Sept-Oct. 2012

Wow, hello November already! This fall has been flying by. I'll warn you... this is a long post!  Rayna has "grown up" a lot, as far as doing new things, and it is really fun to watch her and Seth interact, as much as she can at this age =) Seth continues to crack us up with the things he says and does. He is so much fun, but is also at a challenging age, as far as whining and saying things that sound disrespectful... even though I don't think he always knows it sounds that way; he hears adults say things and repeats everything. He often says "are you kidding me?" and "are you serious?" and "for crying out loud!" It sounds funny in certain contexts, but we don't exactly want him saying that after we ask him to do something ;)

Rayna (7 mos.) having more fun in her johnny jump-up

happy girl after her bath (check out that big mouth! She sure can make some noise too.. haha) 

just hanging out =) 

We had Brent, Lori, Jenna, Justin, and kids over to make some caramel apples. =)

Rayna just learned how to clap her hands in this pic, and was even doing it to "command." It was so cute. 

 learning how to sit up better at 7.5 months (its about time =)) 

Daddy teaching Rayna some moves =) 

Mom, Dad, Heather, Evan and Seija came to visit us the 2nd weekend of October. It was great to have them here! We joke that every time my dad comes out here, he has to have a surgery first. (I guess that gives him an excuse to just relax and not be put to work doing home improvement projects with Kyle ;))

We went to the Pumpkin Barn with everyone including Lori, Elli and Micah. This was Seth's first "hayride," even though there was no hay... haha  He thought it was cool to ride around the farm and see all the huge machinery!  

Elli is all dressed up for the farm ;) 

Seth and Elli loved the slides into the hay pit and corn pit

cute family pic except for the closed eyes =) 

 

my turn for the closed eyes. I guess according to this measuring stick, I'm only about 4 feet! (not too far from the truth)

Grammie and smiley =) 

I found this fireman outfit for Seth when they were out here, and he loved it! Kinda looks like a Nazi coat minus the bright colors =) 

The 3rd weekend of Oct. we went to Hocking Hills with Kyle's family in the area. It was to celebrate Larry and Linda's 60th b-days this past summer, and also it was their anniversary on the 18th. It was a small cabin for all of us including the babies, but it worked out better than I thought. Jenna and Aria slept out in Larry's camper; Rayna slept up in the loft, and Micah was in the bedroom w/ Larry and Linda. 

Linda hard at work trying to tidy up the kitchen

Devin and the kiddos

the loft area was very nice w/ 2 double beds and room for pack n plays. 

I stole the next 3 pics from Lori's blog. I barely took any pics b/c I left my camera in the cabin when we went hiking. =/  

hiking to "Old Man's Cave" (Micah was sound asleep in Lori's arms, and Aria and Rayna were so good in the carriers!) 

We saw some Native Americans and Elli was quite intrigued. Seth was not too enthused at this moment. Nap time was not in the schedule that day ;) 

All of us before we left. 

8 months. She loves baths, especially now that she can sit up better.  

Daddy and Seth enjoying the beautiful weather. 

He likes to play w/ these old headphones... and put them on Rayna. 

taking in the fresh air! She loves being outside, as do most kids I think! 

big smiles after church! Mommy turned the big 29 on this day... that just sounds ancient! (Forgive me if I offend any older readers. ;)) 

showing off her teeth 

Brent and Lori had us over for dinner on the 29th, and then to carve pumpkins. The dads carved the pumpkins while the mommies fed their pumpkins =) 

Micah 4.5 months. He smiles and laughs a lot; such a sweet baby! 

I'd prefer cooked pumpkin... 

good job, guys! 

My lil pumpkin

Carson and Seth "trick or treating" inside at Carson's house =) Our trick or treat night was postponed due to the weather, but we'll be in MI this weekend when it's rescheduled.  

Seth is quite enamored with his fireman outfit lately; wants to put it on first thing in the morning. haha 

We took our first family hike with Rayna (aside from the Hocking Hills hiking) on Oct 25th... It was an amazingly gorgeous day, and we went to the Sugarcreek Reserve, which is a really nice nature area w/ trails, etc.. in the town that Kyle teaches in. We had a picnic supper after the hike. Of course I forgot to take any pictures, even though I remembered last minute to take the camera out of the van. I wonder where my brain is s/t.  We are glad to hear our family out east wasn't affected too badly by the hurricane but sad to see all the devastation it brought to many others. I sure do take so many things for granted and become bogged down and frustrated with earthly "cares," and things like this are a good reminder of the brevity of life and material things. I pray that God will help me apply I Thess. 5:16-18: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

We're headed to MI this weekend to see "Nana and Grandpa." Seth is excited to play with "all their toys!" (I think he's excited to see them too ;))  For those of you traveling to NH this weekend and next week, have fun!!  Oh, and good news: Kyle is considered "full time" as of today! It came earlier than he was expecting. No more "substitute status" without insurance. Now we can afford to get hurt and/or sick! haha JK I better be careful what I joke about. Seriously, we are thankful that God allowed us to stay healthy during this time!