a bit of catch up!

We had such a fun fall... I didn't get to document it all in our blog! Eric's parent's came for a visit the weekend of October for Salmon Days. We always love going to that festival. They have tons and tons of free things for kids to do, including a bunch of blowup things. Most I can't get either of the kids to even approach, much less go inside, but there was one obstacle course that both Gabe and Nyah loved!

gotta pause to hitch up those jeans... he's not in any particular hurry! :)

Woohoo, he climbed up that all by himself!

Love this picture... look how happy Eric is too!

Nyah needed a little push...

She just wanted to jump at the end and not get down!

One day the kids made grisly cupcakes with their Grandma Cheryl... check those out! Gabe was very meticulous and did a great job.  We gave Nyah her own to keep her occupied and it turned out particularly gruesome with lots of eyeballs, liberal blood, and a knife stuck in the top for good measure! Ha!

We love Grandma Cheryl!

Being silly with some treats from their Halloween package!

We love the fall!!

Sweet Sister Time

The title says it all... my sweet big sis Mel was here for an extra long weekend and I had the time of my life! She is the mother of 5 busy boys and when you take into consideration that we live in opposite corners of the country, we have not had quality one on one time for years.  Even when our families are together it is insanely busy and distracting with all the kids and activities; fun but crazy!  So what a treat to have her all to myself at my house. :)  We took her around to all the usual sights in Seattle, went hiking, on drives, out to eat, and lots of hanging out time at home. I can't begin to say how much fun I had! Life was so easy with her too... her mothering instincts are finely honed and she anticipated who needed attention and what needed to be done constantly.  I literally just got to talk and talk to her without missing a beat - she was feeding Ian while I was cooking, or she was unloading the dishwasher while I was setting the table. It was amazing having two mom's around! Well I could go on and on about how blissful it was but I'll just say having her stay with me was an experience I won't soon forget. I am so blessed to have such a warm, intelligent, faithful, positive, and creative sister. Wow.  I love her with all my heart and can't wait for another one of these mini-vacations! I've decided I can't live without them from now on!

Lunch at Pike Place Chowder... delicious!!

Ian snacking on Mel's purse!

 

Nyah making friends with a street musicians little dog

bubble gum alley

Bye Mel! We love you!!