I'm singing in the rain!

Mikayla came to me the other day, all dressed with her raincoat on. It was raining outside and she desperately wanted to go outside in play. This is not usually something I am in to, but I conceded. It is sometimes impossible to say no to that sweet little face. I didn't even mind cleaning up all of the mud in our kitchen after the fun time she had.

Small Town Country Fair

We live in a great little town. They have so many fun family activities. Once a year they throw an old-fashioned country fair, complete with funnel cakes, candy corn, cotton candy, rides, shows, and games.

See the pure excitement on her face! I just love watching her.
This was Mikayla's first ride. We were the mean parents that asked them to put her on the one that didn't go up. First of all, I was a little nervous about it and secondly, I was afraid she would get scared and want down. I should have known my little daredevil a little better. She had fun regardless, but she did ask a couple of times why hers didn't go up.

Mikayla won this dolphin do a little fishing game. There was no way to lose, but she thought she was the big winner. It was so cute to watch her! She was very proud of herself.
We told Mikayla she probobly shouldn't take her newly won toy on the rides, because she could risk losing it. This is her holding him real tight so that he wouldn't fall. She is very practical.
Gavin also had a great time. He just sat in the stroller and loved watching all of the people and flashing lights. We could not have asked for a better little boy. He is such a laid back and content little guy.
What says country fair other than a good ole' corn dog!
Mikayla playing yet another game to win a new "friend." In all she won three friends - they were all blue. It is her favorite color, of course.

Nature Walk

Mikayla goes to a great preschool. She started there last year and has had learned so much. She has fun and they do some great activities that the parents can join in on. Last Monday, they had a nature walk to celebrate the beginning of autumn. She goes to a church-based school and they have this great outdoor chapel. It is set back in the woods and is so peaceful - at least until you throw 50 3 year olds into it! They had someone read a little story about fall to them and then they sang a song about all of the different colors of fall. After the story time, the kids walked around the area and picked up nature's "treasures" to take home. Mikayla had so much fun. Gavin and I had a great time, too.

Mikayla singing with her class...notice she is surrounded by boys.
My sweet little girl and her cheesy smile. I'll be so glad when she stops doing that. Do you like her 'noculars as Mikayla would call them.

Family Fun Day

Today was my Mother-in-law's birthday. We decided to celebrate the day by spending some time together and going to a little festival at a local park. We had a great time! There were so many activities there for the kids to do - Mikayla had a blast. Gavin had fun, too, even if it was just watching everything.

Mikayla got to sit in a firetruck. She thought it was cool looking at all of their equipment.

There was a small petting zoo there and Mikayla got to feed a goat. The others weren't as interested in the food - I am sure they were stuffed from all of the food they were recieving from kids that day.
Mikayla got her face painted, got to make some sand art, and also got to make a candle. It's fun getting to do some of these artsy-crafty things with her now. She is very involved with it and definitely has opinions about how everything should look.
The had several bounce houses there and Mikayla chose to go in one that looked like a big dinosaur.
Gavin had fun chillin in his stroller all day. He was in a great mood all day which is always a welcome blessing. After the festival, we all came back to our house for an early dinner and some cake. It was a great family day! I just had to post this last picture. Have you ever seen someone so happy to eat some fruit!

I just love them!

Starting early

Gavin has figured out how to open our cabinet where we keep our media stuff. He heads for the PS3 controllers EVERY time. Seriously, where do boys learn this stuff!

Gotta Love It!

I love fall! Summer in the south is so miserable, but we are rewarded when autumn rolls around. The temperature is absolutely perfect and the scenery is just gorgeous. I love getting to spend time outdoors with the kids. Last weekend, Jeremy and I took them to a local park.

Gavin loved the swings. He would just giggle and smile every time I pushed him.
He also enjoyed crawling around in the gas. Oh yeah, he thought it tasted pretty good, too.
Mikayla got to ride her tricycle some, too. We quickly realized that she needed alot of practice. For some reason, she doesn't really get the hang of steering. She just kind of goes wherever the wheel is pointed. I think we will be making some trips down to the cul-de-sac for some riding practice!
We have also had a great time hanging out in our backyard. We have a ton of trees that provide great shade. It is so relaxing back there. Since Gavin isn't walking yet, and I don't really want him crawling around, I usually put him in his walker out in the middle of the grass. He can't get around in it, but he just likes being in the middle of things. Mikayla also likes having her little brother "play" with her.

My sweet little girl

I was putting Mikayla to bed this evening and she said the sweetest thing. We were cuddling in her bed and she looks up at me and says, "Mommy, I want to stay small forever." I asked her why and she replied, "So you can always hold me." I wish she could stay small forever, too.

A New Smile

Gavin has some new teeth! He cut his bottom ones several months ago, and we have been sitting around waiting for some new ones to come in. He just cut his two top teeth a couple of weeks ago. His smile looks completely different - I have to say I miss that gummy grin. He looks like such a big boy with those teeth. He is also getting some good use out of those teeth. He has tried chomping down while nursing a couple of times (I quickly nipped that one in the bud) and he has been known to bite Daddy's shoulder from time to time.

Look at my new teeth (and those eyelashes!!)
My sweet little boy...

Back to School

Today is Mikayla's first day of preschool. When she woke up this morning, she wasn't overly excited about leaving. She kept talking about how much she was going to miss me. However, after reminding her about all the fun she was going to have, she quickly changed her tune. When I dropped her off at the carpool line, she jumped out and said "See you later!" I can't wait to hear how her first day was.

She was being very silly this morning while I was taking her picture.