed ahead to moving in. We are set to close on March 6th, and the movers are coming on Monday the 9th, which will give us time to clean the carpets, walls, sinks, tubs and toilets. And time to go and pickup my new piano.

For those who don't know, I left my piano in Arkansas, I gave it to a family who would use and appretiate it. I have been stalking craigslist looking for a good replacement. I found many a good deals, (a ebony baby grand for $2800 for example, but it had to be picked up to soon) and finally found what I hope is the right one. It is a cherry upright that will look beautiful and sound great once it is tuned.

Brady is growing up too fast. He weighed in at 15 lbs 13 oz on Friday, and has outgrown over half of the clothes we brought for him. Today he is wearing a 6-9 month outfit that Deputy Director of his last office gave us the night before we left. He is so happy most of the time. He loves to talk with us and seems to be adjusting really well. I wish I post a picture of his pouty face because it is just so darn cute.

Thomas is still trying to adjust. He doesn't understand the new house thing yet, but is enjoying life. He is about out of clothes too (particularly pajamas). He hasn't gained any weight over the last year, but his height has gained a couple of inches. He is about as good of a brother as Brady could ask for. He loves singing happy songs to him, and gives him lots of loves and kisses. He gets very concerned when Brady cries and wants to help. Thomas' birthday is coming up shortley (2.5 weeks yikes!). We are trying to decide what to get him for his birthday since he needs a new carseat pretty soon (I am amazed he has lasted this long) and we have so much we want to get for the new house.

So hopefully we can get our computer up and running once the movers unload it as I know you are all dying for some pictures.