Happy Halloween!

All the excitement of the past week came to an end tonight with the annual neighborhood trick-or-treating party. I say annual even though this is only the second year we have done it but I sure hope it continues!  The kids had a blast riding on the spooky Halloween float between houses and the adults enjoyed some warm beverages and chit-chat as we walked along with the kids. Our friends Anne and Dan and their daughter Libby joined in the fun this year too.  James was quite the trooper tagging along in his stroller dressed in his monkey costume.

This year we were a little behind in carving our pumpkins but we got it done just in time last night! Annie and Katelin drew what they wanted us to carve for them and of course Brian and I had to do our own pumpkins too.  We even made a little one for Jamesy!  James enjoyed sitting in his chair eating treats and watching us carve for over an hour!

This past weekend we went to two Halloween parties, one at my friend Anna’s and one at our friends in the neighborhood. They were both a lot of fun and seeing everyone in costume is always a good time! Our family did not have a theme this year but I think we all looked pretty good…well, I am not sure Brian looked “good” but he sure did look hilarious!

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween!

Halloween is Happening

Halloween isn’t until Monday but the fun times started tonight already with the Parent’s Choice for Kids annual Halloween party. It is an hour of fun where the kids get to play some games (like toss the rats into the pot or pin the nose on the pumpkin), decorate sugar cookies, get their hair/face painted, and run around and be silly.  The parents have a nice time too looking at all the adorable kiddos and chatting. We rushed to the party tonight after the girls had their last swimming lesson and I am extremely happy to report that they both passed their test and are now Eels!  Next we have Kate’s Fall Party at school tomorrow, two Halloween parties on Saturday and then of course the fun night of trick or treating on Monday!  That means more fun blogs to post in the near future!

James and his “older” girlfriend!

James playing the pumpkin walk

Rapunzel “the vampire”

James loved his sugar cookie…just like Mom!

Annie and her bud Emerson

Kate and her Daycare BFF Kylah

Anners, James and our friend Libby, the cat!

The girls!

Two silly little monkeys!

Like Totally Rad!

Or maybe “Gag me with a spoon”! Yep, we were tossed back into the 80’s for a fun night celebrating our friend’s 40th birthday with a surprise party. The guys took him to a few bars in Uptown in a limo…and all dressed in their 80’s gear – what a sight that must have been!  They had a blast. Then back at the house for the party there was great food, a beermiester sampling flights of beer, and of course a night of 80’s tunes.  It was a very fun night that provided lots of laughs. I must say though, I was not sad to put away my outfit. I am not sure how people found each other attractive back in the 80’s!  I think we all just looked pretty hilarious!

Let's Celebrate!

Yesterday marked one year that James William has been a part of our family!  What a wonderful year it has been.  I never knew how much joy one little man could add to our family. We had a great party with our family to celebrate the special occasion. It was extra special because Grandpa Larry, Grandma Shirley, and Uncle Terry were in town as well!  James had a blast opening his presents…well, he was mostly interested in the paper but still had fun nonetheless! He also gave everyone a good laugh with his cake. He was not found of the frosting all over his hands but once he got a taste of the cake he got pretty excited. Once James was down for his nap, all the adults had a great time going down the zipline.  We even got my mom to go down and she had so much fun she did it twice!

Happy Birthday Little Man!

1 year ago today our third little miracle happened…James William Clemens.  I remember when the ultra sound tech told us we were having a little boy I wasn’t sure what to think of that as I was expecting another girl. I know now what a blessing this little boy is to our family! He has brought us so much love and laughter over the past twelve months. Every day we enjoy watching him grow and change and I can’t wait for what the next twelve months (and beyond!) bring. Here is a picture for each month he has been a part of our lives.  Happy Birthday James! We love you so much! XOXO

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

Jibber Jabber

One of my favorite things is when James “talks” to me! He is really starting to express himself with his own version of talking. He gets very loud and expressive at times and it makes us all laugh. This video is of James eating some pancakes for the first time…I am pretty sure he likes them!

In addition to jibber jabber though, I am excited to say that he is starting to say some words.  His absolute favorite is still “Uh Oh”.  And even though he constantly throws things on the ground so he can say Uh Oh and we have to pick everything up, I still think it is the cutest thing ever! He says mama, dada, ball and his latest “nigh, nigh” which is his version of night, night.  The other night on a walk Annie and James were in the wagon and Annie leaned over and put her head down on the wagon.  James leaned over to her, patted her head and said “nigh, nigh”.  It was TOO CUTE! He got super excited too when I repeated it and he realized we knew what he was saying.  He also likes to “talk” on the phone.  He pretends to take the phone (or even just his hand) and hold it to his ear and starts talking.  It really is adorable.

While I love watching him grow and do new things daily, it makes me sad that my little man is not a baby anymore. At least he still loves to snuggle with his mama!

A Day to Celebrate!

Today was my nephew Michael’s wedding day! We couldn’t have had a more gorgeous day to celebrate this wonderful occasion!  Everything was perfect…the wedding, the weather, the company, the couple!!! Throughout the entire day you truly felt the love that Michael and Kim have for one another. They have dated since they were in junior high and we couldn’t be more happy that Kim is now “officially” part of our family! She is such an amazing person with a heart of gold and a perfect fit for Mikey.

You will clearly be able to tell that the girls had a blast at the reception. Unfortunately one thing I can’t share are the pictures we took in the photo booth at the reception.  Kate and Annie were LOVING it and were literally in about 20 pictures that night (I think they were hijacking other family’s photo opps!) They also had a great time running around and dancing with all of the other kids.  They truly were in heaven and it will be a night they remember for a long time.  Congratulations Mikey and Kim!  We love you and are so happy for you! We wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and laughter and can’t wait to watch you grow old together!