October 2014

Halloween is Tyson and Lilly’s favorite holiday so we try to pack the month full with Halloween activities.

This year we visited Wallace’s Gardening Center for all of their Halloween activities and pumpkins. They have bouncy houses, a blow up slide, small hay maze, toy tractors and pumpkins.

 

We spent a day at Pride of the Wapsi Pumpkin Patch. We did this last year as well. They have goats, bunnies, tunnels, slides, a family barrel roll, pony rides, a sandbox filled with corn kernels, a train ride and a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch. Bennett was a little young to do the train or pony ride. He did enjoy the slides and sandbox. Lilly loved everything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

We spent a weekend in Nauvoo for a ward temple trip. I know this isn’t Halloween related but I still thought I would record it. We woke up early in the morning and drove down. Kathy sent us some family names to do so that was a lot of fun. I did an initiatory session for my name while Tyson was at the temple welcome center with the kids. Once I was done he handed over the kids and completed an endowment session for his name. Since his session went longer than mine I took the kids out exploring old Nauvoo.  I am very thankful for their pioneer children area with costumes and toys. It keeps the kids nice and busy. Luckily it was a warmer day. After our sessions were done we headed home. It was a full Saturday and very enjoyable.

Our wards Trunk-or-Treat is always the Saturday before Halloween. I decided to dress up with Lilly. She really wanted Tyson to be a ghost but he wouldn’t make it happen. This Halloween was nice because Lilly used the same costume as last year and Bennett’s costume was a hand-me-down so I didn’t have to spend any money on costumes.

 

 

We made sure to carve our pumpkins for Family Home Evening instead of waiting for Halloween this year. It was such a better idea than trying to squeeze it in on the day of Halloween.

We started Trick-or-Treating as a whole family. Bennett did not last long though so I went home with him after about 5 houses. Lilly and Tyson continued without us while I handed out candy at home. Bennett was a wonderful greeter. Except, he insisted on eating candy all night and every time I opened the door he would crawl outside. It was hard trying to juggle him and the candy bowl. Our door was really sticky and gross by the end of the night, sticky finger prints all over it.

Once Tyson and Lilly got back I wanted a turn taking her out so we went down the street. She was one whinny girl by that time though and it wasn’t worth it. It was windy and cold that night. After Lilly was done she had fun with daddy handing out candy.

Bennett's 1st Birthday

We celebrated Bennett’s first birthday by going to Monkey Joe’s, a local bouncy house play zone. I like the Monkey Joe’s because they have a specific area for kids that are 3 and under. Bennett had so much fun crawling on everything and playing with the things on the wall.

 

Lilly and I decorated the house with streamers, banners and we bought Bennett some balloons. Balloons have become a tradition at our house.

Bennett’s birthday dinner was Fettuccine Alfredo. He loves pasta! After dinner we opened presents. Lilly made sure to help Bennett open each one even if he didn’t want her to. He was really excited about everything he got. I think his and Lilly’s favorite was the play tunnel. It folds up into a carrying case. Sometimes Bennett will carry it over to me so I can open it for him.

 

 

 

Bennett’s had a John Deere cake. He was a little hesitant eating the cake with his hands. He finally got the hang of it but then he decided he didn’t like having his hands covered in frosting. He preferred if I would feed him with a fork.

My baby’s 1^st birthdays are always a little sad for me. It means my baby is gone. It is good toddlers are still pretty cute and cuddly.

 

 

Happy Birthday Bennett,

The timing of your arrival in our family was perfect. Everyone was so ready for you. You have brought joy and love to all of us. I am so lucky to have another easy baby. You always sleep well, eat well, and have an extremely laid back personality. You love being on the move, figuring things out, sitting on mommy’s lap when you are sleepy, and playing with your sister. And we love watching you do all of it.

You have had a busy first year including vacations to Arizona, Utah, Chicago, Wisconsin Dells, and Nauvoo, swimming lessons, play-dates, visitors, baseball games and many many many family activates. You are very active and the fastest crawler in the world. Whenever someone sees you crawl they always comment on your speed.      

Thank you for eating everything we give you quickly and easily. Thank you for being so relaxed and laid back. Thank you for being mommy’s little buddy. I am sorry your sister bosses you around and that the dog doesn’t want to cuddle with you.

Your mommy and daddy love you so much!

Love,

Mommy