Beautiful Fall Weather

Around here, we are wishing that this gorgeous fall weather would just last forever. The kids have been playing outside until it's too dark to see, and although we have to bundle up in the morning, it's warm enough in the afternoon to take off our shoes. These first two pictures were before a walk we took one day last week. It probably took a good 15 minutes to get them out the door looking like this. By the time everyone has shoes and jackets on, all needed diapers are changed not to mention details like Alena's toys, hats and the garage door opener that Gabe loves to carry around - I'm tired before we even leave the house :) It's well worth it, though to get everyone out running around for a little while.
We enjoyed some time outside on the swing set today and this picture of Mya is so funny. I was just telling Nae tonight that we need to get another swing for Mya so that Alena can move into the baby swing, and after seeing this picture we defiantly need to. Look at those long legs hanging out. I remember just last year when we had to roll a blanket up to put in front of her so she wouldn't slide around.
Gabe is really trying to learn how to pump himself. I told him that anyone who can ride a two-wheel bike can certainly learn how to swing by himself :)

Alena spent the time outside in her Mega saucer and look at her cute hat. Carrie got this for Alena before she was even born and since my kids seem to have small heads, it just now fits her.

Couple of Alena pics

We haven't been up to much this week thanks to the several inches of rain that we've received; not that I'm complaining since we really needed the rain. Due to the weather, however and the fact that Nae and I have been seriously cleaning out a bunch of junk from our attic, etc and moving furniture around - we haven't gotten many pictures. Here's a couple that I did get of Alena.


I think this little outfit Alena has on is so cute. It kind of makes her look like a boy but since it's one of the only thing she has that isn't pink, purple , or some other girly color, I'm not too worried. This was actually RuthAnne's outfit so thanks for passing it on . She's getting a little closer to sitting up everyday. Here, though you can see I was holding on to her arm to give her a little assistance.
I've been in a little less of a hurry with each of my children for them to crawl and walk. With Gabriel I couldn't wait for him to get around and we got our reward since he was walking at 10 months. Mya started walking at a year and even then we got several weeks of the cute little toddling before she was all out taking off. So, I've really enjoyed having a baby again and am in no hurry for her to become mobile. Alena, however seems to have different ideas. She is so determined to get around and as you can see here won't be long in full fledged crawling. I think she feels like she is missing out on something with Gabe and Mya running around her all day. They just get big so quickly!

Birthday Party

In order to save my sanity, we decided to do a combined birthday party this year for Gabe and Mya. Their birthdays are only a month apart and they have the same friends so it made it easy. We picked a day in the middle (yesterday) and decided to have a fall/dress-up party. Some of Nae's family was there as well as two other families - in total 10 kids under 6, but we had a great time.

Here are Superhero Gabriel and butterfly Mya all ready for their big party.
That's not a very happy face for someone about to eat a cupcake.
Mya getting ready to blow out her candles. In the spirit of everything, we had spider cupcakes.
Superhero Gabriel and Batman Wills taking the hummer for a ride. The funny thing was that all the boys dressed as some type of superhero even though it had not been previously discussed. They must all be thinking alike I guess.
We painted pumpkins and here Ellen is thinking really hard about what color she wants to use next.
Savannah is always ready to give a good cheesy smile.
Superman David posing for the camera.
I think this picture is so funny. These were the three babies in attendance Anna Claire, Sam, and Alena. There's about eight weeks age difference between the three of them.
All of the kids in costume except Savannah who unfortunately had left by the time we attempted to get a group shot. From left to right is Ellen unicorn, Mya butterfly, Scott red power ranger, Gabriel superhero, David Spiderman and Wills Batman.

Fall Fun

After our trip to the pumpkin patch this past weekend, we made these little gourd people I had seen in a magazine. They were very easy - just collect miscellaneous nature items (acorns, leaves, moss, etc) and glue on with a hot glue gun. I thought they turned out cute, and the kids really got into making their people.
Look who's moved up to the big girl tub! Alena is sitting up well enough to go in the bath ring which means goodbye baby bath tug. Gabriel was not excited about this change as it means he now has to take a bath alone since we don't have room for three in the tub at once.

Pumpkin Patch

We went to Gentry's Farm today to enjoy the beautiful fall weather and pick up some pumpkins. Nae's brother, Nee, and his wife Teng and their little girl Savannah went along too and the kids had a great time. I should mention that Alena, although not in any of the pictures, went along as well. Nae carried her in the baby bjorne and the only picture of the two of them didn't turn out very well. I'm sure next year she'll be right in the thick of the action.

We took the wagon along for Savannah and Mya to ride in.
Gabriel and Mya posing inside a tee-pee
They had several fun "stations" for the kids to play in but this was one of their favorites - scooping, pouring and dumping the corn and grain.
Waiting for the hay ride, Mya and Savannah were entertained by watching the sheep and goats.
Say Cheese!Taking a turn on the tire swing.
Gabe says, "Come on in."

Trip to VA and other random pictures

Ann, one of my good college friends who now lives in Dallas , flew up to visit with us this weekend. She flew in on Wednesday night and then Thursday we headed up to VA to visit friends and family. It was a fun but busy time and unfortunately I didn't take many pictures. We did enjoy getting to hear my sister Chrisa and her friend Megan perform their duo piano recital and we also got to visit with my aunt and uncle from SC. The other exciting news, Gabe learned to ride his two wheel bike while we were there but more on that in another post. Here is Ann and the kids. On our way to Mom and Dad's we stopped by to see another college friend and her three girls (with number four due to arrive any day) As you can see from the picture, Gabriel was greatly outnumbered and when the girls started putting on their dress up things he said, "I'll just stay in my regular clothes."
One of my favorite things my kids wear is pj's they just look so cute after their bath all clean in their pajamas (or maybe it's just knowing that with pj's follows bed and quiet) Anyway it got rather cool last night so we got to pull out the pants and long-sleeve pajamas. This picture was actually taken this morning and both Gabe and Mya wanted to hold Alena.
Below are two random shots of Alena. You can see she's just about sitting up (with a little help of course) and I believe Gabe took the last picture. He loves to get her smiling and then run for the camera.

Happy (late) Birthday My-My!!!

Yesterday was our sweet little Mya's second birthday. It was a kind of crazy day so I didn't get a chance to post but we are so thankful that we have been given this little girl to love. Happy Birthday Mya - may we have many more birthdays to celebrate together!
Love Dad and Mom