Fall Family Pictures

On Friday morning we had family pictures taken in the beautiful fall colors.  We just got them back today and here are a few of my favorites.  BTW, as we found out, it's much harder to get a good picture when you're trying to work with the light, a 19 month old, strong winds, and 2 very hyper dogs!  I'll just say that we took a baggie of animal crackers and bribed K in almost all of the pictures.  Some of the pictures we broke down and he's actually eating a cracker in the picture.  I can only imagine what it will be like with 2 soon!  You mom's that have 2 + always amaze me when I see the beautiful pictures with everyone smiling.  We did get several that I think are fun. 

Apple Picking

Crisp, crunchy, juicy, full-of-flavor, deep red apples made their way into our u-pick bags today at the apple farm today.  The fall day was perfect for apple picking--a little cool and slightly overcast.  We took home Northern Spy, Cortland, and McIntosh apples.  They are probably the best apples I’ve ever had!  We also bought some delicious apple cider and apple cider donuts.  The people working at the orchard were probably some of the friendliest people I've met, but that goes for all the people we've met here.  I don't know that we've ever been in a more friendly state.  

K had also had a blast picking apples.  Although he found the best part to be picking up apples from the ground and throwing them everywhere.  It was a field filled with endless “balls”.  Of course there were sticks so he picked those up as well and had a small collection by the time we left.  He was also captivated by the indoor ceiling train.  He followed it from room to room making train sounds.  

Papa and Grandma are visiting and we've had such a great time so far.  Kai's brother left on Sunday and we had such a good time with him too.  Pictures will be coming from that time and also the recent trip to Boston which was sssssooooooo much fun.  That's another city that I completely am in love with and have been ever since high school.  

 Always content with a stick

 Papa picking all the apples

 Our apple picking view

 It's a little early to pick our pumpkins, but we'll be heading back in a couple of weeks for sure!  

Smelling the flowers

"This train is the coolest!!!"

Papa holding him up for a better look

Christmas Edition

He's practicing for the real deal in a few more years.

Kasen started walking about a week and a half before Christmas. He loves to get around. Kai and I aren't quite sure if we like it as much as he does since he's able to break into all kinds of new things now--and faster!

Fell asleep on the Wild Africa Tram at the WA Park. I love it when he's cuddly just before a nap.

San Diego

SD Zoo

Christmas dinner. I made a Martha Stewart turkey this year that was to die for. I can't take credit for it though since I only followed the recipe and didn't invent this new delicacy. But I'll make it again for sure!

Opening presents on Christmas morning. This was the "Little People Airport" by Fisher Price.

Uncle Brit bought Kasen his very own computer since he is overly interested in every computer.

Fishies!!!

Nini came for a visit at Christmas and we did many fun things. This picture is from Downtown Disney on Christmas Eve.

Kasen's 1st Christmas.

Peek-a-boo!

One of the only times Kasen get's upset. He loves bath time!

He is so funny and random during bath time. This picture typifies his bath time personality.

I know it's blurry, but this picture says it all! It's one of my favorites.

At Sea World for the Christmas show.

This was SUCH a great performance!!! I was so impressed with how they left Christ in Christmas. Most large organizations shy away from that nowadays in an effort to appease everyone from all beliefs, but every song they sang was a true Christmas song (Silent night, O Holy Night, etc.), not just holiday songs.

The show started with Michael W. Smith's "Christmastime"--my all time favorite Christmas song. There were dancers and singers up front as pictured below. There were also dancers and singers that mingled in the audience. At the end of the show, they asked the audience to stand with them as they sang "Joy to the World". I would definitely recommend the Christmas show at Sea World!

Shamu and her baby

K2 and our baby. Keeping warm during the show

Snuggling in an ice cave

A very messy eating experience. Avocados, raspberries, and bananas. Oh, did I mention that Kasen hates bibs?

But he loves swinging!

And leaves!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas too!