happy halloween

We started the Halloween fun on Saturday night with a pot of chili and pumpkin carving! Bryce didn't mind helping with the pumpkin as long as he could use a spoon.

We kept it simple with a "B" for Bryce.

The fun continued today with our church's annual "Trunk-or-Treat". You may remember our duck blind theme from last year. This year we went with a beach theme. We put this together at the last minute and I think it turned out pretty well.

Jason has had a lot of fun getting Bryce's scuba diver costume ready. Bryce really enjoyed the scuba diver at the aquarium this summer so we thought it would be a great costume idea. They didn't really have much to choose from in the pre-mades, so Jason took on the challenge and I think it was just too cute!

We couldn't get him to wear the mask. Bryce didn't like the way it felt on his head. He kept saying "hurt me dada.

MeMaw with the grand kids.

Bryce was helping himself to a tootsie roll pop. He was loving this costume because Jason used a pacifier as the regulator. We only let him have his paci when he is sleeping and he's not happy about it so he was in heaven tonight!

Family picture! Once it got cold and we put Bryce's jacket on, he didn't mind the mask since it didn't touch his hair.

we're still here

I wish I could say I haven't blogged this week because I've been so busy, but I've actually been really lazy. I put my to-do list aside this week and allowed myself to relax a little and watch tv sleep on the couch a few times this week!

Jason was off on Friday so he and Jason went and watched the trains.

He got very excited when he heard the bells and whistles.

All the excitement wore him out!

I just had to add this picture. Bryce picked out his outfit the other day. I thought it was so funny that he chose an orange shirt and orange pants, but I guess it made sense in his mind. At least it appeared festive for Halloween.

We went to the old house last Sunday to get a picture of the sold sign in the front yard before closing on Monday. Unfortunately our agent had already taken it out so I didn't get to document that momentous occasion. I was a little upset, but I had to remind myself that the sign had been there a month so I had plenty of time to do it before. At any rate, I took a picture of Bryce sitting on the step to document his first house (even though you can't even see the house, ha!).

20 months and a HUGE victory

20 months today and Jason and I are asking ourselves, "What can't he do?"

This little face brings us SO much joy each and everyday! We love you Bryceman!

For those of you who have been following our selling, buying, moving process that we started last April (2009), we have finally closed a chapter in our lives that we won't soon forget. The second buyers successfully closed on our old house today (4 days early). We are SO thrilled. God is good!

a saturday treat

Bryce and I joined MeMaw, Kelly and Taylor for a trip to Krispy Kreme this morning. Bryce enjoyed his mini sprinkle donut and I REALLY enjoyed my pumpkin spice donut. Just another reason to love fall!

enginerd

Due to the nature of this post, Jason has been selected to write it. During one of our daily trips to target (well, maybe not daily, but it sure seems like it) I (Jason) saw a shirt for Bryce that he needed desperately. I have been known to dress like this on special occasions, such as going to class at VCU or going to work in a cubicle at Dominion. Based on Bryce's intelligence (or at least what we perceive as intelligence), I am confident that he will be an 'enginerd' like his dad and great-grandfather. Of course, if he can't cut it as an engineer, he could settle for something like astronaut, neurosurgeon or a theoretical physicist.

If this isn't the greatest shirt you have ever seen, you must be blind.

party time

Taylor turns one on November 1 so we helped her celebrate this past Sunday while Dave's sisters were in town.

Pretty Birthday Girl

Bryce and Chase were interested in all the pink toys, he he!

The Party Guests (take 1)

The Party Guests (take 2)

Where is the birthday girl?

The Party Guests (take 3)

Chase let Taylor fall over in the last picture so Bryce got to try. Chase was not too happy about it! I've got to start remembering to bring our good camera to big functions in order to snap faster pictures in an attempt to get the perfect picture.

weekend getaway

We went on a weekend getaway sans Bryce this past weekend. It was wonderful to have some adult time with friends, but we sure did miss our little man! We headed up to Wintergreen on Friday afternoon and had a wonderful time socializing at Devil's Backbone for dinner.

We slept in a little on Saturday, fixed a big breakfast, and then headed to the vineyards for some wine tasting. We started out at King Family and it was amazing. The weather was perfect and the views were beautiful. We even got Jason to partake in the festivities!

The Girls

After tasting at King Family, we decided to head into Crozet for some lunch and then to Waynesboro for a always necessary trip to Wal-mart and Sonic. Then we headed to Veritas for a little more wine.

We ended the day with a pot of chili and smores around the fire pit on the deck. This was probably our last annual trip to Wintergreen. Our friends are selling their Wintergreen home where we usually stay. It has been a wonderful tradition for the past few years, but I'm sure we will find another way to make memories with our favorite friends!

fishin' friday

Jason was off this past Friday so he took Bryce fishing. They didn't catch anything, but they sure had fun!

Waiting for a nibble.

I was so surprised Bryce actually put his hand in the cooler of water and touched the fish!

Already an expert fisherman.

a bad blogger

I haven't taken any pictures this week. What kind of mother am I? Thank goodness I have Kelly to help document my son's life! She took the kids to the Children's Museum this week so I stole a few pictures off her blog. Thanks Kelly!

Bryce and Chase ready to go!

The three stooges driving the truck!

Picking apples

I just have to laugh at this one!

Go Taylor!

This masterpiece is hanging on the wall in the kitchen above Bryce's table.

snicklefritz

Let me begin by saying that Bryce is ALL boy. He is full of activity, loves to be dirty, doesn't like to cuddle, and only sits still to sleep. Today when I went to check on him during his nap I just about fell in the floor because he looked so adorably cute holding this teddy bear. Bryce normally has nothing to do with stuffed animals. However, one of my students gave me this bear to bring home to Bryce this week. He was very excited when he got it so I told him we should name it. When I asked him what he wanted to name it he said "nicklefritz" (that's how he pronounces it). My mom calls Bryce "snicklefritz" and I guess he thought it was a good name for the bear too! And if you're wondering, it is an affectionate name for a mischievous or overly talkative child!

fall decorating

I decorated the inside of the house for fall last weekend (can you see the lights on the banister in the window?), but didn't have time to do anything outside. Bryce and I went to Home Depot after work and got mums and pumpkins for the front porch. Bryce insisted on putting his little pumpkin on the "yellow drum". All I need is a wreath for the door. I'm toying with the idea of hay bales, corn stalks, and scarecrows, but I can't decide.

Bryce enjoyed playing with the pots for we planted the mums!

T.G.I.F

wednesday

A simple day of the week title is all I've got this week. One month into school and I'm just trying to hold onto a little bit of my easy living summer life. I try so hard every year to not get overwhelmed by the school year and not to let it run my life. But when you only have a few hours at night to squeeze in family time, errands, and me time, it gets hectic and tiring. I sure do miss going to the gym and playing with Bryce all day. However, I've learned not to count down the days until the next summer. I hate to wish my life away and I have learned to enjoy every season of they year, even if it isn't summer! I do still look forward to weekends though.