Coming back for more?

So this cat's name is Sam.  Sam has been such a good and patient kitty.  Many times I wonder if he was dropped on his head as a baby.  He's been visiting us about once a day or two.  He is soooo sweet.  He purrs even when he is being held only by his neck, under the bed covers, or in jumpball position between the kids.  

"Life is good while....

 watching toons with the kids

 taking a high speed "stroll"

 nuzzled  by Jojo

or lounging on the countertop."

(my favorite picture.   I really questioned his mental state when I saw this taking place)

I'm trying to get these posts in while I have time and before I have a new subject to post on.  Speaking of as of Oct 5.  I was 2cm dilated and 50% effaced.  We are headed off to Jacob and Emily's wedding this weekend.  We aren't very worried though.  I was progressed early with the other kids and they were on time and late.  Wednesday was my last day of work and I felt like a kid going on Christmas break.  Hopefully I'll get some one on one time with the kids before #3.  Also, still taking suggestions for girl names.

Pretty Ears

June Bug had been so excited to get Lillian's ear pierced.  So I decided for her birthday I would finally take the plunge.  Now I always thought I would get my little girl's ears pierced when she was a baby like my mom did when I was a baby.  When it came down to it I always had a reason why it wasn't the right time.  For one thing it's crazy how strongly people feel on the subject of ear piercing.  As with most things in parenting, I don't have a really strong opinion on what the "right" thing to do is.  I could see the pros and cons both ways.  The only thing I knew from my experience is that I don't remember the pain of getting mine done,  don't remember the fear or having to make that decision as a "X" year old.  So with some encouragement from my Grandma or maybe it was the challenge that she thought I would back out, we decided to get it done.   It wasn't that bad and I'm happy that this is a gift she'll have from her great grandma for the rest of her life.  Or maybe Lillian will hate me for the rest of her life for having her subjected to the pain at such a young age and stripping her of the right to choose what holes to put in her body.  Although I'm sure someday it'll be me begging her not to put in anymore holes. 

She sat like such a big girl.

This was serious business

The moment before

 during the middle of the act

all over.  

"Let's look at your pretty earrings in the mirror"

 Oh wait! I forgot to tell them that she is a complete drama queen when she looks in the mirror.  So the floods gates opened wide... just for a minute, then stopped as quickly as they began...

 .... because she got a sucker!  All better.

 Walking through the mall happily with June Bug.

I must admit it wasn't as bad as I expected.  I really wanted to take her to an actual tattoo/piercer.  It's worse when I take her to get her shots.  Then she does the "silent scream" before the real tears come.  This was super quick and the holes were nicely placed on her ears.

Riley Park

On Lillian's actual birthday we took her to the park to play... and take pictures.  I bought these outfits for them awhile ago and had their pictures taken at Target.  The only one I purchased was the one of Josiah crying while Lillian was laughing her head off.   We had such a good time.  We are able to make it over to Riley park about once a month.  They have fun on the playground except I'm constantly worried that they are going to end up in the creek.  Enjoy the pics of my big 2 year old, Lillian, and the always cute, Josiah.

Apple of our eye

I can't believe our little girl is 2.   Lillian is a one of kind.  I love how serious, how cuddly, and how sweet she can be.  My favorite is to just to watch her do her own thing.  She makes me laugh all the time just by watching her.  Josiah is trys to be a clownShe thought she was pretty for her birthday with the bow on her head and sparkles in her hair.  It has been such a fun two years with her.  I can't think of any really tough times I've had with her.  I'm sure those will come later down the road as she gets old, but for now I'm going to continue loving every minute with this funny girl.

Lillian has daddy wrapped around her finger.  She loves to gives him kisses and wants to know where he's at every morning.  Then when he comes home in the evening she runs with her arms wide open and yells "Daddy."

Looking like a big girl.  The shirt was perfect considering how much she likes to eat.

Anna and I made the cupcakes.  It was so much fun and they looked just as good as the pictures.

She had fun opening her presents.

Grandpa John and Grandma Alma were able to come over one night to celebrate.  She loved her "princess" clothes.  She's still wearing the beads.  The wand and crown have already been demolished. Sorry Grandpa, but they were lovely while they lasted.

Grant and the kids also went out with Grammy for a birthday fiesta.

Looks like he's having too much fun. 

I guess she wasn't such a fan of the sombrero.

Happy Birthday Lillian.  We love you so much!!!

Also, thank you to everyone for making our little girl feel so special.

Annual Anderson Orchard Outing

Anna and I headed out for our first visit of orchard season.  I love the first carmel apple and apple slushie of the season.  The kids had a great time and Jensen was able to get in on the action this year.  There were so many good pictures and I only picked a few.  I think the rest might be on facebook.

Straight out of the car.

I guess it is possible to get a picture of Lil smiling.

Looking all grown up.

Sophia's first day of Pre-K.  Looking all snazzy in her uniform.

Jensen being cute as always.

priceless...

I hope the kids will look back with fond memories someday.  

Well, hopefully they won't remember us yelling at them "don't go to far, don't pick the apples, don't touch the rotten ones, and watch out for bees."

just a break

Sorry we are having cable problems at our house.  Once we get it fixed I have lots of pictures to share.  Our computer and phones aren't working so just call my cell if you need to reach me.