He's WALKING . . . kinda

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NISqmt6MjmU

(sorry- you'll have to turn your head or computer sideways to watch)

Teague has not been one of those kids who's liked to be led around by the fingers. He's a fast crawler and I suppose walking seemed like a step backwards. But just this week he suddenly found an interest in taking a step forward. And check him out now! Babyhood will be behind us before we know it- so sad =(

Halloween 2010

That's right folks I got Delwyn to dress up! It was a Halloween MIRACLE! I was so busy trying to get costumes finished and doing other stuff that weekend I forgot to take pictures. Sorry. But luckily the church Halloween party had me covered. Jack was Mario, Jonas was Luigi, Cache was a Goomba, Teague was Yoshi, and Delwyn and I were the "parental controls." Jack wouldn't wear his mustache because it tickled too much. He told me it would be easier to just grow one. Unfortunately, it didn't come in before Halloween. Jonas on the other hand wore it like a champ and I have to say he looks great in a stache- watch out Magnum P.I.. I LOVE Cache's costume but unfortunately a lot of people didn't know what he was. Oh well. Teague's Yoshi hat I made-

Cache and his Joy School friends. Notice he's the only one not singing. But, of course, as soon as we got home he wouldn't shut up. I'm still hearing "I'm a mean old witch with a hat".

Jackson Tram

Back in Sept. we rode the Jackson Tram (for freeeeeeeee) -thanks for the tip Maralee! The fall colors were beautiful the weather was gorgeous and warm, it was a great day.

The tram from below-

From the top-

The very top of the Grand in the back-

My affectionate little Teague giving kisses. Makes me laugh every time, which makes him laugh, which makes him kiss me more, which makes me happy =) He's so cute.

Back on the tram, goin down-

Jump Up, Jump Up and Get Down

You all remember this song I'm sure. Apparently, Cache thinks it's a screaming chicken doing all the jumpin around.

Enjoy.

Hallelujah

Many of you may already know this because I tend to complain about it quite often (sorry) but I'm not a big fan of nursing. Not that I think it's a bad thing I just don't like doing it. Amazing- yes, fun- not at all. I've nursed all my boys exclusively for the first 6 months and after that I get this overwhelming urge to break away. I don't make enough milk to do a lot of pumping (TMI) so I start supplementing with formula. The kids have all loved the effortlessness of a sippy cup. Teague on the other hand has different opinions. He loves to nurse.

LOVES it.

When I got the urge to wean him(and I admit it came on very early this time) he flat out refused. He hated, HATED formula and soon wouldn't even attempt at sucking on anything resembling a bottle.

Not even his binky.

It was me or nothing.

So after MONTHS of trying every bottle nipple, every sippy cup, every brand of formula at every temperature, even trying chocolate AND strawberry Nesquick -I finally got the baby to take a bottle of . . .

vanilla flavored soy milk (thanks to my sister-in-law Christy for that idea).

So what does this mean? It means I can leave him for more than 3 hours at a time. And when the nearest movie theatre is 45 min. away it means a long awaited date night with the hubby. It means no more nursing at the dentist office, parking lots, dressing rooms, restaurants, the side of the road, t-ball games, etc. because lets face it, it's awkward and annoying. In a word, it means FREEDOM.

*SIGH*

It feels good.

(Just to avoid any negative comments: I know it doesn't have all the nutrients of formula but it's SOMETHING other than me and, judge as you may, I think it'll be fine on occasion.)

Irresistible

Teague has a way of drawing people in, especially the ladies. His smile stops them in their tracks. Make eye contact and your heart will melt. It happens everywhere we go. So maybe I shouldn't have been surprised when Delwyn leaned over to me one Sunday and said this, "There's a strange girl holding Teague, what do I do?" We had laid him in the aisle so he could play and he had been making eyes at a girl we had never seen before behind us. Apparently, she just couldn't help herself. She was moved. Moved to action. She had to pick him up and gush over him. So captivated by his smile that she must've forgot that this child belongs to someone and perhaps she should say something like, "can I hold your baby?" But really who could blame her and she did return him, eventually. (picture courtesy of grandpa Larson)

uh-oh

Cache brought a girl home the other day, the granddaughter of our neighbor across the street. He brought her in, found her a chair to sit in, situated it in front of the TV next to his. Then he called to me, "Mom, can I have some milk?" Then leaned over to her and asked "You want some milk?" she nodded "Mom- 2 milks!"

Summer Lovin'

The kids have literally been outside all summer. We have a pack of kids on our street and they spent the summer playing in the road and roaming from one neighbors house to the next. Somehow managing to pick up treats at each one. But now school has started and there's that chill in the air signaling summer is really over. I'm missing it already- with the kids doing this . . .

While I do this . . .

And the kids do more of this . . .

with their popsicle stained lips . . .

Our newest addition

Our newest family member . . . You should've heard Cache in the back seat when we turned the corner and saw it in the driveway. He was excited.

Jonas informed me that someday they are all going to get motorbikes and then I can have the 4-wheeler. ummmm, thanks?

O Pioneers

On our way to Colorado we stopped by Martin's Cove. After taking this photo a nice lady offered to take one with Delwyn in it. He took his place next to Cache and sat on his poor little hand. He wouldn't stop screaming so that picture never took place. Oh well. Just know that Deli was there. Delwyn and I pulled the kids in the handcart. THEY thought that was great. WE- not so much. Let's just say we won't be pulling a handcart to Missouri anytime soon. You gotta respect those Pioneers! In front of Devil's Gate. I attempted to catch my first frog by the river but mid-grab I freaked out. It had bright stripes on it's back-it could've been poisonous! And it looked slimy. But we had a lot of fun climbing rocks until a storm started to roll in and we were ambushed by mosquitoes. We were literally running out of there (only to pause for a pic) to get away from them. And that's not easy with a baby in a sling.

Fish are Friends

Petting the sting rays. They're very squishy. I had a good video of this but wouldn't download.

This is the reason I'm scared of the ocean, yikes.

Jack was bummed he couldn't swim with them. Crazy kid.

What you've missed . . .

We've fallen in love . . .

It really is that good. Come visit and maybe you'll be able to talk Delwyn into sharing.

More Messes . . .

Teague started solids

Cache caught red handed- literally.

Tractors

Went to Delwyns Uncle's auction where he sold off his prized tractor collection . . .

These are only a few of the tractors -the place was FULL

More Cuteness . . .

Bought a New Place . . .

it's wooded

Comes with a bed and an angry tenant who we're guessing has babies in the bed because he was not about to leave. has that cozy "lived-in" feel It'll be a happy home for us No plans to move in - yet. But, hey, with the present economy you never know.

P.S.- we really do own this - no joke. We bought it about a year ago but this was our first time actually seeing it- about a 1/2 acre in Idaho City- the old 1940's camper was a pleasant surprise!

Baptism . . .

Jack turned 8 years old and was baptized on the 21st!

I like how Jack is looking at his dad to figure out what to do with his hands.

We're very proud of Jack's decision to be baptized! It was just us and the grandparents, Uncle Kevin, the Bishop and Primary President. It was a very sweet experience. 1 down 3 to go.