Happy Birthday, Colton!

Today Colton turned 2! I can hardly believe it. He is the biggest sweetheart. Some things about Colt right now:
-Is talking up a storm- fave things to say: "where cade?", "me too", "okay, mom/dad"
-Loves to do anything his big brother does- and HAS to do it or throws an absolute fit!
-Is non-stop, always have to be watching him or your house could burn down or a trip to the ER awaits- very curious and daring!
-Still has a high-pitched screech that'll pierce your ears- his nickname is Taradactyl (sp?)
-Has an interesting appetite- doesn't like pizza, spaghetti, bread, mac n cheese, but loves eating breakfast for all three meals
-Will melt your heart in a second with his sweet sweet smile and his spirit for life!

WE love you, Colton!

Waking him up with cake, he loved it!

Two little hams

Opening his presents

Uncovering the train table...

He was pretty excited!

Later in the day sitting on his man-chair at Nana and Papa's house

More cake!

I'm going to turn into a PUMPKIN if I'm not careful!

When the leaves start to change color...

When college football season starts...

When the air becomes crisp...

When the daylight gets shorter...

When I start to wear sweaters...

I slowly but surely become totally OBSESSED with anything and everything

PUMPKIN

I really can't help it.

Candy corn pumpkins

Pumpkin flavoring for my pero

Pumpkin donuts

There are even pumpkin hershey kisses! So deliche!

Pumpkin bread

Pumpkin rolls

Pumpkin cookies

And alas- my new fave- Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting (thanks for the recipe, Whitney!- check out here if you want it)

I just made them tonight! Scrumptious!

Intro to fall

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of the year! We took our first trip to the apple orchard the other day with a group from church. I love the smell of leaves, apples, pumpkins, cider, freshly cooked donuts- you name it- if it's got something to do with fall, I love it!

My beautiful mom accompanied us- she is always doing fun things with us- it really helps me out too! She not only got mistaken for my kids' mom once, but twice on this trip! Let's hope I get those genes!

Apple picking

An attempt at a picture of the three of them...

Cade's first day of preschool was the other day! This a picture of him with snort- his fave stuffed animal he was supposed to bring for the first day.

Trip to see the Lukkens

Over Labor Day, we went to see our good friends, the Lukken family. We had an amazing time! The drive to South Dakota was not bad at all! Seriously! I am considering making the drive by myself sometime in the future! Five boys and one little girl- it was too cute. Here are some pics that are the real testament of the fun that was had! Thanks Michelle and Wade! All 5 boys= total handful!
Drew wanted to feed Laynie everyday! He was so great with her!

I want a little sister, mom and dad... hint.... hint...

This sums up the weekend, lots and lots of outdoor play!

The new superman and batman jammies that we bought for the boys while I was there-

there's a story behind these... And the capes that attach to the back- so cute!

Some candid shots...

And some posed shots...

Until next time....

Totally Speechless

We were driving today when Cade asked, "Mommy, how did you get that baby in your tummy?" I said, "I don't have a baby in my tummy right now." (I was really thinking, I BETTER not have a baby in my tummy, then a "I'd go really crazy if I had a baby in my tummy" to myself) He said, "I know, Mommy, but how DID you get that baby in your tummy before?" I didn't know what to say. "Cade, what made you think of that?" I asked. He said, "I was just thinking about the doctor's office." Great, I thought, what question will he think of next. I just sat there, thinking, how will I answer this? I don't want to answer this! I didn't answer this! I let some time pass, and said, we'll ask Nana when we get to her house. Luckily he forgot when we got there. Whfew. Suggestions?