3 Pumpkins

3 Pumpkins
Originally uploaded by kristn1284

During our trip out east to visit Uncle Frank, Aunt Charlotte and 4 month old cousin Zachary we attempted to photograph our 3 pumpkins sitting on 3 pumpkins at the pumpkin patch.

This was the best of the bunch, even at that no one wanted to cooperate. But we had fun. Lots of fun. Even when Mommy had to take both kids into a port-a-john (worst fears realized), even when we had a scary few minutes in the corn maze, even when the fire trucks all blew their horns on the way out, we had fun. I mean, there was homemade ice-a-cream, how could it not be good?

I am particularly fond of this one

Sweet girl
Originally uploaded by kristn1284

Oh my sweet daughter, I hope you always feel the sun on your face.

Cozy Pillow

Soft pajamas and a Cozy Pillow
Originally uploaded by kristn1284

I was taking a picture of these pajamas the other night and didn’t realize until I looked on the camera that Nate was clutching his “Cozy Pillow”. It is such an appendage all day and night I don’t even see it anymore.

About 4 months ago I was putting him down for a nap and he said “I need a pillow” (pronounced pill-woah). I remembered I had Annabelle’s first bed pillow in her closet and went to get it for him. He had never seen it before and I still wonder why all of a sudden he felt the need for a pillow, but whatever. He immediately hugged it and stated “Nate’s cozy pillow” and lay down to sleep. Upon awakening he insisted on bringing it downstairs and so it started.

Nate has Cozy Pillow in his hand or at least in the same room with him constantly. We established a rule that Cozy Pillow does not leave the house unless we are going away overnight, but that doesn’t keep him from asking every single time we are on our way out the door. He crawls up in his booster seat at mealtimes, leans forward and says “Cozy Pillow peas” and we put it behind his back. Sometimes he will be in the middle of playing and look around until he connects with Cozy Pillow, then he will toddle over, give it a cuddle while saying “Comfy, Cozy Pillow”, then return to his activity.

Washing it is a challenge. Once I tried to do it while he was awake by explaining “Cozy pillow needs a bath” but he fretted so much for that hour that now I take my chances while he is sleeping. Some nights I have to check 2 or 3 times until he is in a position that I can extract it from his clutches without waking him.

I will admit at age 38 I still sleep with the toddler size pillow my Nana made for my crib. While I have spent several nights of my life without it, I think I sleep much better when it is present. So this I get. Life is just a little easier when you have a Comfy Cozy Pillow in which to lay your head.

Autumn Fun

We are still recovering from October. October is our busy season. “We have so much time, and so little to do! Strike that. Reverse it.” We spent the second weekend of the month on the go. Saturday was Trick or Treating at HalloBoo! Our favorite Story Book Forest turned into a non-scary Halloween setting. Aunt Karen went with Nana, Mom, Snow White and Prince Charming to spend a warmer than normal (or necessary) day at the park. We trick or treated with the Storybook characters. The kids and Karen did their favorite “pumpkin dancing” in Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater’s house. We made our own S’Mores. Of course Nate’s favorite activity, riding the train. Other than Nate wanting to and almost taking a dive into the purple fountain we all agreed it was just the best day. Fun, relaxed and guaranteed to wear everyone out. Sunday dawned bright and warm again so we headed to the mountains. The annual Autumnfest celebration at a ski resort we enjoy so much. Beautiful leaves on the drive, wonderful food at the buffet and great company. We met Aunt Karen & Kurt, Jeremy & Josh with Mandy to spend a family day celebrating the latter 3’s birthday on the 13th. The kid’s favorite activity was running the hay maze. Annabelle rode a horse and jumped in a bouncy house. I finally got all to sit still moment to capture a cousin picture. Another fun fall day.