Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween!

 
Yogurt smoothies before we went out trick-or-treating.
 
 
The Mischievous Matilda.
 

Self portrait.
 
 
So serious.
 
 
The pirates take self portraits. We both had our cameras out to take photos. Man is he ever cute! Arrrr!
 
 
 
More Matilda Monster.
 
 
Release them into the wild!
 
 
 
Tavin and Matilda with their friend, Benjamin, and his mommy Lindsay.
 
 
Matilda getting her first trick-or-treat candy.
 
 
The three amigos.
 
We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather for Halloween! It was an early night out for these trick-or-treaters. Not many people were even home to give out candy...but they just needed the experience, not a ton of candy! We had fun!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Tavin's 3rd Birthday!

 
The Birthday Boy is in his party hat! He was carrying around his two Thomas balloons for quite awhile...they were right next to his bed while he slept that night and right back in his hands when he woke the next morning.

 
Getting ready for the party...Dad was busy blowing up many, many balloons.

 
The Gillen Girls always make any party fun!

 
Tavin and Matilda's new friend, Benjamin, came to the party and got Tavin a Doctor's kit.

 
Tavin trying out his new stethoscope.

 
Matilda and Benjamin

 
Tavin and Dad, opening presents.

 
Tavin with his new, super cool camera.

 
Choo choo train ice cream cake!

 
Yum!

 
Tavin checking out his "new" trike. (gently used hand-me-down) It is a bit tall for him yet.
 
 
A tuckered out Tavin cuddled up with Dad...football time.
 
It was a fun day for Tavin on his birthday. He got some cool gifts and is enjoying them all!
 
Tavin and Matilda are doing great! We are adjusting to the cooler weather...a few sniffles here and there, mostly mine. We have been visiting the Sioux Falls libraries for story time and we are still going to Kindermusik...still looking for new indoor activities for the cooler weather.
 
Tavin had his three year wellness check. His doctor says he's doing great and right on track. Tavin is 3'3" tall, 80th percentile and 28 lbs 3.2 oz, 15th percentile. Long and lean!
 
Matilda surprised us the other morning by climbing out of her crib! I heard her cry out and went to her room only to be greeted by her at the door. I don't know how she managed it! Her mattress is as low as it can get...if she does it again Dad may have to drill extra holes in the crib to make it even lower. Or we may have to put a net over the crib to keep her inside!
 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Apple Orchard

 
Once she had a hold of those two apples she wouldn't let go...for almost our entire visit at the orchard. Double fisting apples. She'd alternate which apple she would bite.


 
Tavin had fun picking apples with Grandpa Jerry!

 
Yummy apples!


 
Grandpa Jerry and Tavin having some apple too!

 
Sitting on the trailer enjoying our apples.
 
When we got back to the main entrance we shared some freshly made kettle corn...we visited some ponies, goats, sheep, ducks and donkeys. Grandpa almost convinced Tavin to ride a pony.... but once Tavin got on the pony he said, "Uh uh."
 
We had a great time at the orchard, thanks Grandpa!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Other fun pics

 
 
Our 5 year anniversary. Date night!
 
 
Tea time in Tea. Matilda loves to sit on the table.
 
 
Train ride at the zoo. The boys look so cool.
 
 
Tavin by the ducks, one of his favorite animals at the zoo. (Go figure)
 
 
Matilda deciding whether or not she can climb the statue.
 
 
One of the playground areas at our apartment. The kids love it!
(Always covered in sand after, of course.)
 
 
Tavin in action.
 
 
Tavin walking up the slide.
 
 
Matilda making sure she is good and covered with sand.
 
 
Tavin is having fun climbing!

Visit with Great Grandma

 
Munching on a cookie. He has more cookies at Great Grandma's in one day than he normally does in one month!

 
Matilda showing off her pretty dress and her fancy walking skills.




 
Oops! Weeeeeee!

Happy Birthday to Mom!

 
It was a great birthday for Mom! Tavin, Matilda and I went to Hy-vee for cupcakes - Yum! Then we went to the zoo...both at Tavin's request but it all sounded good to me and Matilda. We spent most of our time feeding the ducks and goats, Tavin's favorite. (If you listen closely you will hear Tavin say, "Happy Birthday, Mommy." What a sweetheart!)
 
 
This tiger is usually rather difficult to see, he tends to hide on the other side of the rocks. Today he made a special, close-up appearance...it seemed just for us.
 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Family photos

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aunt Heidi met us at the park to take some family photos.
The kids just wanted to run around with their cousins.
Someday will be able to have some family photos taken without holding our children down.