I can't take my eyes off this kid!

Because if I do this is what happens:

He empties out any container, folder, basket, etc. that he can findHe emptied the linen closet into the bath that was draining
He will climb anything and everything!

These are just a few of the adventures that we experienced this morning. He is napping now so we will see what he has in store for the afternoon when he wakes up. It's no wonder that I feel like I can't get anything done. I have to keep reminding myself that if I can't see or hear him it means TROUBLE!!!

Signs

I don't know whether to laugh or cry but everyday I am reminded that my baby is growing up fast. He has hit that age where he does something new everyday. It is so fun to watch him grow and develop and see his personality coming out but it also makes me want to cry because I realize that he is turning into a little boy. I just want to freeze time some days as I try to hang onto what's left of his baby years. Here are some of the latest "signs":

*gets in and out of his highchair by himself

*pushes on the orange button when he wants out of his carseat

*shakes his head no when you ask him if he wants to go to sleep

*squeezes every ones nose to see if it honks

*runs and grabs the dustpan when he sees me sweeping

*looks over his shoulder at the end of the driveway to see if I am far enough away so he can run down the street

*stands at the garage freezer and yells because he wants a popsicle

*tries to use my makeup

*puts his finger to his mouth and says shhhhh

*will throw things in the trash or get a diaper when I ask him to

*is starting to talk - mom, dad, Madyson, apple, love you, cheese, hello

*poses when he sees the camera

*tries to put dvd's in the dvd player

*loves to have the jets on in the bath

The Simple Things

The past few years we have taken a trip over fall break but this year we decided to stay close to home. We took the kids golfing, went to the high school football game, took a camping trip where they rode horses, fished, went target shooting, made s'mores and told stories. Hopefully they will have memories of this fall break for many years to come.

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Last week I took Preston & Brayden to a pumpkin patch and they had a blast. It was one of those days that helped me see the world through my kids eyes. When we got there Preston looked around, turned to me and hesitantly asked "can I run here?" when I told him he could run all he wanted he took off across the field with a huge grin on his face. After playing on the tire swing for a while he spotted the huge rolls of hay. He looked at me again and asked "can I climb on the hay?" when I told him he sure could you could see the amazement and excitement on his face. He is always being told to slow down and get down so this was a dream come true for him.

Later we went to the corn maze and as Preston does, he ran ahead of me and I couldn't find him. After about 20 minutes of wandering through the maze I started yelling for him and a few minutes later he appeared out of the middle. As we were walking back to the beginning he said "I was drunk when I went into the maze." I was caught off guard and took a deep breath to launch into a lecture about how he should not joke about things like that, wondering why he would say that. Instead I just said what do you mean? He replied "when I went into the maze I was drunk but I have been walking alot and now I'm really thirsty." It took all I had not to burst out laughing. It was one of those moments that make you want to squeeze your kid because they are so darn sweet!

Snip Snip!

I could hardly bring myself to do it, but after a week of even strangers commenting on Brayden's "mullet" I finally gave in and he had his first haircut on Oct. 6. He wasn't real thrilled about holding still for the scissors. He looks like a little boy now. My baby is growing up.Trent could get a night job as a barber!

Since he wouldn't hold still for the scissors we stuck him in the sink and pulled out the clippers. I thought they would scare him but he had no problem with them!

The great outdoors!

We took the kids to the wilderness expo and they had a blast. They got to shoot pellet guns - Preston had great aim, shotguns, bow & arrow, they rode the mountain bike course and went fishing and kayaking. Brayden was so intrigued by the whole thing that he actually sat in the stroller. We couldn't believe it because we usually can't even get him in it, but he lasted almost the entire afternoon!


Even dad got in on the fun. Good thing they gave Preston a helmet. I wasn't sure he was going to stay put. Trent had a little too much fun on the course!

Madyson took kayak lessons this summer so she was thrilled to get out on the water. She was cruising around like a pro!

Austin caught 2 fish - too bad none of us eat fish or we could have had dinner!

Time flies

I was hoping to be able to keep up with this blog thing a little better but boy does time fly. I can never seem to find time on the computer without little fingers trying to help!