Thanksgiving

So much to be thankful for this year!

Thankful for lots of playtime with cousins.

Thankful for Gigi's homemade rolls!

Thankful for everyone at one big table. (Not sure why Cameron looks sad. And, how did Cooper know to poke his head around at the very far end of the table?!)

Thankful for a great football game.

Thankful Uncle Ed was able to do his post-game show remotely and we got the phone line working. Phew! Who knew a radio show could sound great in a kitchen?!

Thankful for Gigi tickling our toes.

Thankful for an amazing husband.

But, most of all, I'm thankful for my life and all the blessings God has given us!

Mommy's Helper

I don't know what it's like loading and unloading the dishwasher at your house, but these days, I have a little extra "help." I've quickly learned that the technique has to be to unload the dishes quickly onto the counter first, shut the washer, then proceed to put away the dishes while dancing around a little monkey.

Playdate and Best Friends

Last weekend we took advantage of a beautiful Sunday afternoon, grabbed some friends, and headed to...surprise, surprise...the Arboretum. It was the first time we had Cooper, Caden, baby Hunter (who is exactly one year behind Coop and Caden), and Kylie (Caden's big sister) all together for a playdate. The kiddos and mommies had such a fun day!

I love this series of Coop and Caden. Ok...so we are all still learning to share!

I think Cooper's favorite part of the day was running around and playing with Kylie. She was so great with him, too. Every time I looked up, there was Cooper waddling around in the grass with Kylie right behind him. It was so cute to see!

Such a fun day with great friends!!

Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere

A few weeks ago, Coop and I headed to the Arboretum for a Mommy and Me Monday. They have an amazing Fall Festival, with a huge pumpkin patch. Last year, Cooper was too little to check out the pumpkin patch, so I was really excited about taking him this year. We lucked out the day we chose to go because it was overcast and rain was headed our way, so we basically had the whole place to ourselves. After a Mommy and Me music class, Coop and I headed over to the big pumpkin patch, and don't let this face fool you, someone had tons of f-u-n!

After walking around the mounds of pumpkins, I came across this great bench. Cooper instantly became focused on this bench and played for over an hour!

He climbed up and down, up and down, up and down.

A few times, I stacked pumpkins in one corner for him, and he had lots of fun throwing the pumpkins on the ground one by one.

Cooper totally went into his own world while playing on this bench. He just chatted away to himself and moved his little hands around like he was having a conversation with a friend. I walked all around him with my camera, just snapping away, and he only gave me an occasional glance!

I love muddy feet!

And, just before we left, someone became REALLY silly!

Nope, not a pirate, just Cooper!