Getting the Tree

Sometimes I just can't believe how completely life returns full circle while raising children. Last weekend we went to get our Christmas tree, and lo and behold, Riley found it absolutely necessary to have a complete meltdown over who knows what. It didn't last all that long and he was eventually able to rejoin us with minimal enthusiasm. Outing salvaged. The thing about it is that I know of an almost identical picture. Little (or, embarrasingly, not so little? I can't remember) Amanda sulking behind a Christmas tree. I even remember the day a bit, a feeling of knowing my behavior wasn't cool, but being unable to stop, having already started down that path...

At least little Davey was plenty happy about the whole excursion.

Do you think it was big enough? It was further cinched down than this, but was too big to fit through the bailer. It was a fun car ride home...a few interesting looks from other drivers!

Now we are enjoying it at home. Riley spends time daily on his little step stool arranging and rearranging the ornaments.

Tea Party

Not a great picture, but somewhat captures the party. Note Davey's overturned cup!
Riley took this one of Davey and the following one of me. All by himself, I might add!
These might be the last pictures for a little bit because we are experiencing some computer difficulties. Had to get a new hard drive recently and there have been some issues getting everything up and running. I currently cannot download pictures from my camera. Hopefully my tech savy husband will have it up and running soon!

First Snow!

What do you know, we got some snow...
and little Davey is confused.
Riley's ready to go, though...
demanding to be amused!

Carrots, Garlic and Leaves

Concentration.
We really have spent all fall inside up until now because of the boys' sickness, which has been exceedingly difficult. This Sunday we got to enjoy the fresh air all afternoon. Life is resuming!
We spent some time working in the garden. A few little stray carrots were left for a snack, and we had one head of local garlic to try planting for next summer. A little late, but something should come of it...
Then for some front yard cleanup. A perfectly healthy, normal wonderful weekend day!

Outside Play

Everyone was finally well enough to play outside in the now cold weather, and

Davey is really starting to walk and learn how to ride this little bike!

Spinning

This is an experiment to see if posting a video works. The boys were having a great time getting spun around in this chair, but of course when I got the camera out the enthusiasm dropped dramatically!

Halloween

Phew, it has been a while!
A little busy, a little lazy,
a little overwhelmed...
pertussis in the house!
Riley is on the mend,
s l o w l y.
Antibiotics kept David
from getting too bad.
But even he will still have
mild coughing fits for a while yet.

Here is Ry with a large head of Romanesco! An Italian variety of broccoli, basically. The kids love it. It goes by the name "dinosaur trees" and "Alien trees".
We found an old table to put in the kitchen (after removing that funny cabinet from by the doorway), and it has changed my life!!
Everyone was just well enough for
Halloween!!! Davey was fascinated by the trash...
Riley doing a dry run at our house before we left for trick-or-treating. His jack-o-lantern is on the left. I cut it out, but he drew the face on. If you click on the picture you can see it better.
David just barely hung on until we were out walking in the dark night. He quieted down and was mesmerized. Then he realized Riley was getting something good from all of these people, and franticness set in...

Riley was a hang glider!
David finally got a treat before bed. Our neighbor handed out pretzles. A much better treat for a somewhat sick baby, and he didn't know the difference!
The Haul.