Elephants and Arkansas

Happy Halloween!!!  Michael loves Elephants so we decided this year....he'll be an elephant.  It has nothing to do with the fact that it's an election year and we subjected our son to our political opinions.  :)  We DO live in Obama Land so the button didn't last too long because some of our neighbors didn't seem to think it was Michael's cutest moment.  

He went door to door for the first time and got lots of candy.  Ryan let him eat WAY too much of it.

Here's Michael's impersonation of Dumbo.

This past week, we went to Arkansas for a family get together.  My cousin Jason, and his wife Beth were home from East Asia for a few weeks so it was a big time.  We are both due within 2 days of each other so it was fun to have another pregnant gal around.  Here's a pic of all of us after Church on Sunday:

Of course, it felt like all we did the entire week was eat.  Michael helped Grammie make her famous rolls.

And he helped Dad make waffles...

Grand-Bob, Uncle Jordan, "Uncle" Andy and Michael:

Despite the weather being a bit chilly, we went out on the boat twice and Michael loved it. Andrew let Michael drive which just might be the highlight of his entire life so far.

 

The sunsets were amazing. Here's a pic of me with Heather '2' and Beth (that's Michael's hat that Beth is wearing. My son has a huge head).

Finally, what's a trip to Arkansas without a ride on a four wheeler?

Small Town Fall Fun

Our little town had a Fall Festival today so we went to check it out since soccer was cancelled due to an indoor dog show.  I know the Texas State Fair is going on right now and this was HARDLY of that magnitude but Michael had a BIG time and there are A LOT of pictures to follow.  We'll start with the petting zoo.  It was a really small pen with WAY too many aggressive goats, lamas and ducks.  Michael did get in but wanted to be held the whole time - and I don't blame him!

He loved the horses and rode them three times.  Each time, he would put his hand on his head and say "YEEEE-HAAW!"

He bounced in the bounce house....

He rode the swings....

Horsey pic with "Mom".  He doesn't call me "mommy" like most 2 year olds - he calls me MOM.
The Fire Truck was a big hit...

He picked out a pumpkin....

....and painted the heck out of it.  
Maybe all of that paint will keep the squirrels away this year?

boys boys boys.....

We found out last week that our little baby bundle #2 is a BOY!  We're thrilled that Michael is going to have a brother and we're thrilled that our house isn't going to turn pink.  :)  On a personal note, I'm pretty darn excited to be the only girl in the house for the rest of my life!  Woo-Hoo!  There will definitely be perks to that one!

In the picture below, you get to see Michael's new favorite shirt.  I have YET to get it hung up in his closet because every time it's in the basket to get folded, Michael pulls it out and wants to wear it right then and there.  It pretty much goes from his body, to the wash, to his body, to the wash etc.  He stinkin' loves that mouse!

This is Michael's new favorite tool at the park.  He always says "dig dig dig DUMP".

Ryan has been out of town this week so I decided to make a dinner that Ryan doesn't normally like.  While I was cooking away, I turned around and saw my son attacking the loaf of bread!  Literally, eating the top off of this loaf of French Bread!  I couldn't help but laugh.  It kept him busy for at least 15 minutes which was just enough time for me to get everything together.  He may not have manners, but we had dinner!

We went to the arboretum last week with our playgroup and it was a very WET experience.  Michael rode home in a diaper and nothing else.  This bridge was the one thing we did that didn't involve water.
When we left this "stream", Michael had pretty much gone for a swim and was soaked, head to toe.  The arboretum here is truly amazing and the kids have such fun.  Next time, I'll just bring 8 changes of clothes!