Turkey Treats

Today we ventured over to Aunt Lish's house for a "craft day" with the kiddos. We let the kids go wild with finger paint, markers, glue, scissors, etc. and then I went crazy on a little edible craft for the Thanksgiving holiday. Gobble, gobble!

The kids couldn't keep their hands off the turkeys so I gave Austin a chance to make his own. Here is his masterpiece!

A definite crowd pleaser. They are super simple and delicious!

First Snowfall

We received our first snowfall yesterday morning and Austin was running around the house like a crazy man, excited to get all bundled up and head outside. I think he was out there for approximately six minutes before he wanted to come back inside. I guess he forgot the cold factor that comes with the snow. But, it surely warmed up and all melted away by noon...to my delight. I must say, living in Boise definitely has its perks!

Mess

So this is what Austin decided to do to his room while Brett and I were talking in the kitchen...for FIVE MINUTES! Apparently he wanted to explore every nook and crevice of his space. How quickly a toddler can turn discovery into a total MESS! On second thought...I think he was just delighting in trashing the place!

Seven Years...

Today Brett and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. Our celebrations were a bit untraditional. We took the kiddo to breakfast with us in the morning and then Brett went to work all day. We failed to make sitter plans for a special night out, so I made a casserole for dinner (B's favorite) and bought a yummy red velvet cake. And to my surprise, flowers showed up at my door just as I was laying my head down for a nap! I haven't received flowers in so long...what a special treat from my wonderful husband! A low key celebration but nonetheless a reminder of the love we have for each other and how lucky we both feel to have the other by our side.

Halloween 2010

Halloween was a two day event this year...and will actually be a three day event when we attend an "Afterween" party this coming Saturday. We headed to Boo at the Zoo on Halloween Eve to party with the animals...and the rest of Boise. The Zoo was, in fact, a total zoo that day. But it was fun to see all the kids in their costumes, check out the animals, and give Austin a chance to collect a few treats for mommy and daddy ;-). Austin's Elmo costume was a total hit - parents kept pointing him out to their kids saying, "Look honey, it's Elmo!" I was just glad he kept it on and was actually surprised that he didn't want to take it off. I think he's getting to the age where dress-up becomes entertaining. The grandparents and Uncle Mark tagged along with us. Unfortunately no pick of Uncle Mark - would have been a good one since he was practically dressed as Elmo too with this matching red hoodie (minus the added fur).

Elmo with Mommy. All smiles for the camera these days ~
Elmo with Grandma and Papa ~
Elmo with Daddy ~

Our next adventure was Trunk-or-Treating at our local church. All the young kids trick-or-treat from car to car instead of house to house. It's much easier for the little tikes to maneuver. I used to think they were totally ridiculous...then I had a child. Funny how things change post babies. We met up with a handsome Cars pit crew member and an adorable green dragon.

Candy! Austin was a bit overwhelmed by all the people ~

Jakob, Aaron and Austin dressed for Halloween success~

Elmo with all his loot. He counted out all of his suckers and tootsie rolls, two of his favorites.~

All this fun was smashed between a birthday party for a neighbor girl at Chuck E Cheese and another birthday party for Austin's new friend, Tyler. It was a whirlwind weekend full of friends, fun and candy. Pretty perfect in the eyes of a two year old. Austin woke up on Monday requesting his pumpkin full of candy and another party. Sorry dude, we're on detox for a few days!

Happy Birthday!

Last week we celebrated Brett's birthday. He's caught up to me in age once again...whew! This older woman stuff is kind of rough. Do I seriously have to turn 40 and 50 before my hubby? Perhaps I should just celebrate my 31st again next year.

Austin helped prepare Dad's favorite: chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. I must say, it was freakin' delicious. It had nothing to do with my baking skills; I think Pillsbury may just have a thing or two on Betty Crocker. And please don't drool over the decorating...it's simply raw talent. :-)



I'm glad we had all the families over the night before to eat cake and celebrate because Brett's actual b-day simply sucked (Honestly, he'd have used these words if he were writing). I woke up that morning with the worst sinus pain of my life and Austin decided to be a cranky butt to follow suit. We pretty much holed up in the house all day trying not to kill each other. Sorry babe, we hope you still love us! Better luck on your 32nd...when I'm still 31.

Potty Training

Oh yeah, that's right...I'm in big boy underwear!!!

I told you I'd get back to you on this whole potty training thing. Well, it's been eight days of full on potty time and I think HE'S GOT IT!! The first couple of days were rough. I think Austin was taking pointers from the dog because he kept heading out to the backyard and stripping off his underwear when he had to go...and it wasn't just for #1 either. (Note to self: watch child like a hawk when he heads outside during potty training) Austin has been an easy going kid (lucky me) so I thought this next stage in his life would be simple, but after a few backyard episodes I questioned my little man's desire for the toilet. So I leaned on Elmo for support. I popped in "Elmo's Potty Time" DVD and hung an Elmo potty chart on the bathroom wall and rewarded with stickers for each success. And success we've had! He hasn't had an accident for about 4 days now. I've even taken him to childcare at church and errands around town with no accidents! I'm so proud of my little man and continue to get gitty with each successful trip to the potty. Ah, only the things a mother would love. :-)

Just a little side note. At the end of the Elmo Potty Time DVD Elmo says "this episode of Sesame Street was brought to you by the letter "P" and the number "2". HA, HA, HA! I laugh at the most ridiculous things.

And just a few more things about my ever changing toddler...he's been calling me 'Honey' to get my attention. HA! Guess I've called him that a time or two and he took a liking to it. And aside from potty training this week he also learned to pedal a bike! We've been taking rides around the block. His imagination is starting to grow wild and he's experimenting with make-believe. There's been an alligator living in our master bedroom for a couple weeks now and there's an endless supply of imaginary hamburgers, milkshakes, pizza, and fruit snacks. And lastly, I have a little show-off on my hands. When Austin knows he has an audience of young kids (like the other day at the Verizon store) he likes to start doing semi-handstands, somersaults, and any other toddler like movements to get a reaction. Very cute, especially when you're the mommy!