Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh this picture.

The smile that it brings to my face.  

Too funny.

It so perfectly shows how imperfect we are.  I'm so thankful for this moment captured in all of its glory. 

This was a bonus picture, taken as we were walking back to our car.  Mind you it's FREEZING outside.  Like 40 degrees.  Anya had just fallen off the curb and smacked her forehead...her frozen forehead.  Poor girl:-(  Both kids had runny noses by this point...again, freezing outside.  {They were such troopers up to the end...with the injury and all.}

But that sunset was just pure goodness from God that I couldn't let pass us by.  I had glimpses of those perfect Pinterest family portraits taken in front of a glorious sunset.  Of course we would get that shot......wrong!! But I love how this picture captures us in this stage we are in.  I'm also thankful for a husband who reminds me that it's OK if not every picture is Pinterest perfect. 

Sometimes it's fun seeing the reality rather than a staged forced picture.  So here you go!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Oliver at 15 months

Precious handsome boy (as Anya calls you)

15 months have flown by.  You are such a big boy now!  

Last month you started walking, and now you are on your way to running, climbing, dancing, and doing all that you can to keep up with Anya.  

We love watching you dance with Anya to "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" as you spin around and wave your arms.  It's adorable!  At library story time you can't wait for the songs to be played so you can stand up and dance.  Your favorite is "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes."

Bath time is another favorite time of day for you!  "Bubble, bubble" is what you say when 

when you see the water.  You love splashing and lying down low like Anya does.

You are talking so much lately.  "All done" is your newest phrase.  You make sure to say "buh bye" to the things in your room before nap and bedtime.  When we pray you give us your hands to hold...if you aren't shoving food in your mouth.  

Daniel Tiger is still your very favorite toy, coming in second is your elephant lovie, and then your tractor with farm animals.  Trains amaze you.  It's fun living in a town with a train station so you can see the train all the time.  You kick your legs and point and say "ohh ohh ohh", it's adorble!  

You wear size 18 month clothes, size 5 shoe, size 4 diaper.  I can tell that you have stretched out as you are becoming taller, sadly you aren't as chubby.  You weigh 24lbs and are 32 inches tall! 75% !  We have been so blessed to have received most of your clothes as gifts and from my friend boys.  It's been so helpful!

Oliver James I love you so much.  I'm blessed to have YOU as my son.
Love,
Mommy

10 on 10:: November 2014

10 on 10

Ten pictures on the 10th day of the month for 10 consecutive hours.  

There are many months that I forget about 10 on 10, and other months like last that get taken but never get posted.  Yesterday I remembered to document our day, so here's a snapshot of our day!

{Growing}

The night before Anya put on one of her dress up outfits (her Tea for Three model dress) and we noticed that it didn't touch the floor like it did a few months ago (we used to have to tuck it up or she'd trip).  I decided to record her growth.  

Sure enough she grew a whole inch since September 20th!  She's getting so tall:-

{Learning}

Anya is learning how to write and it's very exciting!  She says "Mommy I'm so proud of myself"!  She would rather write her brother's name than her own.  

{Thinking}

A math game with Anya's turkey hands

{Dancing}

Storytime at the library is always a hit for these kids.  Their favorite part is when they dance!  I love watching Oliver dance and move his arms...his new talent.

{Watching}

At lunch Oliver is constantly watching his big sister who always makes him laugh. 

{Playing}

It was 60 degrees yesterday so we had to get outside to play...only cold temps in the forecast now.  

{Snacking}

My snack buddy.  Graham crackers with peanut butter is our favorite snack around here.

{Coloring}

Anya went to play at Mama's house so Oliver and I had some quality time together.  Not quite coloring, more like eating the crayons...

{Climbing}

New discovery

{Cuddling}

Love this boy

I hope you had a great tenth!  

Happy Halloween!

A little message from our hive...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

 I love how I'm getting pictures of my children in their Halloween costumes, where my mom took pictures of my sisters and I when we were little.  One of the many perks to living with family!

These two were very excited to be out trick or treating at the neighborhood stores and businesses.  

 Waiting in the train-line for trick or treating to start...Anya was VERY excited to get candy!  The PERFECT day for trick or treating!  I wish it was going to be so cold tomorrow on Halloween...

 Gotta love time with Aunt Katie!

Anya Violet is 3 {and a half}

Three and a half.  

How can six months go by so quickly?  We just celebrated her golden birthday, didn't we?

She is growing up so quickly and it's such a joy to watch.

Anya is obsessed with all things Elsa (like all girls these days). 

Her favorite color is blue...Elsa blue.

She eats pretty much all of Mommy's cooking, but has gotten pickier in the last few months.  

Anya loves bath time with Oliver, dancing and singing, and helping us with "ideas" for the flea market.  She cracks us up when she tells us that the acorn she put on the hutch will help it to sell at the flea market....for $40.  She loves modeling for Tea for Three too!

She loves her baby dolls that she calls "the twins".  A boy and a girl doll.  She's more attached to the boy baby and pretends he's Oliver.

Anya is in size 4T, shoe size 10.  Maybe 36lbs, not sure of height but she's tall like a 4 year old.

Anya is playful, social, and mature in her conversation.  She still throws temper tantrums, but I think they are happening less often.  Fingers crossed! She is an early riser and has grown out of naps (not a fun combo). She has a tendency to over love Ollie with hugs and trying to pick him up...constantly knocking him over.  Poor guy!  She loves going on Daddy Daughter dates when she fills her marble jar.  Anya loves learning and could literally do preschool all day and be happy.  She is very proud of herself for learning how to write letters.  It's very exciting!  She loves doing puzzles, watching "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse", and playing "go fish" with Mommy.

I can't get enough of our morning cuddles and her long soft curls.  

Cherishing every moment.

Love this girl.