Deardorffs Orchard

Today we went to Deardorffs Orchard.

We jumped on hay bales.

Rode in wagons.

Picked and gobbled apples.

Climbed trees.

Rolled down a hill.

Enjoyed our friends.

And looked adorable.

Perfect day!

Uniquely Newborn

I'm feeling GREAT today. Probably has something to do with the fact that Ender slept well last night (the specifics of which I do not remember, just that he didn't have a long awake stretch) and Eisley slept through the night too (since moving her out of her crib about 2 months ago, she's had a rough time at night). We also spent the morning with my friend and her kids at a local apple orchard. The weather low 70s, sunny, light breeze and just gorgeous! I'd take this weather every single day!

So in my joyous state (as I'm typing this, Emmett just got off the couch and positioned himself sitting on the floor right next to sleeping Ender. How cute is that?) I decided to do the "uniquely newborn" post that has been percolating in my mind the past couple days. What are the things that are uniquely newborn? They are unique, they are fleeting, they are adorable, they are rarely spoken of, they are forgotten. Here's my (short) list. Please add to it! But first look at this adorable newborn! (I took this picture with Kristi's borrowed cocoon).

• Fuzz that collects in the creases of their scrunched hands
• Fuzz that collects in their neck folds.
• Sweet little smiles while their sleeping
• Painful facial contortions while they're sleeping
• Scrunched up legs, of course!
• Strangely long and weak fingernails...
• ... and the dirt that collects under them (how is that even possible?)
• Moans and groans and squirms and arching for a tiny little toot...
• ... the precious little smile that comes after all that hard work.

I'll keep thinking... if you have any, please add them below!

Emma Krumbees

We are taking advantage of every gorgeous fall day.

Today we went to Emma Krumbees.

I just can't get enough of all the fall favorites.

Hay!

Pumpkins!

Smiles!

Apples!

Riding on whatever this thing is called.

But most of all, just spending time with my 3 kids!

Robots

A couple days ago we made robot costumes. Emmett had a distinct idea how he wanted his robot costume constructed, which was different than the idea in my mind. I have to be honest, at first when he wasn't going along with my idea of how it should look I became quite irritated. Then I took a breath and listened to what he had to stay. He had a GREAT idea and we ended up making his costume just the way he wanted it (which was way better than the way I was thinking). How sad is it that I had to stop myself and actually LISTEN to my son! It's humbling to admit, but such a good reminder to myself.

Happy Mom

McDonalds + Park = Happy kids = Happy Mom!

Family Photo!

Just thinking back to when Eisley was a baby, I didn't know anyone who could do newborn photos of her for free/cheap. Now 2 years later I'm surrounded by generous, loving photographer friends!

Here's a sneak peak of one of the photos taken by my friend Jennifer. I LOVE this one!! How rare to have a picture where everyone looks great! I have seen a few of the other shots she got, and let me tell you - they are amazing! I seriously would be happy if the picture below was the only good one. But just wait for it, there's more to come!!

How lucky am I?

Turns out I have a bunch of really talented friends. I have quite a few photographer friends. Which probably explains my recent interest in photography - my friends but also my amazingly adorable kids :).

Here are a few images that my friend Tara took of our family. LOL, I just saw Ender in that first family picture. It's hard to know how to pose a newborn - and more than just posing him, how do you get him to stay posed?!

LOVE this one of the two kids!

Ender 15 days old

My friend and neighbor (and professional photographer), Kristi, offered to photograph Ender! What a gift! Here are her fabulous images. Ender is 2 weeks and 1 day. Which is your favorite?

Got the blues?

Have you got the blues? If so, hopefully the pictures of these blue little boys will put a smile on your face.

Sick Girl

UPDATE: Took Eisley to the doctor (of course during the 2 hour non-fever, bouncing off the walls with energy stretch) and found out she has an ear infection. She's now on antibiotics. Hope she feels better soon!

We've got a sick little girl in thi house. She's got a fever, is lethargic, whiney and tells me her tummy hurts. She just lays on the ground and falls asleep.

This little guy is all smiles.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy 31st Birthday Daddy! We love you!

Drizzles

Keep my kids inside on a cold drizzly day?

Of course not!!

I can fly

Apparently my kids think they can fly...