catching up

We've been catching our breath a bit these past few weeks. I didn't realize how far behind I was on posting pics until I went to download, and didn't even have a November folder. Here are a few moments we've managed to capture:

Our neighbors have been re-doing their front walkway. Caden decided to create his own front row viewing of the cement truck excitement.

Will, 11 months. His PT is going well (see later pic for OT update) - he's starting to move a little on his tummy, so I would guess that crawling isn't TOO far away.

We took advantage of one of our many gorgeous 60+ degree afternoons to explore (or RUN) some local paths.

They were in heaven.

Love this face.

Abby, Jen, and Nathan met up with is too. I had Will in the bjorn - he liked grabbing the camera...such a helper. The big boys seemed to be at least this far in front of us most of the time.

Love this face too.

Nothing finishes a week better than a wonderful night out with these dear sweet friends. Good food, good company, good fun :).

On the rooftop of Charlie Palmer Steak - GORGEOUS view, right by the capital. Wen-Tsing's head made some special appearances in honor of his bday.

Our DC boys. On Saturday, Dave took Caden and Andrew on a special boy adventure. They took the metro train downtown. We don't take advantage of all this city offers enough. First stop, the Natural History museum.

You'll have to bear with me a bit here, but these pictures just made me smile.

Yup, that's my boys.

The butterfly exhibit was a major highlight.

Taking a closer look.

Our art lover, outside the modern art museum.

Not a great picture - but sort of funny. Last stop was the Air and Space museum.

Just hearing about it made me tired, but they had a super time. And I was SO grateful for the time to get some things done (CBS lesson, laundry, yard work, etc).

Happy, messy boy. Our OT has encouraged us to allow him to explore his food as much as possible (our carpet may never be the same). He's been working on breaking 3 teeth this past week 1/2, which has definitely affected his eating. He is now eating little pieces of meat, crackers, some fruit, drinking a little from a regular cup. We're still working on getting him to tolerate different textures at the same time.

I've been spending a lot of time digging up and cutting apart dahlia tubors (from our yard) these past few weeks. This is the first year I've done it without Grandma Kathy- she's taught me well however, and it's actually been fun (although MUCH more fun with her).

And lastly, Andrew asked me the other day - "Hey mom, if I ate a LOT a LOT a LOT of food every day, could I get a really big belly?" When I asked why, he went on to explain that he REALLY wants a big belly. All I can say is that if your grandpas have anything to do with it, you may just get your wish some day :).

Trick or Treat

My little zoo friends.

It was interesting having Halloween on a Sunday this year. Dave was preaching Sunday night, so we did some early trick or treating in our neighborhood, and then headed over to church.

Afterwards we headed over to Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Dee Dee's house, where Tia helped me get them re-costumed, and we hit up a few houses in their neighborhood.

Will, with his baby food face, was a precious Giraffe.

Daddy walked in right as we were taking this picture - so happy.

One last trick or treating stop at the Choi's. Checking out the loot.

Tired, happy boys.

Andrew turns 5

It's hard to believe that we have a five year old in the house. This one has felt big to me for some reason - like he's entering a new level of his childhood. There are so many things we enjoy about him - his laugh, his creativity, the glimmer he get in his eye when he has an idea, the expressive way he talks (we've been getting a lot of "ohhhh sure", or a quick "yeah yeah yeah" lately"). We have many tell us that he seems like an old soul, and I'm already taken by his enthusiasm for the people he loves (which makes us feel special). He's an incredibly fun, sweet, and enthusiastic little man, and we feel so blessed that the Lord has given him to us.
We celebrated Superman style this year, and had a super time. Here's a bit of what went down in pictures:

Ready to party.

Oh no, Superman is surrounded by kryptonite!

Thankfully, there were many heroes ready to save him.

Off on their special mission, to get all the kryptonite balls back in the moon bounce.

Andrew, tossing one in.

They did it - he's flying again!

Pizza time.

Love how Andrew is looking longingly at his cake.

Blowing candles.

Caaaaaaaaaaaaake!

The back room was a bit quieter ;).

Most of the kids - Andrew's class, plus some siblings and a few friends/family. I was impressed that Dave was able to pull this picture off - he was amazing at corralling this crazy crew.

Going through the super hero moves one last time (after sneaking upstairs very quietely to suprise the parents).

Opening a few presents before bed.

And..... the aftermath. SO fun.

week full of FUN

This past week has been one BIG party. The stomach bug cleared by Tuesday, and THANKFULLY, myself and Will managed to stay healthy.

Wednesday we had the Halloween parade at Caden's preschool. He was a a bit stunned, but SO adorable.
Reciting "5 little pumpkins" with his class.

Thursday, Andrew turned 5! The day started with presents, and a very excited little man.

Cupcakes for school.

Oooooh, a basketball hoop.

Caden and I skipped MOPS so we could bake Andrew's cake - he was an excellent helper.

Momo, our fish, received a birthday present too (a new tree) - he turned 1.

Cupcake time after dinner! Will should be more excited next year.

That night we hosted the annual YCF pumpkin carving party - it was SO much fun!

The master carvers. Will joined the party just in time for this picture (the excitiment of the pumpkin lighting woke him up).

This was my pumpkin carving for the night. Andrew's superman party was Fri night - more pics of that to come!

Celebrating Dave's bday on Saturday - the boys were happy to help him open presents. We also enjoyed dinner that night at the Choi's :).

Will took it all in from his favorite seat.

Sunday - a beautiful morning to watch a dear friend run the marine corps marathon. We popped down (the route passed 10 minutes from our house) before church, and ate muffins and hot cocoa while we waited. A very kind police officer let us warm up in his SUV for a short

bit, which was very exciting. And lastly, an O'Connell family lunch at Cactus Cantina after church to celebrate Dave and Chris's birthdays! Pics of our trick or treating fun later that evening to come soon.