Nature Walk

The weather has been gorgeous here, and TJ decided to take the girls on a nature walk in some woods down the street. I had to help Lila use the bathroom before hand, so TJ took the opportunity to snap some shots of Bronwen's stylish ensemble.

And they were off!
Almost. (looking at snails)
Bronwen got a little silly with her hat--she has my family's large noggin.
Posing in the fall light.
And then, of course, there is Lila:
Two silly girls!!

Bronwen's Picture

Not sure what it is, but I think it is super-awesome.

October 8

Uncle Johnny was visiting from Louisiana, so TJ and he took the girls to Stowe park for the local fall festival. I stayed home while Adam took his nap. It looks like they had a great time, and Uncle Johnny even found a neglected kid who just happened to be named John Jr. After they returned from the park they went to our next-door neighbor's house for a birthday party. The final activity involved paint and pumpkins.

There was still some time to get a few pictures of Uncle Johnny with Adam, and then more of the boys together.

Skipped Naptime (Oct 9)

Due to circumstances beyond my control and TJ's international traveling, the kids skipped naptime. I put the girls to bed really early, right around 7:40, and within 5 minutes, this is what I found.

Pumpkin Patch

Once again we headed over to Hodge farm for our annual pumpkin patch visit. We went early in the year--Oct 1st, but it was a lovely cool day and really got everyone in the spirit of the season.

The first order of business was getting the elusive shot of my kiddos and me.Then it was off to the corn maze!

Lila knew her way, no problem. Bronwen and I found some deer tracks that we followed.The next important task, procuring the largest wagon they had (we got it!).Even Daddy could fit in it! Thankfully we had the strong-man capabilities of our Lila to pull them along.
Next stop--visit the residents.
Then it was time to look for pumpkins! We found all kinds.

Last order of business, the hayride!

Lila and Bronwen

In the last two weeks, Lila has figured out how to go #2 in the potty. It is a bit of an exercise in patience, as she insists on privacy, but she also wants to show you every time she plops something into the potty. The adult's role, therefore, is to get the hell out whenever she says, and then run in and give proper accolades when she calls.

I think I have finally convinced Bronwen that a monster lives in her nostril and will bite her finger off when she picks her nose. Okay, so I haven't convinced her at all, since she knows when I am pulling her leg. Still, I am hoping there is enough doubt to make her hesitate just a little...
She also has a bad habit of chewing on her hair. She doesn't eat it, but she gets her spit all in it which is kind of gross. She asked me this morning if there was a monster in her hair that was going to get her for chewing on it, and I told her yep. I should write a book of parenting techniques.

Time Out

Lila spilled a very interesting secret to me tonight. A little background, if you will:

TJ had a little difficulty with Lila tonight; I heard her wailing and crying as he put her in Time Out for not listening to him. It was loud and outraged crying, resonating throughout the house in waves of tears and vociferous protest.

When I went to kiss her goodnight, I crawled into bed with her, and the following transpired:

M: Lila, did you have trouble listening to Daddy?

L: Nooooo

M: Are you sure?

L: Yes.

M: Did you to go time out for not listening?

L: Yes.

M: Do you like time out?

L: Yes

M: Yes!? Are you sure?

L: Yes. I like to cry like a baby!!