Halloween 2011

This year, we had Batman, Bumlebee (the Transformer), and a lion :)

SOCCER

Ty played soccer this fall, and we all loved it. It's a fun sport for little kids because they keep moving (unlike T-ball in which they got sooooooooooo bored waiting in the field). And it was a fun game for us parents too! We really got into it--cheering and coaching (even though Corey told me not to) on the sidelines! Coach Andrea was pretty amazing too. Here are a few pics from the season...

(Ty and Ian)

(action shot)

team pic

There were four in the bed...

and the little one said, "Roll over." So they all rolled over and one fell out. And that "one" was mommy. :) Corey and I love when the boys come to snuggle with us in the morning. In fact, it's one of our favorite things. I couldn't resist getting this shot of the three of them...

faux hawk

Yes, my five-year-old has one, and he does it himself. I love it. #isn'theastudmuffin?;)

he's a character

messy and lovin' it

I love a man with his hat on backwards ;)

profile shot

classic Luke

tough guy (crawling around with Ty and Drew's plastic snake in his mouth)

Luke turned 1 (sniff, sniff)

It's always a little bittersweet when your baby turns one: excited to celebrate the milestone but sad that his first year of life has flown by. This is especially true when you think this baby might be your last. In fact, we get that question all the time..."Are you guys finished?" We could be. We definitely feel like our family is complete. But I don't know that I'm ready to say it emphatically yet. I'm still "open." For now, I'm enjoying each new phase with this precious little one. He's such a snuggle bear. I love how he buries his head in my shoulder with his thumb in his mouth when he's either tired or shy. He's so curious and loves the freedom to crawl and explore. He will wiggle out of my arms if I don't put him down soon enough. He loves wide open spaces, especially outside. He has no fear of falling (yet) and would dive head first down the stairs if we'd let him. He loves balls, cars, trucks, and anything that is not his to play with. He likes to stand and recently just started cruising a bit. And he love, love, loves his bubbies (brothers). They make him laugh, make sure he doesn't put anything too small into his mouth, and protect him. They're the best.

Last Saturday, we celebrated Luke's one year birthday with friends from the neighborhood and church. Both grandmas came up too. Luke was smiling and happy and in the best mood despite the fact that he missed both naps. It could have been a disaster, but I think he sensed all the excitement. It was such a fun, special day!

What is all this singing and why is everyone staring at me?

Yum, I can handle this stuff...

checking things out (standing by the coffee table)

Nonna

Mimi

kung fu fighters :)

eating watermelon

I love that he held onto the rind the entire time.