A beautiful fall weekend

Ahhhh Brotherly Love! Braden was trying to read to Mason, because one of Mason's favorite words right now is "Rea, rea, rea, rea" not sure where the "d" is on that. And his second favorite word is "MINE, MINE, MINE," even though this was actually Braden's book.



Mason wants to do everything the big boys do, including dress up like a super hero!


A little outdoor time on both days, notice Braden is wearing Mardi Gras beads, not sure where they came from or how they were acquired. At one point on Sunday we had 9 kiddo's in our backyard, ages 5th grade to one month younger than Mason. Friends and neighbors. Love 'em!



Braden helped Blake with the final round of lights. Dare I say final. I don't think it's ever finished! But we love it!


A quick snapshot of Mason's dinner last night. He's loving broccoli, grilled chicken, black beans and a slice of cheese.

Happy Birthday, Jackson!

Even Mason got to go to Jackson's birthday party. He spent the morning seeing if he could fill Dad's shoes. Not just yet.

Young Professionals Annual Banquet

Our boys are well trained when it comes to the camera. We were about to duck out and asked the sitter to snap a quick picture, which brought both Braden and Mason running! Notice I'm trying to keep Mason's less than clean hand off my dress. No telling what Braden is wiping on Blake's pants!

Blake's Little Elves

Blake decided to start the Christmas Lights, on Saturday. He was in shorts and a T-shirt instead of coat and gloves, so I don't blame him one bit! He had help of course. Mason and I ran a few errands, but Braden helped with the lights.


Braden also drew this great picture of our house with lights on it, while Blake was up on the ladder.

Mason took his first dive in a mini leaf pile and loved throwing them at the camera.

We see this move a lot, but we're not quite sure what it is. He loves to show his belly and dance at the same time!

Got any change?

Mason looks on from his high chair as we fill Braden's quarter book. Yes those are green beans he's eating for lunch, and yes, he's still in his PJ's.

Braden is thrilled whenever we give him quarters for good behavior, or "just because." He's started learning about coins at school and has a ton of questions about the ridges, George Washington, etc. So last week we went to our local book store and I bought him this book for collecting the quarters. It goes from 1999 to 2009, and has a space for both the Denver and Philadelphia mints. His job is to find the year, the mint, and spell the state name, then we find it in the book.

The Great Outdoors

We had an exceptionally warm day yesterday and tried to take full advantage of every second. I took the boys, and Braden's friend, River, to ride bikes at PSU. Braden loves riding along the many sidewalk paths and pretend they are roads. I pushed Mason on the tricycle.

Due to a meltdown from Mason, we came home and played in the back yard. After another meltdown from Mason, we took a little walk to take River home.

Mason is "at that age" and didn't adjust well to the time change.


The expression on Mason's face is one we see way too much. It says, "I know I'm not supposed to be doing this, but guess what, I'm doing it anyway!"

Halloween Marathon

We started off Halloween day with Mom attempting a trip to Wal-Mart with Braden and Mason. This never happens, and it will not happen again for a very long time. We have to test our theory every now and then. Needless to say Blake went back, solo, on Sunday to finish the shopping!

After lunch Blake and Braden rode their bikes one block over for a neighborhood party at the Flemming's. As soon as Mason woke up from his nap, we joined them.

Our friendly witch, River, decorating her cupcake.

Braden twisted my arm to participate in a mummy contest.

After the party, before trick-or-treating, Blake kept the boys occupied in the back yard.

Helping Braden get ready for trick-or-treating. A white ninja was not my choice, I was amazed it stayed white after the past two days. I think the official character is from GI Joe, Storm Shadow, or something like that, Braden just loved the mask.



Mason was happy to be a spider. Like Braden at this age, he wouldn't wear the hat that matched.

Showing off his Ninja moves.

Mason is so happy because he saw the wagon that Blake brought around, but of course, Mom wanted one group picture with her ghouls.

Instantly the tears are gone!

While the guys went in search of candy, Mom had a little make0ver to hand out candy. Mason wasn't the least big phased by it, Braden thought it was really cool!

Ninjas, Vampires, Ninjas, Angels, Witches, & Super Heroes

Braden had his "fall" party on Friday at 1:45. They had treats in the classroom then the whole school paraded around outside for waiting parents and siblings. I contacted the room parent about what to bring and she suggested anything but candy!!!!! So I defaulted to our signature trail mix, minus the m&m's and added some pretzels this time. I think it was a hit.

The kids decorated mini pumpkins before the party started

This is our friend River. We were friends with her family before school, but its an added bonus that she and Braden are in the same class.

This is Ms. Vacca. Braden adores her, and so do Blake and I!

Stop to Smell the Flowers

We had the best weather for the week of Halloween. This was on Wednesday, after school, and the boys and I were hanging out on the porch admiring our new porch rail. In the spring, a storm blew one of our chairs into the curved rail of our porch and snapped it in two. Our previous owners did an excellent job of painting, we had no idea it was ROTTEN. So the entire rail had to be replaced. It was complete this week, just in time for Blake to start decorating for Christmas.

Mason loves to smell the flowers, and pop them off their stems!