Happy Halloweener

Y'ALL

Pumpkins!

It finally cleared up enough for us to visit a (still very muddy) pumpkin patch.
My growing boy!
Can I hear a "CHOO CHOO!"?
Or a "BEEP BEEP!"?
I can't believe he didn't barf... There were bounce houses too, but I didn't get any good shots. It was the perfect practice arena for Luke's new Kung Fu moves (sorry Ben and Matt!)
I always knew he was a little ghoulish.
Luke's new favorite movie is Kung Fu Panda (hence the Kung Fu moves stated above^)
At home, I am always deemed "Master Tigress" and Luke is, of course, the Dragon Warrior. Too bad he can't use me for much practice... that's saved for when Daddy gets home at night.

(Photos courtesy HAFENSTATION!)
We carved with John and Brianne while the boys "helped"... hmmm, funny they don't seem to be anywhere around... they DID stick around for the scooping of the guts, however.

Well, as much as I wanted to paint my round tummy and BE a pumpkin for Halloween (NOT!) I decided to settle on carving a couple instead.

Yes, that's my 2-year-old son with a lighter.

Can't remember why he was shirtless, but I'm pretty sure he's the cutest pumpkin of all!

The best shot I got of the finished product. Promised Dan I wouldn't mention that he carved the middle one in honor of Edward and Bella. Oops.

Vote for Luke!

SO, I had the crazy idea to submit a few photos of Luke into the GAP CASTING CALL! Obviously I think he's the cutest boy to ever walk the earth... but who knows if they'll agree!

However, the child that gets the most fan favorite votes also gets some cool prizes. So VOTE FOR LUKE! (And I promise he'll do 'ya proud!) You can vote once each day. (The link may take a minute or two to work...)

By the way, for voting you can receive coupons for 20% off your entire purchase at any Gap store.

THANKS GUYS!

Singing the (no)Napping Blues...

(Dan and Luke enjoying the second session of conference!)

Calling all mom's!

I need some help. Luke is going through the ever dreaded transition out of naphood (dun dun DUN!) He's almost 3, so I guess it's not extremely early for this to happen... but much earlier than I would have allowed if given a choice.

I would customarily put him down right after lunchtime. About 2 months ago he really started fighting it and would not fall asleep until about 2:30 or 3:00. I learned quickly and pushed back nap time to 2:30 or 3:00 when I knew he would actually fall asleep. The only problem then is that he would wake up around 4:30 or 5:00pm and not be tired enough to go to sleep for the night until 10:00pm at the earliest!! Gah! We lived through that for a while because it was summer, Dan didn't get home until 7ish anyway, so having those extra hours at night was OK for the time being.

So, now I feel like I'd much rather him go to bed at 7:30pm-ish and wake up at 8:30am-ish - which is what happens if he doesn't take any sort of nap. There are two problems for which I need your expert advice:

1. I (we) still desperately need some sort of a break in the afternoon from him (each other.) We've tried a few unsuccessful quiet times-- I feel it's because he is just still too young to entertain himself in his room for a great stretch of time. We got a "quiet time timer" to set, and even some strictly "quiet time toys" which seemed to help a little... but still, about 10-15 minutes into it, he's banging at the door to come downstairs. I really don't want him in front of the TV for a long stretch of time every day, so I just don't know what to do!

2. If I give him no nap, about 4:30 he hits a wall and gets very cranky and tired. If we're in the car he'll just conk out. Some days that crankiness will last until bedtime at 7:30 or 8, and by then I want to hurt people - specifically him. Any thoughts?

Thanks for taking pity on a first-time mom. I would love to hear any ideas that worked for you!

How do you spell LUST?

M-A-D-S-E-N!

Aren't these darling?

Click on a pic for more info on their once-a-week giveaway!

Lake Winni(pesaukee)!

Things I love about the lake:

1. Quality family time2. Watching a blissful Luke finding his element.

3. Watching Dan live the way he'd like to 24/7/365...

4. Once again... I think he grew some gills over the week!

5. Finding a little adventure around every corner!

And certainly not least--
6. Noticing Luke taking after Dad- working on his "upper thigh tan"
(Looks like it still needs a little work...)

A few quick references if you are unfamiliar with the upper thigh tan:
(Warning, may cause blindness and/or nausea.)
Winni '07
St George '07

The de-blonding of Bree

Welp, I finally took the final step out of the realm of blond (dun dun dun!) It's been a gradual process from my once platinum locks to this-- but as of this morning I would still consider myself a "blond" more or less. Well, I don't think I could be mistaken for that anymore! What do you think (of course I mean, tell me what you think if you really like it!)

P.S. A shout out to Brianne who so kindly watched Luke right during nap time so I could get my hair done. She's the bestest.