Taking after mom

During lunch, I sat at the table with the kids and found Aden reading a book while eating...

Since he started reading, I see him do things (like brush his teeth, eating, etc. ) while reading a book. He reminds me so much of myself...this is something that I do quite often. And today, I had to take a picture since I caught a glimpse of myself in my boy and made me so happy that he loves to read!

Halloween 2011

This is a post I haven't made before - Halloween pictures! That is because this is the first year my kids decided they want to do Halloween. Actually, Aden decided that he will give Halloween a chance...at the last minute. After I picked him up from school, we went to Freddy's. Talked to him about Halloween and sort of talked him into it. We found a costume on the rack (for a fraction of the price!) and we were set! Kadence costume came from the Tillett's, so we were set! I made an impromptu call to the Tilletts and joined in the fun. Aden loved it - mostly the running around part with his friends. Kadence had a good time too, although had a hard time catching up to the big kids. Thanks to Dad who took her to each door. Neither one of them wanted anything to do with the candy, which made me so proud of them. Aden wanted to save the candy to give away to kids next year! Funny kid.

Perfect October day at the beach

We made an impromptu beach trip last weekend. It was a short trip - but it was definitely worth it! A nice, warm day at the beach at the end of October is what we needed.

Swingin'

Pumpkin Patch 2011

My Romeo

My sweet boy - I get something like this at least once a week! He's such a sweet, sentimental and sensitive boy. He's definitely my little charmer!

Big Girl Bed

Our baby is officially a big girl! She transitioned to her big girl bed first week of October. I was really afraid that Kadence will have a hard time giving up her crib - she loved sleeping in there and had never tried to crawl in and out of it (both of our kids never tried to get out of their cribs!) Good thing we had a good excuse to move on to a big girl bed...new baby in the group! I was a little sad to see the crib go...it was a sign that our kids are growing up way too fast.

Kadence did so well and up to this day, we haven't had any issues of her sleeping in her bed. She just loves it! Even nap time is not an issue. I am so amazed! She picked out her own sheets and everything and she's loved it ever since!



Last camping trip of 2011

It's now a tradition - camp one last time the next nice weekend after the Surfslam event. This year did not disappoint. The weather was awesome for Friday and Saturday - the packup on Sunday was a bit challenging due to the changing weather. But even with that, we still had an amazing time that we will for sure plan on this again for next year! Darin even dusted off his party hat from Fiji - a sure sign of good times ahead!

D trying to slide down the sand hill using a kite board!

Kadence swimming with Dane

Riding their own boat

These two are able to make the best of any situation. They see a puddle on the beach, they pretend they're on a lake and made their own boat. These kids will always amaze me.

Surslam 2011

Another amazing event! I didn't take any pictures at all - big thanks to my sister who took these pictures, helped us for the weekend with the kids and "allowed" us to party it up at night. I think I might have partied way too much that weekend...fun times!

Aden's first day of school

The moment that I've been dreading for the past 5 years...my little boy going to Kindergarten! It was a very surreal moment for me. I tried my best not to lose it, but as Aden was walking to his classroom, I lost it and got quite teary. I'm so proud of him, for being so great at adapting to everything we throw at him and for being so excited about going to school. He's loved every single day of school and although mornings are quite hectic at our house, I'm embracing the changes that are happening, no matter how emotionally challenging it is for me!

 

Kadence excited to see Aden during pick-up!

Labor Day Weekend 2011

We've had a few awesome weekends at the beach this summer, Labor Day weeekend did not disappoint. Although Darin had a little mishap while practicing and had to make a quick ER trip for a few stitches, we still considered it as a great weekend this summer. Thanks to awesome friends who hang with us and shared in our moments! Ice cream on the beach was a very special treat - thanks to Dane's parents. The kids will now always have high expectations!

Cooling off

Our summer visit to one of our favorite water parks.

Even at the park, he has to read!

Aden reads!

A few months ago, we realized that Aden started reading. Full on reading. Not just memorizing the books but actually knowing what the words looks like and reading it. We will borrow library books and he will just read them out loud. Every page, from start to finish. Since then, he is always with a book. He'll wake up in the morning, go to the bathroom, then back to his room to read. He reminds me so much of myself, especially when I caught him reading a book while brushing his teeth! He continues to amaze us everyday.

Sibling love

Moments like these are the ones I never want to forget...

My cutie pie