A whole new world

We introduced Teddy to the exer-saucer (or whatever its called).

It's a whole new world with a whole new view.

I think he kinda likes it :)

BitterSweet

Congratulations SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS for winning the WORLD SERIES!

The surf industry suffered a great loss yesterday. Andy Irons, pro Billabong surfer, 3 time world ASP champ, brother to Bruce Irons, husband, and soon-to-be father passed away of Dengue Fever.

He contracted the illness in Puerto Rico and was on his way home to Hawaii when he passed. It's crazy to think that we just saw him at a surf premier a few weeks ago and he left at such a young age (32) with a child on the way. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.

*on a side note, Derek contracted dengue fever on his mission....what a scary a serious illness!

Happy Halloween!

Church Halloween Party

Jack was SO into Halloween this year! The decorations, the fun treats, and of course dressing up! Everyday he wanted to be something different, but finally we came to the decision of BUZZ LIGHTYEAR! He wore his buzz wings everywhere the week of Halloween...and he was definitely the cool kid when he wore them :) The rest of us followed suit and went Toy Story themed. Derek went as Woody, I went as Jessie, and Teddy as Mr. Potatohead.

The ward party was a bit crazy....we have lots of little kids in our ward....but of course Jack had a blast!

Hanging out with some of his buddies

Abby, Issac, Jack, Jack, Ollie and Ike

Playing Games

Going Trick-or-Treating through the halls

he loved every minute of it!!!

Trick-OR-Treat?!?

Sunday was quite the memorable Halloween for a few reasons. It was a beautiful day outside, and after a long week of rain, we wanted to take advantage of the sunshine. So we went on a walk to look at the gorgeous houses in the Claremont area. On our way home, our car died. We were about 3 miles from home, and decided to walk part of the way and maybe catch a bus the rest of the way. Long story short, we ended up running home, grabbing the Jeep and Jack's buzz costume, then heading to the Jensen's. The Halloween party was a lot of fun....lots of ward friends, yummy Halloween food and fun!

With two of his buddies Landon and Isaac

Once it was dark enough, the trick or treating began. Jack was SO excited and felt so big. He had been practicing all week at home and now was the big day....ready, set, GO!

I have to admit I got a bit teary eyed. He was so cute walking from house to house with his buzz wings bouncing along; then climbing the stairs to each house (he'd carefully hold on to the railings- the steps were as big as he was);

then knock and ring the door-bell....he'd wait around for even the slowest responses to loudly but sweetly proclaim trick-or-treat! He'd take his time picking out his candy

then say thank-you as he turned around to do it all again.

He would even stop to notice all the decorations, and even fix the pumpkin tops that were a bit crooked :)

His feet finally got tired and his bucket full to the brim so we turned in. It was the perfect night! The weather was gorgeous, we walked around with good friends in such a great neighborhood, and just enjoyed the holiday as a family of four.

Festive Fall Fun

5th Annual Pumpkin Carving and Chili Chow

This year, because of apartment space and expanding families, we had a more quaint pumpkin carving party...but just as fun! The Pearce's came over to have some chili, play, and carve pumpkins. I always love an excuse to get creative with food and decorations!

Then one night Jack helped me make Halloween Cats for my young women. He's such a good little helper!....although he did sneak a few more m&ms than what we actually used :)

We decided to make one last pumpkin patch visit. This one is extremely local and a bit ghetto....but it did have a bouncy house and slide :) We ALL had fun playing around!

Mission Accomplished

Habitot

One rainy day, we decided to check out Habitot, an indoor play area for kids with some friends. Everyone else had the same idea, because it was a zoo. But, Jack had a blast doing all sorts of fun activities: 'car wash', painting, playing with clay and dress up.

A great place for a kid to be a kid.

Jackisms

So I was inspired by my friend to record more of Jack's funny sayings (and eventually Teddy's) on the blog instead of always in my journal...or atleast make sure it's recorded! Toddlers are just so funny with the things they come up with. He always has me laughing (but not at night these days!!) at the things he is saying and doing.

1. The other day Derek was moving the car in the parking lot and told Jack he could hop in the front seat. So Jack buckled up and turns to Derek and says, "But is the police man going to come and get me?" ...perhaps we use the police man threat a bit too much...

2. The last couple of days I've gone to get Jack in the morning or at naps, he is doing a headstand in his crib. We've got a little acrobat on our hands!

Lake Anza

Last week brought 90 degree weather, so we headed to Lake Anza to cool down. Jack had a blast playing in the sand and water, with his his friends and of course he made some new ones too. It was absolutely beautiful and was a good substitute for our beloved southern CA beaches...for now anyway...