Great Grandpa Haaland

We got to spend a few of Great Grandpa's last hours with him. As we listened to his labored breathing we chatted, laughed, told stories - he wasn't responsive but as his clenched hands relaxed there is no doubt he sensed the joy and warmth around him. What a gift for my children to have known their Great Grandfather. What a gift for me to have known Grandpa Haaland. A quiet confidence with a calm demeanor and thoughtful words.

Emmett told me that tonight at Trunk 'n Treat he has chosen not to hand out candy but instead, to hand out candy in hopes of seeing his new found friend, Natalie!

13 month Ender

No pictures or anything fun, I just have to write this stuff down before I forget.

At 13 months, Ender...

...is walking in a little zombie walk with his hands out in front of him. He walks very quickly, but falls often always standing right back up and continuing walking.

...sticks his tongue out and pants like a dog to be funny.

...sleeps a solid 12 hours at night, sometimes more. He loves his naps, takes 2 when we're home. Goes to sleep with out a peep.

...signs "night night" by putting his tapping his hand to his mouth/cheek/side of his head. Then he waves good night. So sweet!

...signs "all done" by waving his hands in the air.

....babbles nonsense but looks at you as if he knows exactly what he's saying.

Great Grandparents Bakke!

These are my grandparents. I love them! My grandma calls me often and gives me words of such encouragement. She is a woman I desire to be more like. Today they stopped by our home on their drive through town. What a blessing for my chidlren to spend time with their Great Grandparents. The warmed to them immediately. Emmett read Grandma a few books. Eisley tried on a variety of princess outfits. When Grandpa asked, "Would you like to give me a hug?" Eisley literally ran over to him and embraced him. It was so sweet!

This picture is so beautiful, I have no words.

Ender's Walking!

It's interesting how every child's progression to walking is different. Ender mixed walking and crawling for months! Today was the first day that I don't think I saw him crawl once. He'd topple but then get right back up and keep walking. This kid is so stinkin' cute!

Minnetonka Orchard

And we continue on our Fall Fun Friday Field Trips! With Emmett in preschool Mondays and Wednesday it limits our availability to do fun things on those days. So we've been making up for it on Fridays. Today we went to Minnetonka Orchard. The brightly colored wooden train was definitely the hit for my kids!

Poor Ender. It was crazy windy. The other kids look cute at least!

Awana

A cubbie in a cubbie.

Emmett is in AWANA and couldn't be loving it any more. Oh wait, I'm wrong, Eric just started volunteering in Emmett's classroom and I'm confident Emmett is loving his new teacher more than ever.

Here are videos of the kids practicing their bible verse. Precious.