A Halloween As "Sweet" As Can Be

As you can see from the picture below, Elyse and her friends all went as M&M's this year for Halloween. My friend, Jenny and I made the costumes. I don't think they turned out all that bad and the kiddos looked so adorable in them.

The Sweetest M&M's ever: Dieter, Aiden, Elyse, Mason and Willow
The M&M's and Mari the ladybug right before trick-o-treating. They were troopers, going almost an hour in 40 degree weather. They LOVED it and their pumpkins sure were heavy at the end.
Overall, it was a very successful and super fun Halloween. We had all our friends over for some great fall foods and then spent the night celebrating with the kids. Nate and I feel so blessed to be surrounded with such amazing friends and neighbors. I could keep going on about this evening, but after taking the decorations down, doing this post and getting ready for tomorrow, I'm exhausted. Good night and hope you all had a Happy Halloween!

Storytime Halloween Edition

Storytime at the library today was extra fun and that's because it was the Halloween edition. The kids, the librarian, Ms. Kay and her puppet, Arnold all dressed up in their Halloween costumes. The books were all about Halloween, the room was decked out in Halloween stuff, and the kids even got to take home a cute trick-or-treat bag. It was not only enjoyable for Elyse, but I.
After storytime, best picture I got. Too many cameras at one time.


Elyse didn't wear her actual Halloween costume because I didn't want her to ruin it or spoil what she is really going to be. Super excited about it though. Therefore, she went as a ballerina (thanks Aunt Amelia for the tutu). She spent her entire morning dancing and twirling. I did not show her what to do, but as you can see in the video, she knows just how a ballerina dances. Guess Nate and I better start saving up for all those dancing leotards and costumes ;)

Monkey Towel

To cousin Liam: Thank you for introducing and sharing your monkey towel with me when I came to visit you in September. I loved it so much that I wanted one of my own.

To Grandpa and Grandma: Thank you for buying me my own monkey towel, I love it!

This past weekend, Nate's parents came to visit. It was a very quick trip and we were so busy that we didn't take one picture. It was great having them here and like normal, Elyse got spoiled. Therefore, thank you Mike and Kathy for everything! We miss you both already.

Two or Five?

So many people have told me that Elyse doesn't look or act like a typical two year old. I most often shrug my shoulders and say, "Yeah" not really thinking about it. Except I saw it this week. While she had her backpack on and just about to walk out the door to go to school I looked at her and instantly visioned her being in kindergarten.
For those of you who know Elyse, what do you think, two or five?

Mini Bio

For quite sometime now Elyse has known some basic facts about herself. I was finally able to capture it on video this past weekend. Guess all we have left now is her phone number, do I dare teach her that since she will probably share it with the world?!?!

You can't quite hear it, but she does say, "MN" for where she lives.

Not Quite Rockafeller's Tree

Today Nate and I spent our afternoon putting up the Christmas lights on our large outdoor tree. Why today? A few reasons, nice weather, Elyse was napping, our weekends are filling up fast with plans, and lets face it, we live in MN, it could snow tomorrow. We also take it down every year because it gets so tangled with the wind. As you can see from the pictures, it's one annoying task with such a beautiful result (lite up picture was taken last year).

Triplets Trial Run

This morning I had the opportunity to help out two friends of mine by watching their children. Therefore, I had three all under three by myself. I felt like I was a mother of toddler triplets. They sure kept me busy, but they too also entertained themselves which was nice. It ended up going really good! However, I have decided I will stick to being a mother of one toddler at a time, that's exhausting enough.

We spent much of our time reading books, playing outside, dancing,
coloring,
camping in the cardboard box fort, and
playing dress up. Aiden loved wearing his high heals, always had the blue ones though :) and Mari was a bigger fan of carrying her pair around.
Thank you ladies for trusting me with your child, we had a great time!

Thanks Tom!

Thank you Tom Kuphal for helping to fix our computer!

That's right, I have my computer back. Unfortunately, Nate still has to fix a few minor things, but for the most part we are back up and running.

So Close

So close to getting our computer working again. Didn't have Nate's computer this weekend so won't be able to upload pics and videos until later this week.

So close to having a family of four. Met with birth mother and her family today. We spent the afternoon and evening swimming, playing at a park and talking. It was perfect and such a blessing. Most beautiful thing I saw was Elyse's constant desire to touch baby in Mariah's stomach. I really think she is just as excited as Nate and I are.

So close to having my car back. Didn't post anything, but two weeks ago I was side swiped and forced of the road by a semi. He then left the scene (I-35) leaving my car with just under $4,000 worth of damage. Blessed to be safe and okay, especially Elyse since it was on her side (front passenger door). Anyway, insurance gave us a Chevy HHR to drive. I feel like I am driving a red Hearse.

Just a few close things I am anticipating to be here soon.

Box Fort

Nate and I have been finding fun ways to entertain Elyse. One fun activity Nate came up with was turning our dishwasher box into a fort. The two of them have spent many minutes playing, singing and having conversations in there. Definitely a special father-daughter moment.

Closest Thing to Farming

Nate grew up helping his grandparents on their farms. He spent many years mowing lawns and working in the fields on tractors. Therefore, it was no surprise when the riding lawn mower he bought on Craig's List was a John Deere. It's not only enjoyable to drive and ride for Nate, but as you can see, Elyse loves it too. Cutest little John Deere I have ever seen.