Happy Halloween!

Tonight the Tiroux's came over for dinner and trick or treating. Hudson and Olivia had a hard time sitting down to eat, they were too excited to go trick or treating. After we finally got them to eat something we got the kids dressed in their costumes, bundled up and headed out. This is the first year that Hudson has been excited for Halloween and it was so fun to hear him say "trick or treat" and "thank you" without being told what to say. After each house he would say "are we going to another one?" I don't even think he cared about the candy. He just loved the excitement of the decorations, orange lights, kids running down the street and knocking on doors. Bennett loved waving to everyone and even said "thank you" at each door. Hands down this was my favorite Halloween yet (with kids that is).

Bennett Eating Dinner

Silly Olivia and Hudson

Getting Ready to Trick or Treat

My Football and Seahawk

Shelbi and Olivia (Minnie Mouse)

My Seahawk

Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm

Mandy, Mady and Henry came all the way from Portland to make our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. This time we went to Bob's and it was a hit! The kids loved the cow train, the pony ride, tractor ride and face painting. Hudson decided that he loves horses and thinks he wants one for a pet. I don't see that in his future. At least we know where to come next year so he can have another pony ride.

One Year Photo

We had a family/Bennett's one year photo session a few weeks ago. The pictures turned out amazing, but I'm not sharing them since I'm not sure what one will be used for our Christmas card. Here is one of Bennett that I adore.

First Date

Hudson playing hard to get.

Sweet Olivia doesn't give up.

It worked! Look at that smile!

Holding hands...so cute.

Bennett had a date too.

Last night Hudson and Olivia had their first date. They had dinner at Red Robin and cookies at Barnes and Noble after. Hudson was quite the gentleman. He got her a balloon, gave her hug when she didn't want to sit in a highchair, helped her with her water and held her hand on the walk to Barnes and Noble after dinner. At the end of the night he even gave her a kiss. Oh, how I wish I had my camera out then.

Pumpkin Patch

Today we headed to the Farm in Snohomish and it was the perfect day for it. Hudson loved seeing all the animals. He rode the cow train all by himself. When he got off he ran over to me with the biggest smile and said "I did it all by myself, and I didn't cry", he looked so proud. We watched a duck race (hilarious) and had fun walking through the big pumpkin patch. We had so much fun, I think we might need to go back next weekend!

Bennett's New Car

Hudson spends a lot of time riding his bike. Now Bennett can "drive" along with him instead of being trapped in the stroller or Ergo. He loves waving at all the neighbors and cars that drive by.

Boo!

The boys were more than excited to get boo-ed! This means a friend left Halloween treats on our front door and a sign the says you have been Boo-ed. The boys then were able to return the fun favor to one of their friends. This is our first time being boo-ed. It was a great way to get ready for Halloween.

Soccer

Bennett's Birthday Party

My baby is ONE!

Yummy cake pops...treats for everyone!

Bennett's Cake

Brothers

Having Fun at the Party

Blowing Kisses

Daddy, Bennett and Mommy

Cake Time!

We had a nice little party at The Little Gym for Bennett's birthday. We invited our family and a few of his buddies. It was nice to have it smaller than we have done in the past. I gave me time to enjoy the party and baby turning one. Bennett had a blast watching the big kids running around, he chased the balls, loved the bubbles and was totally amazed that I set a big cake down in front of him and let him have at it. He enjoyed it, but was cautious. He made it through opening presents without falling asleep and I thought for sure that would be the end of him. He surprised us all (as usual) and even sat through dinner and singing "happy birthday" at Red Robin after the party. The day was a 100% success.

12 Months

Things that Bennett is doing now...

Signing milk

Saying dog, woof woof, duck, Elmo, milk, all done, up, wawa (water), car, truck, gook (book) and cracker

Taking 3-5 steps at a time

Loves eating pinto beans, grapes, turkey, green beans and sweet potato

Sleeping like crazy and smiling all day

We are blessed

To Bennett love Mommy...

Bennett,

One year ago you made our family complete. From the second I first saw you I knew that you had a sweet soul. You had this calm and content look on your face that I will never forget. You have continued to have this look and the personality to match. I often have a hard time figuring out if you aren’t feeling well, because you always have a smile on your face. In the past year you have given us way too many health scares. I hope those are all in our past. If they aren’t over, you are a trooper and can handle anything (more than I can). One of my favorite things is when people say hi you hide by tucking your sweet little head under my chin. I love how you wake up every morning with a smile and a loud voice. You love to eat and really want to eat what mommy, daddy and Hudson are eating. You make this very known. It has made mealtimes a bit crazy. Don’t worry your time will come buddy. Before you know it you will be eating pizza with Hudson. I love that you really don’t want anything to do with your “baby” toys. You just want to play with Hudson’s toys. This is tough on Hudson, but this is something that you two will figure out. I also love how much you love your brother. I feel so lucky to have two such sweet and well natured boys. You two are amazing, kind and have the biggest hearts. Bennett you are such a blessing. I can’t wait to see what the next year brings us. Just promise me that you will slow down. You are growing up too fast. You will always be my baby.

Love always,

Mommy

Change

The three of us have been through a lot together...high school, college, moving to Bellingham, me off to San Diego, then Austin, weddings, birthdays in Vegas, road trips, heartaches, disagreements, laughs, tears, pregnancy, and now motherhood. Our next change will be the Banks family moving to Portland. It's not too far away, but far enough to make our frequent play dates and not as frequent and get togethers as families harder. I'm trying to stay positive and tell myself change is good. We have been through a lot of it and it has always worked out in the end.

Airplane

This weekend Hudson went to Jacob and Hanna's birthday party. Part of his goody bag was a airplane to build and paint. It was a hit! Hudson and daddy put it together and Hudson painted it this morning.