catching up

We've had a busy week settling into our Fall routine (preschool, CBS, Bible study, MOPS), but I wanted to post a few pics from some fun at home, and also from a beautiful wedding Dave officiated last weekend. I'll let the pics do most of the talking.

First, we celebrated the completion of Andrew's first week of preschool by making oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and having a movie night. Andrew was a big help - especially with "cleaning up" ;)

Finishing dinner, and laughing at "Cars".

We had the joy of hosting Tiffany and Laelle for the weekend - we miss them!

The happy newlyweds - Sarah and Jesse.
the Pastor and Groom

The scenery at Bluemonte Vineyards was gorgeous - this picture doesn't quite capture the view.

And lastly, Andrew drew a picture of Caden.

creativity grows

one of his "bug" drawings

I have to document a few of Andrew's recent creative expressions. First, he's just started to draw actual "things", and not just random scribbles. We've been surprised to see people with arms, legs, faces, hair, and many interesting creatures - many of them accompanied with interesting stories.

He's also started sharing his dreams - some funny, some scary, but usually pretty interesting. My favorite one in the last few weeks has been a dream about a king (bad) coming, and he and Taylor hid on a chair with a cushion on top, mommy and aunt Julie Anne hid downstairs in the basement (under the futon and piano), and then the bad king left, went out back and ate Grandma Kathy's flowers.

bedtime story with daddy

The other thing I have to record is the way he likes to describe all of his poops. A little gross, but necessary for later blackmail purposes - and it will be interesting to see if this is a habit that continues. So whenever he gets off the toilet, he gets very excited to see what it looks like. A few of my favorites "ooooh mama, look! It's a boot".....or "oh look, it's a paintbrush", or "oh it looks like a chicken" (drumstick). A few others - a snake, worm, thing they use to lead sheep and cows (staff). Just today it was "a bad guy with a broken nose and legs"...really? I may have to add others to this post later if we get some good ones. And sorry, no pictures to accompany this one.

1st day of Preschool!

In the courtyard right after school

After muuuuuch anticipation, the big day finally arrived! Although he's been enthusiastically pointing out his school for the past 7 months, we've sensed our little guy getting a little apprehensive as this day has drawn nearer. Come this morning he seemed pretty excited, and he and daddy were off at 9am. The morning went very smoothly - Dave was the teacher's helper (we "co-op" once every other week), so Andrew was excited to have him along. After school he had some special daddy time, going out to lunch and visiting a local fire station to see the firetrucks and meet some firefighters. It was a big, special day. Can't believe our precious boys are really growing up!

all ready to go!

mommy with her big boy

outside school with buddy nathan (they're in neighboring classrooms)

checking out goodies from the fire station

a family photo shoot

So we attempted the seemingly impossible while in Seattle - a family photo shoot with all 4 boy cousins ;). We hired a family friend who does professional photography (she's GREAT), but it was quite the adventure. We loved the end product however, and we were excited to get some good family pics too.

bye bye paci

After getting settled back in from Seattle, we decided it was time for Caden to say bye bye to paci. I've been dreading this for months (although he's only had it in his crib, Caden looooooves paci), but wanted to get the transition over before all of our Fall craziness began, and we still had time for slow lazy mornings if needed ;). Well, much to our surprise (and delight) the departure of paci has been amazingly smooth. Dave spent some good time talking to Caden about how 2 year olds were too old for paci's, and we've made an effort to get him attached to his blankie and puppy instead. So come night one, he fussed for a few minutes and then slept through the night. I wasn't sure how nap time would go the next day, but he went down without a peep. Really?? It's now been more than a week, and we're still going strong (two nights of random wakings, but unrelated to the absence of paci). I can't believe what a big boy Caden is becoming - way to go buddy!