Pumpkin Patch 2008

What a beautiful fall it has been! It's been so nice being able to take Alivia outside to do "fall" things. On this day, Alivia got to go to the pumpkin patch for the very first time. As you may be able to tell, Alivia has discovered a new trick!
Great family fun...apparently for mosquito families too...there were TONS!

A couple favorite videos

Ok...this one is from a long time ago, but I found it again as I was looking through my files and I just love it. This was from the night before Father's Day. What a day for Daddy...she said "Dada" for the first time! We couldn't capture that on video, but this is pretty neat! Oh...and the video is more to capture her talking...not a picture so that's why it's dark! Sorry! So I guess just close your eyes and listen!

Here is another one that we really like. Mr. Bear has been mentioned a few times on this blog...my mom's friend, Toni, gave me Mr. Bear when Craig and I were getting married. Alivia just loves it! Well, Mr. Bear was out of sight for a while and this is their reunion!

It's Fall...YAY!!!

We had a few perfect fall days before it got warmer again. We got to take Alivia out in her wagon from Uncle Jack and his family for the very first time. She absolutely loved it! Screamed for joy! I was able to get some good pix that day...one of which is probably one of my favorites ever of her! This is how I think of her...smiling and laughing. Mr. Bear is one of her favorite toys, so it's even more special.

Meet Darby and Emily...Alivia's friends from 2 doors down. We just can't thank their family enough for helping us out when we need it! Livvy just loves them!
Mr. Scarecrow is just so funny!

One of Alivia's favorite words is "hi". She's gotten her Daddy and Mommy's social genes...that's for sure. She'll say hi to everyone and everything! Here she is waving and saying hi to a squirrel across the street! Maybe she'll inherit her mom's love for the outdoors. I'm looking forward to taking her down to Southern Illinois for some hiking and climbing and just some beautiful scenery!

About time!

Ok...so it's taken us a while to get there! Craig's sister, Lori, and her family moved a long time ago now and we just got to their house for the first time. Mind you, they moved to Valparaiso, IN! We went on our way home from Chicago. The visit was short but sweet! Their house is so pretty!

We only had time for a quick visit before we stopped for dinner on our way out of town...thanks Lori and Therron!

We did get to see Taylor do tricks on her scooter and bike though!

On our way to Valpo, we stopped to see Alivia's Great Great Aunt Alice. She's just so cute. I loved seeing her and am so happy she was able to meet Livvy. It was so neat seeing the look in both of their eyes when they looked at each other. I really thought Alivia saw all Aunt Alice's wisdom and Aunt Alice saw all Alivia has ahead of her. It was just so sweet!It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about the visit.

While we were there, Aunt Alice was telling us stories of old and sharing her memories with us! She also gave me a picture my Grandpa John (her brother) painted. Craig and I searched for one of his seashore paintings when we were doing our beach themed bedroom, and nobody could seem to locate one (that wasn't in use). Aunt Alice gave us hers. That makes the painting even more special!

What a wonderful visit

Not much longer...

My cousin, Nick, and his wife, April, are about to have twins! The Ball family went up to Chicago a couple weeks ago to help celebrate their pending arrival. We stayed at Nick and April's beautiful new house and got to spend some time with them! It was so nice to get away for just a few days!

Can you believe she's due mid November with twins? So tiny! :)

Livvy and Daddy playing at the door. Livvy and her cousin Libby (born 12/31). Aren't they just so cute together?Did I mention my Chicago family members are all Cubs fans. AWWWW...so sorry!