More Fall fun outside

A beautiful fall day

Changing seasons

I have been looking forward to experiencing the seasons this year since this is my first year away from California. Gary and I have been so excited about the concept of fall and the changing colors and the children have been talking about leaping in giant leaf piles for weeks. These are pictures taken last week of our backyard encased in snow. What a surprise to see snow the first week of October. Sadly, the leaves are now quickly falling from the trees. We will need to get some big leaf piles together quickly so the kids can have some fall fun before another snow. I hear that Colorado weather is different every year and not easy to predict.

Kayla and Mommy

Our sweet little Kayla has begun to have a huge mommy addiction that the normal amount of mommy time just cannot seem to satisfy. I was feeling really stumped in trying to come up with a way to squeeze in more time holding Kayla and still get stuff done around house, or with the other children, when I remembered the snuggly. I am now putting Kayla in the snuggly while I clean the kitchen or play outside with the kids. She loves to be attached to me and sings and kicks her legs with joy during these times together.

Kayla's birthday party

We always try to make birthdays a time of fun for the kids, unfortunately Kayla had a round of shots the day before her party and was feeling very emotional. When Lana started crying during cake time the birthday girl lost it as well. Even during presents Kayla had several rounds of tears. Hopefully on Kayla's next birthday she will be able to enjoy the celebration a little more, I will need to keep shots far away from birthdays in the future!

Dress up

Little buddies at the zoo

Bryant and Lana are so cute walking together! When we go to the zoo there is a lot of walking and they love to hold hands. Bryant leads Lana to whatever he wants to see and she is very happy to be right beside him. I watched Bryant take Lana into a dark cave (I was behind them) and I was so amazed to see Lana completely trusting her big brother to take care of her. There was no fear in her face even though there were strangers all around and it was very dark.

Special times with Nana and Grandad

We had a wonderful weekend with Nana and Grandad! Lana can now say both their names and she talks about her Nana every day. This was Kayla's first time meeting her grandparents and she loved all the attention. Bryant has been a long time fan and as always missed them very much when they had to go home. They are such a blessing to our family and we cannot wait to see them again soon!

Kayla walking with walker

My helper

I was marveling yesterday while we were at a doctor's appointment at just how eager and able Bryant is to help me now. When Kayla needed a bottle I could ask Bryant to find it for me, when Lana was crying I would ask Bryant to get a pacifier. As I was getting Lana dressed after her check up Bryant gathered up her shoes and put them in the diaper bag since Lana was going to ride in the stroller and did not need them. He is learning to help Mommy without even being asked and he does it cheerfully. Bryant also loves to help in the kitchen and is always wanting to cook with me, as you can see in the pictures above. What a blessing it is to have a little guy who wants to be a helper.

Fun week with Uncle Mark

We miss you Uncle Mark!

Tired girls just up from nap

Sleepy Kayla, again

Cleaners

Here are some pictures of my merry maids at work.

Both Bryant and Lana love to help mommy do housework. They especially love the cool tools.

Bathing beauties

My little sweeties playing in the sprinklers and pool on a hot day. They are so fun to watch and just too cute.