Visit w/Santa

We took a trip to Santas Village on Sunday and funny thing was, Finn wanted almost nothing to do with Santa but Emersyn was all about it! Nana and Papa were able to meet us over there and help out with the arts and craft tables they have set up for the kiddos. We were even able to make some reindeer food. Despite the "hot" candy cane, all in all it was a beautiful setting and a great start to our holiday season.

sledding

Gym Fun with cousin Noah!

About once a week we take Finn to open gym for an hour. The kids are all in the same age range and get to just run around and blow off some energy! Once and awhile we are lucky enough to enjoy cousin Noah's company. The boys have so much fun and it is so nice to watch them run, jump and play with one another. Just one reason we love having family to nearby!!

Halloween

Halloween was so much fun! We were lucky enough to be able to hang out with Nana, Papa, Aunt Sarah, Uncle Mark and even "handyman Noah." Finn of course was a shark and little Emme was a ladybug. We played games, ate pizza and the boys went out on their first trick or treat stroll. I thought when it came down to it, Finn would be too shy but not at all! He was so cute as he would say trick or treat before he got to the door and then gently set his candy bowl down and step back waiting for his treat to be placed inside. He ran from door to door and alas at the last house he finally said trick or treat as he got to the door. Now if only I can resist the loads and loads of candy sitting around the house!

Pumpkin Patch

While my dad was here we traveled out to Nelson's pumpkin patch. Finn filled his day with running through mazes, field hockey and pumpkin bowling. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed every minute of it as we able to stock up on pumpkins and enjoy "tacos in a bag." Every year it gets more and more fun, already can't wait until next year!

Grandpa's visit

Okay, first things first! My dad was here to visit the family last month and we had a blast! I had plenty to keep him busy and he even found some "around the house" projects on his own. He of course was on top of aiding Finn's love for matchbox cars by buying him some much loved monster trucks and track to use all over the house. All in all he was here to meet Emersyn and enjoy Finn and all his energy! We miss you already Daddy-O!

Grandmas visit

Thank goodness for g-mas! She was here for a week and such a HUGE help. Finn loved her and his favorite phrase for her was "gama come to?" (As he is still perfecting his "r's" ) We kept busy with of course having Emme around but did find time for some garage sales and park time. He loved her idea of a treat per day to also include a new toy "surprise." Can't complain though, what are grandmas for other than to spoil their grandkids! Thanks for the great visit!

Climbing wall extravaganza (dance included)

Emersyn Elaine is here!

I was induced on Friday July 9th at 8:30 am and by 9:44 pm that night we had a beautiful baby girl! All I can say is thank god for good drugs! All risks aside I was able to enjoy delivery, although it only took 4 sets of pushes to get her here. I guess she was as ready to meet us as we were her! Her big brother Finn couldn't get enough of her, wanting to hold her and smother her with kisses. The night she was born, we were able to spoil the nurses with some local food (@ 2 am when I was finally allowed to eat something) and we're pretty sure that's what convinced them to book us in the maternity floor "suite" with a double size bed for comfort. Either way, it was just as incredible of an experience the second go round as the first and we continue to enjoy every minute of it! Almost 5 weeks old already, she is growing like a weed and I will try to keep up on updating pictures.

Where has the time gone?

Wow-have I fallen behind on this blog! A lot has happened in the past several weeks but I'll start from the beginning. We spent the 4th of July weekend out at the lake and had a blast. Although Finn wasn't too excited about fireworks, we did get some fishin' and ol' fashioned "rock skipping" time in. The weather was great and it was a relaxing way to start my maternity leave from work.

Father's Day

We couldn't have asked for a better day! The sun was finally shining after a week of rain and storms so we prepped the pool for the day then made cinnamon pancakes with strawberries and cool whip! YUM! We were able to play outside all day and enjoy some sunshine. Our day even included a bike ride downtown for lunch on the Blue Moose patio. I couldn't ask for a better person to share this journey with and to see him make our son laugh EVERY day, I know the days ahead are only going to get better. Happy Father's Day!!

The Wall

So recently a BIG project of the household has been Finn's "climbing wall" in his new "big-boy" room. Josh first brought this project to my attention awhile back and immediately I thought, "Go for it!" Maybe it's because I grew up in Colorado or maybe it's because I'm crazy but I will be the first to admit the winters are VERY long here and anything that helps those indoor days is okay with me. He's not quite done with it but we received the first set of climbing holds today and of course they (maybe just Josh) couldn't wait to get started! I must say I am very impressed and Finn actually seems to love it too! I am very proud and can't wait for our son to become an avid climber so that we can have an excuse to make trips to Colorado more often!

Finn turns TWO!

This last weekend Finn turned TWO! Where has the time gone? We had such a busy month as my Dad and Betty were here for a week to kick the festivities off. Finn got his first train set and often pulls whoever he can over to it in order to show it off. Our new friends Sarah and Josh next door got him a bubble train which he loves! Then Josh and I decided to pull out the inner artist in him by getting him an art easel that he can color away with all on his own! Finally we made the trip out to the lake to see Nanna, Pappa, Uncle Mark, Aunt Sarah and cousin Noah. He was spoiled of course with my homemade shark cake (yes I made it from scratch and yes I had LOTS of help from Josh) and plenty of action gifts. He received his first vehicle, a mini ATV (thanks Nanna and Pappa) and even a bubble lawnmower (Thanks grandma Karen and Grandpa Al). There were also of course traditional goodies like books and clothes but I guess at 2 that doesn't keep his interest very long. All in all it was a very busy, successful birthday and we feel very blessed to have so many people to share it with. Thanks to ALL!!