It is almost time

To send Christmas cards. Which reminded me of Max's photo from last year. It also reminds me that this year Max will likely tear down the tree in the background. Hmm, we'll need to be creative.

The Great Outdoors

Max is definitely 100% all boy. The kid loves being outside, rolling in the dirt, eating sticks, throwing rocks; you know, boy stuff. So, we took a little drive up to lake Hemet yesterday to enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and to let Max go crazy. It was an awesome day and we all (including V-god) had a wonderful time together. The day wasn't complete without a Happy Meal on the way home!

His little legs were trying to keep up.
Climbing through the Manzanita.
This is right after he attempted to eat the bark.
Me and the boys.

Cooing Sammy

I shot this video a couple weeks ago. Sammy is such a sweet baby!

Buffalo Part 2

The boys are napping at the same time (woo hoo); so, I thought I would finish up my Buffalo post.

The weather was absolutely beautiful--we were so lucky to be able to spend so much time outdoors.

Max and his Uncle Andrew.
Sammy hanging in Grandma and Grandpa's tree.
The best hotdogs ever. Max was lovin' it.
Chris and Peter. Funny that the oldest brother has been outgrown by his two younger brothers. :)
Max was obsessed with Andy. He would just stand in his doorway and stare at him.
Two adorable cousins. I think they were watching Yo Gabba Gabba.


Grandma and Grandpa's beautiful home.

Buffalo Part 1

We just returned from an amazing trip to Buffalo. As always, it was too short, but we did manage to cram a lot into a few days. So much so, that I am going to split it into a few blog posts.

The Trip Begins

I was pretty nervous about the plane ride. Come on, we all know Max has a ton of energy. Was he really going to sit for 4 straight hours? The answer was no, but he was very good. After about 1.5 hours of playing with the window, eating snacks, reading books, and walking down the aisle, he fell asleep. We sang him a song, loaded him up with milk, and tickled his face until he was in deep sleep. Then mommy and daddy played the on-board trivia. (Delta has t.v. screens on each seat that shows shows and movies and has games.)

Finally asleep.
We were greeted by Grandma Cindy and the eating fest began with an amazing Turkey dinner. Grandma is such a good cook.

Snap Shot of Day 2

Me embracing nature while visiting the falls.
At the falls.
Max bundled up in the car on the way to get roast beef on weck.

Captain Max on the boat. Grandpa Dave bought a boat and it got a lot of use while we were there.
Max has never played in leaves like these before.
Beautiful Charli.
Aunt Jenny and Sam.
Grandpa Fred and the boys.
Chris and Peter taking the boat on its maiden voyage.
Max is Grandma Cindy's mini me--they look so much alike.

Halloween 2009

Okay, I have to brag for a moment......I can successfully say we are going two years strong at not purchasing Halloween costumes. Max's shirt was a 1.50 thrift store find that I painted and the felt for Sam's ears was about .25. All of the other pieces were items we already owned (Sam's costume was a re-purpose of Max's Pillsbury Dough Boy). Mom and Dad need to start brainstorming ideas for next year.

Each year, we get together with my childhood neighborhood crew for Halloween. Funny that the group kids who used to run that neighborhood know have kids of our own. Wow, we are getting old.

Charlie Brown.Snoopy...not so happy.
After going to a few houses, I think he had about 5 pieces of candy in his "pum-pum." He seemed more interested in picking up rocks.

Hangin' Out

Ryan came up to visit today. I love seeing him with the boys. However, I still haven't convinced him to change a diaper.