Halloween

This year for Halloween I kept asking Mayla what she wanted to be and she really didn't have any ideas. I searched and came up with Strawberry shortcake. I started buying the stuff and getting ideas. Then Mayla was watching a show where one of the kids was dressed up like a Spider and that did it. She was hooked and that is the only thing she wanted to me. So I had to totally go a new direction but I am happy with how it all turned out. She had spider web skirt with spider legs, spider necklace, spiders in her hair and a spider bag. She was the only spider I have never ran away from. ha ha

They had a trunk-r-treat at her school and invited the moms to come and help. It was fun to see all the kids dressed up and enjoyed my first experience handing out candy from my trunk! They even had the kids sing some Halloween songs, it was so cute.

Just had to through in a cute picture of Mayla and Jax.

Todds family puts on a Halloween party every year and so we all dressed up for the party. I feel bad that this is the only picture that I got of Jax. He was a monster. He acturally did pretty good with the hood on. It was pretty big on him, but it was the smallest one I could get so it may make its way to another halloween as well.

We were cleaning up all the decorations and realized we didn't get a family photo. Again not the greatest but we didn't have many options. Todd wore a tattoo sleeve, I was a cat. I know so creative, that is just how we are!!

One of the activities was to decorate a cake and then we would all vote on the favorite. Yup we WON! I guess watching cup cake wars paid off!

We had a trick-or-treat party at our neighbors house. We had soup and many treats and then after we all went trick-or-treating. Thanks to the Hansen's for putting it all together. If you notice Mayla is crying, well my fault. I didn't think standing on the table was all that safe so I took her down. well obviously that was not what she wanted. What is a more fun than candy and crying?

Mayla and her friend Maddie.

Family Photo shoot

October 15, 2011
We had Camille Stewart from t&c photography take our photos again this year. She is awesome and we just love how great they always turn out.

American Heritage Center

October 15, 2011.
My sister Angie and the family came up to visit and so we headed to the Heritage Center for our annual tradition. There are many things to do and see and the kids have a blast.
Sadie and Mayla waiting in line. 

 Mayla is so excited to ride the train.

 Jax was asleep and so Papa stayed with him while we rode the train.

 Krista and me

 They sure do enjoy being with each other

 Mayla LOVES riding the horses. She did such a great job all by herself.

Everyone else went through the corn maze and so we stayed back with the girls so they could play. They jumped MANY times off the hay bales. They also went through the maze made from cardboard boxes. It really didn't take them long, they now know how to navigate out of small spaces.

It was a beautiful day and we had lots of fun!!

Who looks like who?

Sept 2011. I never really saw how similar they looked until this moment. They were both laying on the floor in the bathroom while I was getting ready. I looked over and could see the resemblance.

Jax just wants to be right where we are at all times. We pulled out the bumbo so he could sit up and see what was going on around him.

Look at those chubby cheeks!

Rolling..well almost

Jax has been trying to roll over on his tummy. He gets so close but just can't quite make it. He can get to his side with no problem, but then his leg and arm get in the way.

Todd tries to give him some bate!

Still not yet, but sure looks cute trying.

Well, maybe he had a little help to get here. Still a work in progress but pretty close.

Little did we know while waiting for Jax to roll over, mayla was fast asleep on the couch.

Mayla's first day at Preschool

Mayla started preschool at the Sports Academy. I was so lucky to get her in since it was a last minute decision. It is at the gym that we go to and so the kids get to do tumbeling and swimming along with school. She goes to school on Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:00-12:00. On Tues she does tumbeling and Thurs is swimming. She was excited to help pick out her backpack and get ready for school.
She went right in and sat at her table and waved goodbye. I was so glad to leave her happy. You always worry that she could panic and be worried her first day, but no worries here. So crazy that she is going to school. wow my little girl is getting so big!

Jax first time eating solid food

September 19 - This was Jax first attempt to eat solid foods. With Mayla she only liked oatmeal but I decided to try the rice cereal first with Jax to see how he would do.
Mayla wanted to be involved with the process as well. Jax sure loves to watch her and is easily amused by everything that she does ... as you can see where his attention is.

I think Mayla is more excited for this than Jax his.

He wasn't to sure about the spoon and when to open his mouth, but I managed to get a little bit in. He did pretty good on getting it down, so on to the next bite...

That is when the gagging started! I think he really didn't care for the texture of it. He would eat a bite and the next would result in this...

I then got a little creative to help him swallow it easier. I would dip his Binky in the cereal and then let him just suck it down. This worked pretty well. I think next time I will try the oatmeal and see how that turns out.