Pumpkin Patch

We went to the pumpkin patch this year and picked out the perfect pumpkin.  And then we forgot it there.  Oops.  Luckily Papa Henn carved us a super pumpkin.  

Oliver

What a cutie.

Laying in a bed of baby tears at Disneyland.

Communicating boy

Nico loves to talk and has always been a bit advanced in his speech.  I remember the doctor at one appointment asking if he had 20 words in his vocabulary and going home that night to make a list, only to discover he had over 50 words that he knew and used.  I have been warned that Ollie will not talk like that with a brother like Nico, who will speak for him. 

So a sample of Nico phrases....

Speaking with a loud voice "I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT", later we realize he picked this up from Little Einstiens.

"I so proud you, Mama",  Something we say alot during our potty training phase

After tripping on Nico's foot he says to me, "You hurt my feewings, MOM"

Nico:   "Mom"

Me:       "What"

Nico:    "Mom"

Me:      "WHat"

Nico:     "Mom"

Me:       "WHAAT"

Nico:    "Calm down, Mom"

After accidentally opening the umbrella in the house..... "Turn it off mom, Turn off!"

Favorite Things....

Nicolas loves:

Watching Curious George and reading  Go, Dog go

Cereal, pears, any melon, pasta

Wizards and superheros

Playing with his trains 

Cooking dinner with me

Ollie Loves:

Eating, especially at night

Being sung and read to

Having his diaper changed

Having his face caressed

Being in his swing

Holidays

So the year is almost over and despite the freshness that spring brings, I love the cold, damp, chilliness comes with the fall.  I love wearing socks around the house and having to bundle up with a blanket at night on the couch.  I love green bean casserole made my mom's special way.  I can't wait for Thanksgiving this year, and of course for Christmas.  I think Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, it's like Christmas without the stress.  Although I love Christmas, too.  I am excited about teaching my children over the years the true meaning of Christmas and benefitting from that lesson myself.  I love to think of the stories of the Savior's birth and all that transpired during that mementos occasion.  I love to think of the wise men and why we give gifts.  I love to think of my family and friends and what special treasures I can find for them this year and I love to prepare my holiday mailing list.  It is always about 75 people, no matter how hard I try to edit.  I have sent cards since I was about 13 and it is a tradition that I value and look forward to.  A cup of hot cocoa, Celine singing christmas songs in the background and my stack of cute holiday stamps that I bought really early so they didn't run out.  I am sure no one really values my cards too much, just another Christmas card, but I find true joy in sending them, just as I do in sending thank you cards.  It makes me happy.  So as the year comes to close and I feel nostalgic I will prepare to celebrate with all of my senses, yummy smells, twinkly sights, delicious tastes, magical sounds, and plenty of loved ones to touch with a hug or kiss.

Family

For Thanksgiving 2006, my entire family came down to Ventura to celebrate with us.  I cooked a turkey and decorated our clubhouse like a fall forest and we had a yummy meal all together.  It was fabulous and I hope to be the host again someday.  After dinner we all went down to the beach to take some photos.  I have been reminiscent lately and loved these great shots of all of us together.  

                                                   

Home Sweet Ventura

Shawn and I go "home" to the central valley often.  We love going to see our families and friends.  Two and a half to three hours and I can be hugging one of my brothers or hanging with my in-laws.  I miss home alot and talk to my brother, cousin and mother in law nearly every day, to stay connected.  BUT, after visiting for a weekend or longer, there is nothing like the drive back home to Ventura.  Once I hit the 126, the temp starts to drop and the air freshens and if I am lucky, as I drive into Ventura there is a beautiful layer of wet fog.  It is a wonderful place to live and we are so grateful to be here.  I bet my dad when I was about 14, that I would one day be a DR., live at the beach, and have adopted some babies.  Well, not all my dreams came to pass, but I am still young, and I can cross one thing off my list.  I rarely go to the beach or get in the water, but that in no way devalues my love for Ventura.  I would be happy to grow old here.  I wish for only one thing, an extra bedroom for two, so we could have our families here more comfortably.  Regardless, it is a great life!