November

See, I knew I would not be very good at this. I can't believe November is over! I have spent all month thinking, oh I need to blog but just haven't done it. So, here are some pictures of our month. Not much going on, just a few snapshots here and there of the boys.

Brady is definitely into balls and sports. He loves being outside and playing with balls. He also loves pushing things like tractors, the toy lawn mower, strollers and anything he can move.

Dylan is getting very good at riding his bike and his tricycle around in the back yard. We finally have a patio and grass, so he rides his bikes around the patio, down the side of the house and back again - over and over. It has been really nice to be able to send them both out to the back yard to play.

Snack time has become a ritual of getting crackers from Mom in the kitchen and then running to the fireplace to sit together and eat them. It is very cute! One of the only times they actually get along and big brother isn't picking on the little guy.

Dylan doesn't nap anymore but he still has to have "rest-time" in his room, by himself for an hour everyday. I don't ever really know what goes on in there, but every once in a while he gives me clues. He came out dressed like this . . .

Brady loves colors! Not necessarily to color with them, but to eat them. He helped brother one day eat all the crayons!

Dylan just wanted a picture of himself in his jacket.

We had a sick week a couple weeks ago now. Brady got it first and was sick for about a week, then Dylan got it. He spent an entire day on the couch.

Brad is in Medic school right now, so he studies at the Dining Room table. He has all his books spread out on the table and the boys love to help him study. He lets them "high-light" his book for him.

Happy Halloween

We went to a friends house and decorated sugar cookies.

The kids really just ate the frosting and the moms ended up doing most of the decorating!

Brady enjoying powdered sugar frosting.

Auntie Megan with Dylan.

Auntie Megan with Brady.

Pirate Dylan.

Brady would not leave Papa's side. Papa took Brady to each door and helped him get his treats.

Dylan loved "trick or treating" this year. He and Brad would practice in the bedroom doors before going out. He loved getting all the treats!

Pumpkin carving

Brady did not like the smell of the pumpkins. He would not even put his hands in.

At first, Dylan didn't want to help, but as soon as we started digging out the seeds he dug in himself and had fun.

Pumpkin Patch

This is our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch. We started a tradition for Dylan's first Halloween that we dressed him up in his costume and went to the pumpkin patch. We had originally done this because Brad wasn't going to be home on Halloween, so we put him in his costume so Brad could see him and be a part of Halloween in this way instead. Well, we have continued this over the last three years, but as the kids get older it kind of gets funnier. We arrive at the pumpkin patch and, of course, our kids are the only ones in costumes. Brad and I just chuckle to each other and continue on getting the kids ready, telling ourselves that this is our special tradition. At least they are still too young to realize that this in no one else's tradition and will probably soon not want to dress up for the pumpkin patch any more. But for now, it is kind of fun:).

Dylan decided for himself that he wanted to be a pirate this year. He loves the clothes part of the costume but barely keeps the accesories on long enough for even a picture.

For some reason, both the boys liked the white pumpkins this year. So, we ended up with one!

Brady was a monkey for our Pumpkin Patch excursion but will be a High Seas Buchaneer for Halloween. It is a long story, but basically I procrastinated on what I wanted him to be so I ended up paying more than I wanted to for a costume and am stuck with it. It is still really cute though.

It was a really hot day this day, probably about 85 degrees. So, we didn't get very good family pictures. Poor Brady was sweating in his monkey suit!

Soccer

I decided to put Dylan in soccer this fall. It is just a 4 week class, once a week. So, far he hasn't enjoyed it very much. The first week was aweful, he cried and would not participate. The second week was better - he didn't cry but still wouldn't participate. The third week was even better - he actually got out there and kicked the ball around a little. He even scored a goal! We have one more class . . . we will see how it goes:)!

Brady wanted to play soccer. He actually got out there and dribbled really well.

Brad and Brady watching Dylan play soccer

Here Goes . . .

Well, I have finally succomb to the pressure to blog! I have resisted for a long time, but I have been convinced and persuaded by many friends that there are benefits. My main reason is to share pictures and family updates with friends and family more readily and easily. So, you will not find profound writings or thoughts, just simple notes of what we are up to and, hopefully, some pictures that will brighten your days and make you smile. I can not commit to any regular postings at this time, so just check back periodically for an occasional picture or two.

Here goes . . . .

Dylan - almost 3 1/2

Brady - 19 1/2 months

making his "stinky face"